With macOS Catalina, your Mac gets a range of new features. With this preparation you are completely ready for the update.
macOS Catalina preparation
Apple may release macOS Catalina (10.15) on October 4, a major update for Mac users with a ton of new features. For example, iTunes is divided into different apps, your Mac gets Screen Time for insight into your use and it becomes possible to use your iPad as a second screen with Sidecar.
Also check out our video with the six best innovations in Catalina:
1. Create backup
Before downloading and installing macOS Catalina, don’t forget to back up your system. This is possible via Time Machine. To do this, go to ‘System Preferences’ and then choose ‘Time Machine’. For this you do need an external hard drive that you connect to your Mac. Learn more about backing up a Mac.
2. Update to the latest version
Before Catalina appears, it is wise to already update to the very latest version of macOS. This prepares the update to Catalina and ultimately reduces the time it takes to install the new update. To do this, go to ‘System Preferences’ and select ‘Software Update’.
3. Clean up
Take this opportunity to clean up your Mac. That is not necessary to install Catalina, but then you start with a fresh start with this update. For example, check our tips for a tidy Mac desktop and removing apps that you no longer use.
4. Install macOS Catalina
To install macOS Catalina as soon as the update is available, go to ‘System Preferences’ and select ‘Software Update’. It will then search for the latest version of macOS and you can start the installation via the blue button. This will require your Mac to restart, so make sure all your work has been saved.
These devices get macOS Catalina
Not all Macs will get the update to macOS Catalina, but almost all Macs that have had the Mojave update will also get this upgrade. Below we list the devices.
- 12-inch MacBook (Early 2015 and newer)
- MacBook Air (2012 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2012 and newer)
- Mac mini (2012 and newer)
- iMac (2012 and newer)
- iMac Pro
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)
Read the latest posts about macOS Catalina
- Taking screenshots on your Mac (Book): this is how you do it (26-3)
- macOS Battery condition: this way your MacBook battery stays healthy for longer (24-1)
- Is your MacBook getting very hot since the last update? Then try these solutions (10/2/2020)
- macOS 10.15.7 Now Available: Fixes Wi-Fi bug and iMacs graphics issues (9/25/2020)
- Latest macOS Catalina update fixes Wi-Fi and iCloud Drive bugs (11-9-2020)