macOS 10.13.6: Everything You Need to Know
macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) was a significant release, refining the features introduced in Sierra and laying the groundwork for future macOS iterations. While it’s been superseded by newer versions, 10.13.6 represents the final, most stable, and feature-complete iteration of High Sierra. This article provides a comprehensive overview of macOS 10.13.6, covering its key features, improvements, security updates, compatibility, and considerations for users who might still be using or considering using this version.
Key Features and Improvements Introduced in High Sierra (and refined in 10.13.6):
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Apple File System (APFS): The biggest underlying change in High Sierra was the widespread adoption of APFS. This modern file system replaced the aging HFS+ on SSDs (Solid State Drives). APFS offers significant improvements in:
- Speed: APFS is optimized for flash storage, leading to faster boot times, application launching, and file operations (copying, duplicating).
- Efficiency: APFS uses features like space sharing and cloning to make better use of storage space. Cloning, in particular, allows for near-instantaneous copying of files within the same volume.
- Reliability: APFS incorporates features like snapshots and improved data integrity checks, making it more resilient to data corruption.
- Encryption: APFS includes built-in, strong encryption by default.
- Note: Fusion Drives and traditional HDDs were not automatically converted to APFS in 10.13. Apple added support for APFS on Fusion Drives later, but conversion was still optional and could potentially be risky without proper backups. This remains a key consideration for 10.13.6 users.
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HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) and HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format): High Sierra introduced support for these new media formats.
- HEVC (H.265): This video codec offers significantly better compression than H.264, allowing for smaller file sizes while maintaining the same video quality, or higher quality at the same file size. This is particularly beneficial for 4K and HDR video. Hardware acceleration for HEVC encoding and decoding was dependent on the Mac’s processor (generally 7th generation Intel Core processors and later).
- HEIF: Similar to HEVC, HEIF provides better compression for photos compared to JPEG. It also supports features like image sequences, depth maps, and transparency. Like HEVC, hardware acceleration was dependent on the processor.
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Metal 2: Apple’s graphics and compute API, Metal, received a major update in High Sierra. Metal 2 brought improved performance, support for external GPUs (eGPUs), and features geared towards machine learning and virtual reality (VR). This improved graphics performance across the system, particularly in demanding applications and games.
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Photos App Enhancements: The Photos app received several improvements:
- Improved Editing Tools: A revamped editing interface with more powerful tools, including curves and selective color adjustments.
- Expanded Third-Party Support: Deeper integration with third-party photo editing extensions, allowing for seamless editing within the Photos app using external applications.
- Memories Enhancements: Improved organization and curation of Memories, with new Memory types.
- Live Photos Editing: More options for editing Live Photos, including looping, bouncing, and long exposure effects.
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Safari Enhancements: Safari 11 (included in 10.13) introduced several key features:
- Intelligent Tracking Prevention: A significant privacy feature that limited cross-site tracking by advertisers, helping to protect user privacy.
- Auto-Play Blocking: Safari automatically blocked videos from auto-playing on many websites, reducing distractions and data usage.
- Reader Mode Improvements: Enhanced Reader Mode for a cleaner, more focused reading experience.
- Per-Site Settings: The ability to customize settings (like zoom level, auto-play, and content blockers) on a per-website basis.
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Mail Improvements:
- Top Hits: Improved search results in Mail, with a “Top Hits” section that prioritized the most relevant emails.
- Split View Support: Full-screen Split View support for composing emails.
- Storage Optimization: Mail used up to 35% less disk space, according to Apple.
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Notes Enhancements:
- Pin Notes: The ability to pin important notes to the top of the list.
- Tables: Support for creating and editing simple tables within notes.
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Siri Improvements:
- More Natural Voice: Siri received a more natural and expressive voice.
- Music Integration: Deeper integration with Apple Music, allowing Siri to learn your musical preferences and act as a personal DJ.
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Spotlight Suggestions: Expanded Spotlight suggestions, including flight status information and more.
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Other Improvements: Many smaller improvements were made across the system, including enhanced support for external displays, improved accessibility features, and refinements to the user interface.
Security Updates in 10.13.6:
macOS 10.13.6 included all the cumulative security updates released for High Sierra up to that point. These updates addressed numerous vulnerabilities, including:
- Kernel vulnerabilities: Patches for vulnerabilities that could potentially allow attackers to gain elevated privileges or execute arbitrary code.
