macOS Catalina

Taking its name from the Santa Catalina island that lies off the coast of southern California, the latest version of macOS (version 10.15) introduces a host of enticing new features while shaking up a few of the old ones. Take iTunes for example. A macOS staple since 2001, this app is being retired and in its place are three new apps, each one specialising in a service previously accessible through the bloated iTunes interface. In the Music app you have full access to your iTunes library and, of course, the Apple Music streaming service; in Podcasts you can browse and listen to the cream of digital broadcasting; and in the TV app you can access entertainment from the small and big screen in 4K HDR.

Catalina also introduces Sidecar, which allows you to use your iPad as a second screen; Screen Time, to help you monitor how you are spending your time at your Mac; plus a new Photos interface, enhanced security features and much more. So read on for the full lowdown on exactly what you can expect from macOS Catalina when it is rolled out to a Mac near you this autumn.

Sidecar almost turns your iPad into a Mac

THE USES FOR THIS ONE FEATURE ARE ALMOST LIMITLESS BECAUSE BY MIRRORING THE SCREEN YOU CAN SHARE WHAT IS DISPLAYING ON YOUR MAC WITH OTHERS AND THEY WILL SEE THE MANIPULATIONS YOU MAKE IN REAL TIME.

WHY BUY A SECOND DISPLAY WHEN YOU ALREADY OWN ONE?

Sidecar is a very clever feature that leverages the iPad screen in a way that many have dreamed of ever since the iPad was launched. It doesn’t quite allow you to run macOS on your iPad, but it does let you use the iPad as a second display to show a specific app or to mirror what is already displaying on your Mac. When you consider the size of some of the newer iPad Pro models this will make for a decent size screen that will be practical in use as well as offering an extra function that would otherwise be unavailable. You will be able to position the iPad