Time to download (if not install) macOS 10.14.6 Mojave
Unlike iOS, Apple issues security patches for the current operating (Mojave) and two back (Sierra and High Sierra). The imminent release of macOS 10.15 Catalina carries two important implications:
- If your Mac is running macOS 10.12 Sierra (or earlier), you need to upgrade very soon to keep your Mac secure. Since all Macs that run Sierra can run High Sierra (10.13), you should at least do that upgrade. If your Mac supports Mojave, we'd recommend that.
- You should go to the Mac App Store and download Mojave right now. You don't have to install it right now if you prefer not to, but you must at least download it so that Apple ties Mojave as "purchased" (it's free) to your AppleID. If you don't do this before Catalina is released, Mojave will be unavailable to you. (And we're unlikely to recommend Catalina until sometime next year.)
Sentinel clients who have any questions or who would like our assistance in upgrading your Mac, should feel free to contact us (at support@macatoz.com or at 503-507-0410).
Apple event on the horizon
Apple will be holding a product event on September 10. We expect new iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and maybe new Macs as well. We should also get firm release dates for the new operating systems (iOS, macOS, WatchOS, tvOS, iPadOS) that Apple announced back in June.
Software Recommendations
macOS 10.14.6 Mojave. macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra and macOS 10.12.6 Sierra are acceptable. Earlier versions should be upgraded ASAP. You can see your Mac's operating system version by going to the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and choosing "About This Mac."
iOS 12.4.1. No other versions are acceptable. Any device that can run iOS 11 should be upgraded to 12.4.1. You can see your iPhone or iPad's operating system version by going to Settings > General > About > Version.
watchOS 5.3.1. Older versions acceptable if necessary; upgrade if your devices (iPhone and Apple Watch) support it. You can see your Apple Watch's operating system version by going to Settings > General > About > Version.
tvOS 12.4.1. Apple TV models that run tvOS should upgrade to this version. Note that earlier models of Apple TV do not run tvOS and are fine for what they do. You can see if there's a software update available for your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.
Hardware Recommendations
Macintosh
- iMac: iMac10,1 (Late 2009) or newer
- Mac mini: Macmini4,1 (Mid 2010) or newer
- Mac Pro: MacPro5,1 (Mid 2010) or newer
- MacBook: MacBook6,1 (Late 2009) or newer
- MacBook Air: MacBookAir3,1 (Late 2010) or newer
- MacBook Pro: MacBookPro7,1 (Mid 2010) or newer
- Note that 2016-2018 MacBook Pro models have a higher than usual keyboard failure rate. Used 2015 models, which use a different style keyboard, may be a more reliable option.
These are
minimum hardware recommendations based on what is necessary to run a secure operating system (macOS 10.12.6 Sierra or macOS 10.13.6 High Sierra).
The following are the macOS 10.14 Mojave system requirements. If your Mac does not meet these specifications, it will need to be replaced by fall of 2020, when High Sierra will no longer be secure.
macOS 10.14 Mojave system requirements
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid-2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)
macOS 10.15 Catalina is due this fall and has the same system requirements as Mojave.
iPhone and iPad
- iPhone 6S or newer. Older iPhones cannot run iOS 13 which will be released this fall. While iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 remain secure at the moment, if one of these is your phone you should begin budgeting now for a replacement. (New iPhones expected in September.)
- iPhone 7 models have a higher than normal failure rate over time. Given the choice, we would recommend iPhone 8 models as a strong alternative to iPhone 7 models.
- iPad Air 2 or newer will be needed for the new iPadOS coming this fall
- iPad mini 4 or newer will be needed for the new iPadOS coming this fall
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad 5th generation or newer
The iPad line is made confusing by the multitude of model names and types (Air, mini, Pro, and just plain iPad). Generally speaking, devices introduced in October 2014 and later will run iOS 13. Devices that will not run iOS 13 and should be replaced unless they will not be used on the internet.
Apple Watch
- Apple Watch Series 4 is highly recommended.
- All versions are secure and acceptable though Apple Watch Series 0 will not run the latest version of WatchOS and therefore lacks both the speed and features of later Apple Watches.
Apple TV
- Apple TV 4K is recommended. Apple TV (4th generation) is fine as well.
- Older models of Apple TV do not support tvOS and cannot run Apple TV Store apps, though we are unaware of any major security issues.
