Apple is rolling out its free new High Sierra operating system (OS) for Mac on Monday.
When High Sierra goes live, it will be available to download by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and then selecting About This Mac > Software Update... .
The new macOS High Sierra follows on from macOS Sierra and there are a number of updates to look out for.
"New technologies at the heart of the system make your Mac more reliable, capable and responsive — and lay the foundation for future innovations," Apple writes on its website. "macOS High Sierra also refines the features and apps you use every day. It’s macOS at its highest level yet."
The vast majority of improvements will be "under the hood" as opposed to on the screen itself. Apple puts it like this: "macOS High Sierra introduces new core technologies that improve the most important functions of your Mac. From re-architecting how it stores your data to improving the efficiency of video streaming to unleashing the full power of your graphics processor, it's all central to today’s Mac experience."
MacOS High Sierra includes a few key updates:
The Safari web browser will include a new service called "Autoplay Blocking," which stops media from autoplaying across the internet. There is also a new feature that stops ads from tracking you around the internet.
The Photos app will include improved organization and search. The updated app will recognize more faces, and will include more filtration and categorisation updates. Edits on Apple Photos will also seamlessly transition to other photo editing applications, like Photoshop.
The core file system of macOS is getting an overhaul to make it faster than ever before. It will be quicker and easier to back up files or move them around, which means fewer crashes all around.
The new operating system will also include support for high-end virtual reality. Apple previously showed off its ability to use the HTC Vive headset, though it doesn't support the Oculus Rift of Oculus SDK.
The new video technology in High Sierra called HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding, also known as H.265) means "videos stream better and take up less space on your Mac, while preserving the same visual quality."
The roll out of macOS High Sierra comes less than a week after Apple released its iOS 11 mobile operating system for iPhone and iPad.
The macOS High Sierra update should be available for download from 6pm (GMT) on Monday.