macOS High Sierra

Basic Information

• Model: macOS High Sierra
• Version: 10.13
• Release Date: September 25, 2017
• Minimum Requirements:
  • OS X 10.8 or later (for upgrade)
  • 2GB of memory
  • 14.3GB of available storage to perform upgrade
• Supported Operative Systems: Runs on compatible Apple Macintosh hardware.
• Latest Stable Version: 10.13.6 Security Update 2020-006 (17G14042)
• End of Support Date: November 12, 2020
• End of Life: November 12, 2020
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Approximately November 2020, tied to the end of security updates.
• License Type: APSL and Apple EULA; Proprietary
• Deployment Model: Free upgrade via Mac App Store; Pre-installed on new Macs at the time of release

Technical Requirements

• RAM: 2GB minimum; 8GB recommended for optimal performance
• Processor: 64-bit Intel processor
• Storage: 14.3GB available for upgrade; 8GB of available disk space to run
• Display: Standard Mac display. HEVC hardware acceleration benefits from Macs with 6th-generation Intel processors or newer, or AMD Radeon 400 series graphics.
• Ports: Not a direct OS requirement, but Thunderbolt 3 ports enable external GPU support and enhanced 4K HEVC playback.
• Operating System: Compatible with various Mac models including 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), and iMac Pro (2017).

Analysis of Technical Requirements: macOS High Sierra maintained compatibility with a broad range of Mac hardware that supported its predecessor, macOS Sierra. This allowed many users with older machines to upgrade. However, to fully leverage new features like HEVC hardware acceleration and Metal 2, newer processors and graphics capabilities are beneficial. The transition to the Apple File System (APFS) also optimizes performance for Macs with all-flash storage. While 2GB RAM is a stated minimum, 8GB is generally recommended for a smoother user experience, especially with modern applications.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: 10.13.6
• OS Support:
  • MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2017)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 to 2017)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
  • iMac (Late 2009 to Mid 2017)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2013)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
• End of Support Date: November 12, 2020
• Localization: Supports a wide range of languages, typical for macOS.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are integrated within the macOS. iTunes can provide driver updates for syncing newer devices.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: macOS High Sierra offered broad compatibility with Macs released from late 2009 to 2017, ensuring a significant user base could upgrade. However, official support from Apple concluded in November 2020. This means High Sierra no longer receives security updates, bug fixes, or direct technical assistance, rendering it obsolete and potentially vulnerable to modern threats. Users on High Sierra are encouraged to upgrade to a newer macOS version if their hardware supports it, or consider community-driven solutions like Open Core Legacy Patcher for unsupported hardware to access more recent OS versions.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Apple File System (APFS) with built-in encryption
  • System Integrity Protection (SIP)
  • Gatekeeper to prevent unauthorized application installation
  • Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari to block cross-site tracking
  • EFI (firmware) password support
  • FileVault 2 for full-volume encryption
  • Two-factor authentication for Apple ID, enabling features like Messages in iCloud
• Known Vulnerabilities:
  • A critical root user access vulnerability was discovered and quickly patched in version 10.13.1.
  • Initial releases experienced a WindowServer memory leak.
  • DisplayLink issues affecting external monitors were reported and later addressed.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable in the traditional sense for an operating system.
• Certifications: macOS, including High Sierra's lineage, is Unix certified.
• Encryption Support: Comprehensive encryption through APFS and FileVault 2.
• Authentication Methods: Standard macOS user authentication, Apple ID with optional two-factor authentication.
• General Recommendations: For continued security, users should employ updated web browsers, ad blockers, and antivirus solutions. Avoiding untrusted software and exercising caution with downloads is crucial. For users on unsupported hardware, community tools like Open Core Legacy Patcher can enable installation of newer, more secure macOS versions.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: macOS High Sierra introduced significant security advancements, most notably the adoption of APFS with native encryption and enhanced privacy controls in Safari. While it experienced a critical root vulnerability shortly after launch, Apple promptly issued a patch. However, as of November 2020, High Sierra is no longer officially supported and does not receive security updates. This lack of ongoing support means it is increasingly susceptible to new threats and vulnerabilities, significantly lowering its overall security rating for current use.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Not explicitly detailed with specific numerical benchmarks in public information, but general performance improvements were a core focus.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Focused on performance improvements and technical updates over new features.
  • Safari demonstrated faster performance and better power efficiency.
  • Metal 2 provided improved graphics speed, enhanced GPU compute capabilities, and support for VR content creation.
  • Apple File System (APFS) was designed to speed up common tasks like file duplication and folder size calculation, particularly on SSDs.
  • Mail storage was optimized, reducing its footprint by 35 percent.
• Power Consumption: Safari offered better power efficiency, and general under-the-hood improvements aimed to enhance battery life.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to the operating system itself; primarily influenced by the hardware it runs on.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: High Sierra was positioned as a refinement of macOS Sierra, emphasizing stability, performance, and technical updates rather than introducing a multitude of new user-facing features. The shift to APFS and Metal 2 were significant underlying changes that differentiated it from previous versions.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: macOS High Sierra was largely an optimization release, focusing on enhancing the underlying technologies of the Mac. The introduction of APFS brought noticeable speed improvements for file operations on SSD-equipped Macs, while Metal 2 significantly boosted graphics performance and laid the groundwork for VR. These changes contributed to a more responsive and efficient system, making it a solid performer for its time, especially for tasks leveraging these new core technologies.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Strengths:
  • Significant performance improvements, particularly due to the Apple File System (APFS) and Metal 2.
  • Enhanced privacy features in Safari, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention.
  • Improved Photos app with new editing tools, better organization, and facial recognition.
  • Efficient handling of 4K video with High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) support.
  • Convenient iCloud enhancements, such as Messages synchronization, file sharing, and family plans.
  • Persistent website customization options in Safari improved browsing experience.
• Weaknesses:
  • An initial critical root access vulnerability caused concern, though it was quickly patched.
  • Early versions suffered from a WindowServer memory leak and DisplayLink compatibility issues.
  • Some users perceived a lack of major new user-facing features, as many improvements were "under the hood".
  • Older Mac models might not have fully utilized all new features, such as HEVC hardware acceleration or VR support.
• Recommended Use Cases: High Sierra was well-suited for creative professionals benefiting from H.265 support and VR content creation capabilities. Mobile users appreciated the space-saving benefits of HEVC. General users experienced improved performance and enhanced privacy features.

