Welcome to macOS

Your Mac includes macOS, the world’s most advanced desktop operating system. macOS includes features and apps you’ll use each day, and it enables your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple Watch to work together.

A Mac computer showing apps open on the desktop.
An app’s Handoff icon from Apple Watch at the left side of the Dock.

Work seamlessly across all your devices

Your Mac works with your other devices so you don’t have to interrupt the flow of your day. For example, Handoff lets you start a report on your iMac, continue it on your iPad, then finish it back at your desk. To check if your Mac allows Handoff, click the System Preferences icon in the Dock, then click General. Learn more about Handoff.

Several app windows open on the desktop.

Do more with the apps on your Mac

Your Mac comes with fun apps for doing everyday things—Safari for browsing the web, Messages for texting, Photos for sharing photos, and more. To open an app, click its icon in the Dock. To see all the apps on your Mac, click the Launchpad icon in the Dock. Learn more about Mac apps.

The Spotlight window showing flight status results.

Search your Mac and beyond

Forget where you saved a document? Want to check movie listings? Use Spotlight to search for apps, photos, and other files on your Mac and get flight status, news, sports, weather, and more from the web. Spotlight can even do conversions and calculations. To search, click the Spotlight icon in the menu bar and start typing. Learn more about Spotlight.

The Messages app on a Mac and on iPhone both showing the same conversation.

See your content on every device

When you keep your information and files in iCloud, you can always access the latest version on any device. To set up iCloud, click the System Preferences icon in the Dock, click iCloud, then sign in with your Apple ID. Learn more about iCloud.

An example of a desktop with the Dock positioned on the left edge of the screen and a custom desktop picture.

Make your Mac unique

You’re different—your Mac can be, too. Use your favorite photo as the desktop picture, move the Dock to the side, or change the voice Siri uses. To explore all the ways to customize your Mac, click the System Preferences icon in the Dock. Learn more about System Preferences.

For a quick tour of macOS High Sierra, check out What’s New in macOS. If you’re new to Mac, jump in with Mac Basics.

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