- Webkit vulnerabilities: Fixes for vulnerabilities in the WebKit engine (used by Safari and other applications) that could be exploited through malicious websites.
- Wi-Fi vulnerabilities: Patches for vulnerabilities in the Wi-Fi stack, such as the KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) vulnerability.
- Other component vulnerabilities: Updates for various system components, libraries, and applications to address security flaws.
While 10.13.6 was the final security update provided as a standalone update, Apple did continue to release separate security updates for specific applications (like Safari) that were compatible with 10.13.6, even after the release of macOS Mojave (10.14). However, it’s crucial to understand that 10.13.6 is no longer receiving full system security updates. This means it is inherently less secure than newer macOS versions.
Compatibility:
macOS High Sierra (and 10.13.6) had the following general system requirements:
- Mac Models:
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- RAM: 2GB of memory (although 4GB or more was highly recommended for better performance).
- Storage: At least 14.3 GB of free space during upgrade from OS X Yosemite or earlier, less space if upgrading from a more recent version of macOS. APFS required an SSD for automatic conversion.
Application Compatibility: A key consideration for 10.13.6 is application compatibility. Many older 32-bit applications would still run on High Sierra, but Apple began warning users that future macOS versions would not support 32-bit applications. macOS Mojave (10.14) was the last version of macOS to run 32-bit apps. macOS Catalina (10.15) and later only support 64-bit applications. This means upgrading beyond 10.13.6 could render many older applications unusable.
Considerations for Current or Potential Users:
- Security Risks: This is the most significant concern. Running an unsupported operating system exposes your computer to security vulnerabilities that will not be patched. Malware and attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities.
- Application Compatibility (32-bit vs. 64-bit): If you rely on older 32-bit applications, 10.13.6 might be the last version of macOS you can use without finding 64-bit replacements or alternatives. If you must use these applications, you must prioritize other security measures (see below).
- Performance: While 10.13.6 is generally stable, newer macOS versions often include performance improvements and optimizations. On older hardware, 10.13.6 might still offer acceptable performance, but newer versions might run better on newer hardware.
- Features: Newer macOS versions include features and improvements not available in 10.13.6. If you want access to the latest features, you’ll need to upgrade.
- Hardware Support: Newer hardware (e.g., newer Macs) may not be fully supported or may not work at all with 10.13.6.
Mitigation Strategies if Staying on 10.13.6 is Necessary:
If you absolutely must continue using 10.13.6 due to application compatibility or other constraints, you must take extra steps to mitigate the security risks:
- Use a Supported Web Browser: Use a web browser that is still receiving security updates, even if the OS itself is not. Examples include recent versions of Firefox or Brave, which may still offer compatible builds for 10.13.6. Avoid using the built-in Safari, as it is no longer receiving the latest security patches.
- Install Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software: Use a reputable antivirus/anti-malware solution and keep it updated. While no security software is perfect, it provides an essential layer of defense.
- Be Extremely Cautious Online: Practice safe browsing habits. Avoid suspicious websites, don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or messages, and be wary of downloads from untrusted sources.
- Use a Firewall: Ensure your Mac’s built-in firewall is enabled.
- Keep Other Software Updated: Update all other applications to their latest versions, even if the OS itself is not updated. This includes productivity software, media players, etc.
- Consider a Virtual Machine: For running 32-bit applications, consider using a virtual machine (e.g., VMware Fusion, Parallels Desktop) running a newer version of macOS. This isolates the older, potentially vulnerable software. This is a complex solution, however.
- Backup Regularly: Maintain frequent backups of your data. This is crucial in case of a security breach or hardware failure. Use Time Machine and consider an offsite backup as well.
- Limit Network Exposure: If possible, isolate the computer running 10.13.6 from critical networks or sensitive data.
Conclusion:
macOS 10.13.6 was a solid and well-refined operating system in its time. It introduced significant advancements like APFS, HEVC/HEIF support, and Metal 2. However, it is crucially important to understand that it is no longer receiving security updates from Apple. While it might be necessary for some users to remain on 10.13.6 due to application compatibility, doing so carries significant security risks. If at all possible, upgrading to a supported version of macOS is strongly recommended. If upgrading is not an option, rigorous security precautions are absolutely essential.