macOS Catalina Overview
macOS Catalina (version 10.15) is an Apple desktop operating system that introduced Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts as separate apps, along with features such as Sidecar, Find My, Screen Time, and stronger security controls. Catalina 10.15.7 was released on September 24, 2020 and included important security updates and bug fixes. Apple lists Catalina in its official Mac App Store and documents the 10.15.7 update separately.
macOS Catalina Screenshots
Explore a few Catalina-era Mac features, including Apple media apps, iPad integration and the redesigned Mac app experience.
Catalina macOS Features
Apple Music, TV & Podcasts
Catalina separates media into dedicated Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts apps for a cleaner media experience.
Sidecar
Use a compatible iPad as a second display or drawing surface with your Mac.
Find My
Find My combines device and people location features and can help locate a missing Mac.
Screen Time
Monitor app and website usage and manage time with built-in Screen Time controls.
Catalina macOS System Requirements
Catalina supports a range of Intel-based Macs, including many MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, iMac Pro, and Mac Pro models released in supported years. Before installing, check your exact Mac model and make a complete backup.
Important: The Catalina App Store listing specifies a Mac running macOS 10.9 or later with an Intel 64-bit processor. Apple also recommends confirming compatibility before installing older macOS versions.
How To Install Catalina macOS
- Back up important files before making any operating-system changes.
- Confirm that your Mac model is compatible with Catalina.
- Use Apple's official Catalina installer source when possible.
- If you are creating installation media, prepare a suitable USB drive and follow Apple's documented installer process.
- Start the installer, review the destination disk, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- After installation, complete setup and check Software Update for applicable updates.
For safety and authenticity, verify installers and downloads before using them, and prefer Apple's official distribution when available.
Catalina macOS Pros and Cons
Pros
- Modernized Apple media apps
- Sidecar and improved iPad integration
- Useful privacy and security improvements
- Screen Time and Find My built in
Cons
- Requires compatible Intel Mac hardware
- 32-bit applications are not supported
- Older Macs may have limited feature support
- Catalina is an older macOS release