Summary of User Reviews & Feedback: User feedback for macOS High Sierra generally reflected it as a stable and performant update, lauded for its foundational improvements rather than flashy new functionalities. The transition to APFS and the introduction of Metal 2 were frequently cited as key strengths, contributing to a snappier and more capable system. While initial security concerns and minor bugs were noted, Apple's rapid response to critical issues was appreciated. The overall sentiment was that High Sierra delivered on its promise of refinement and technical advancement, making it a solid, if not revolutionary, macOS release.

Summary

Apple macOS High Sierra (version 10.13), released on September 25, 2017, served as a significant evolutionary step for Apple's desktop operating system, focusing primarily on performance enhancements and underlying technological advancements rather than a plethora of new user-facing features. Key strengths included the adoption of the Apple File System (APFS), which brought considerable speed improvements to file operations on SSDs, and the introduction of Metal 2, significantly boosting graphics performance and enabling new capabilities like VR content creation. Safari also received notable upgrades, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention for enhanced privacy and improved power efficiency. The Photos app saw a substantial overhaul with new editing tools and organizational features, and HEVC support allowed for more efficient handling of 4K video.

However, High Sierra was not without its initial challenges. A critical root access vulnerability was discovered shortly after its release, though Apple promptly issued a patch. Other early issues included a WindowServer memory leak and DisplayLink compatibility problems, which were subsequently addressed.

The operating system maintained broad compatibility with Mac models dating back to late 2009, extending the lifespan of many older machines. However, official support for macOS High Sierra concluded on November 12, 2020. This means the OS no longer receives security updates, bug fixes, or direct technical support from Apple, making it increasingly vulnerable to modern security threats.

Recommendations: For users still running macOS High Sierra, an upgrade to a newer, supported macOS version is strongly recommended for security and compatibility reasons. If hardware limitations prevent an official upgrade, community-driven solutions like Open Core Legacy Patcher can be explored, though these come with their own considerations. For those unable to upgrade, it is crucial to employ robust third-party security measures, use up-to-date web browsers, and exercise extreme caution with software installations and online activities.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.