Apple Announces macOS 10.14 Mojave With Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, Stacks, More
While macOS already features an optional dark mode it now only applies to the dock and menu bar rather than program interfaces, but Mojave will enable users to darken every part of the OS, including System Preferences, Messages, Mail, Photos, Apple Music and Xcode. In addition to API-level protections already in place for photos, contacts and other personal data, Mojave introduces protections for the microphone, camera, mail databases, user backups and message history as well. With WWDC being a developer-centric conference, Cook focused on the App Store and that it turns 10 years old next month.
If you're not a fan of the new aesthetic, you'll be able toggle between a light and dark mode.
Developer betas are available now, and the full version of macOS Mojave will be available to users in the Fall.
And finally, in terms of apps, Apple is bringing Voice Memos to Mac in Mojave. The view allows users to see large previews of files in the finder window, which also has a right-hand side panel reserved for metadata and Quick Actions.
The Mac App Store is getting a complete overhaul, complete with a Discovery tab, video previews, new product pages, and a dedicated "Rating and Reviews"-type hub, where you can read reviews, write your own reviews, and see responses from developers".
ARKit will also be expanded to allow users and developers to better integrate three-dimensional graphic overlays in real-world settings. The For You tab also gets an update with a featured photos effects suggestions.
Especially considering the total number of Mac users is a fraction of the number of iPhone and iPad users, companies aren't likely to spend a lot of time dialing in their iPhone apps for a smaller audience.
Perhaps one of the updates, that will be most welcome, is an all-new Dark Mode which instantly transforms the menus and applications with a darkened colour scheme making it easier to view content and files on the screen.
AR Kit 2 involves new features like distance recognition and multiplayer gaming, which Lego is integrating into whatever AR apps it has up its sleeves.
Markup has been added to Quick Look too, so now when you highlight a file and press the space bar, you have the option to access to Apple's editing tools. In the same vein, Apple is bringing more of its iOS apps to the mac. The final version - the public version that is no longer in beta - will be available this autumn as a free update via the Mac App Store. A popup will appear asking - "Do you want to be tracked?" While some users will prefer to leave things as they are, many people (pros, especially) will welcome the ability to make their desktop easier on the eyes during those late night sessions.