macOS Mojave

Basic Information

Apple macOS Mojave, version 10.14, is the fifteenth major release of Apple's desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It was officially announced on June 4, 2018, and released to the public on September 24, 2018. macOS Mojave requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM and 12.5GB of available disk space for upgrades from OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later, or 18.5GB for upgrades from OS X Yosemite and earlier. It supports specific Mac models from late 2012 or newer, with some 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models supported if equipped with a Metal-capable graphics card. macOS Mojave is the last version of macOS to fully support 32-bit applications.

The latest stable version of macOS Mojave is 10.14.6, with the last security update being 2021-005, released on July 21, 2021. Apple officially ended support for macOS Mojave in October 2021, with some institutional support ending on November 30, 2021. This implies the auto-update expiration date aligns with its end-of-support. The license type is proprietary, governed by the Apple Public Source License (APSL) and Apple End User License Agreement (EULA), incorporating open-source components. It is deployed as a free upgrade via the Mac App Store or pre-installed on compatible new Macs.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: 2GB minimum.
• Processor: Intel processors (x86-64 architecture). Compatible Macs include models with various Intel CPUs.
• Storage: 12.5GB of available disk space for upgrades from OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later, or 18.5GB for upgrades from OS X Yosemite and earlier. The installation converts the volume to Apple File System (APFS) if not already converted.
• Display: Requires a GPU that supports Metal.
• Ports: Standard ports available on compatible Mac models (e.g., USB, Thunderbolt).
• Operating System: Requires OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or later for upgrade.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

macOS Mojave's technical requirements are relatively modest for a modern operating system, particularly concerning RAM. The primary hardware constraint is the requirement for a Metal-capable GPU, which led to dropping support for several older Mac models that were compatible with previous macOS versions. This shift indicates Apple's move towards its proprietary graphics API for performance optimization. The storage requirement is manageable, and the automatic conversion to APFS ensures modern file system benefits. The compatibility list for Mac models is specific, generally including Macs from mid-2012 or later, with exceptions for certain Mac Pro models that can be upgraded with a Metal-capable graphics card.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: 10.14.6.
• OS Support: Compatible with Mac models from mid-2012 or later, including MacBook (Early 2015 or newer), MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer), MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer), Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer), iMac (Late 2012 or newer), iMac Pro (2017), and Mac Pro (Late 2013, or Mid 2010/2012 with Metal-capable graphics cards). It is the final macOS version to support 32-bit applications.
• End of Support Date: October 2021.
• Localization: Available in 47 languages.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are integrated within the operating system. macOS Mojave deprecates OpenGL and OpenCL in favor of Apple's Metal API for graphics.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

macOS Mojave is no longer officially supported by Apple, having reached its end-of-life in October 2021. This means it no longer receives security updates or functional enhancements, posing potential security risks for continued use. Its compatibility was notably narrower than its predecessor, macOS High Sierra, due to the Metal GPU requirement. A significant aspect of Mojave's compatibility is its status as the last macOS version to support 32-bit applications, making it a critical choice for users dependent on older software. While it offered broad language support, the lack of ongoing security patches makes it an outdated choice for most users.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Enhanced Gatekeeper: Enforces code signing and verifies downloaded applications, with expanded controls over app access to Location Services, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Photos, Mail, Messages, Safari browsing data, HTTP cookies, call history, iTunes device backups, Time Machine backups, webcam, and microphone.
  • System Integrity Protection (SIP): Updated to protect system processes and kill those attempting to execute unsigned code.
  • Automatic Strong Passwords: Safari generates and suggests strong, unique passwords, synced via iCloud Keychain.
  • Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) in Safari: Blocks third-party trackers, social media "Like" and "Share" buttons, and comment widgets from tracking users without permission. It also simplifies system data to prevent device fingerprinting.
  • Camera and Microphone Access Alerts: Notifies users when an app attempts to access the webcam or microphone.
  • T2 Security Chip: On supported Macs, it disables the microphone when the lid is closed and supports biometrics (Touch ID).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Initial release included fixes for App Store permissions, entitlement validation, and sandboxed process issues. However, as an unsupported OS, new vulnerabilities are no longer patched.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: Not explicitly detailed in public information, but Apple products generally adhere to relevant industry security standards.
• Encryption Support: Standard macOS features like FileVault for full-disk encryption are supported. Safari and iCloud Keychain provide encryption for stored passwords.
• Authentication Methods: User password, Apple ID, and Touch ID (on compatible hardware).
• General Recommendations: While Mojave introduced significant security enhancements, its end-of-life status means it no longer receives security updates. Continued use is not recommended for environments requiring current security patches.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

At its release, macOS Mojave offered a strong security posture with notable privacy enhancements, expanding user control over data access and improving web tracking prevention. The integration of the T2 chip on newer hardware further bolstered physical security. However, its current security rating is poor due to its end-of-life status. Since October 2021, Apple has ceased providing security updates for Mojave. This leaves systems running macOS Mojave vulnerable to newly discovered exploits and malware, making it an insecure choice for any environment handling sensitive data or requiring robust protection.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Benchmarks generally show small performance increases over macOS High Sierra. For instance, Geekbench 4.3 CPU (Single-Core and Multi-Core) and OpenCL scores, Cinebench CPU and OpenGL, and GFXBench Metal Aztec Ruins showed minor improvements. SSD performance remained largely similar to High Sierra.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Mojave demonstrated significant performance gains in specific tasks, such as Final Cut Pro X stabilization (up to 60% faster) and Total War: Warhammer (nearly 6% faster), attributed to optimizations with Apple's Metal API. Users reported a perceived speed boost, potentially due to better RAM management. Overall, real-world performance is comparable to High Sierra, with some tasks slightly faster and others slightly slower.
• Power Consumption: The shift to the Metal API aims to improve graphics performance with fewer CPU cycles and lower power consumption compared to the deprecated OpenGL.
• Carbon Footprint: Not specifically detailed in publicly available benchmarks or specifications.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: When compared to Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Clear Linux on the same hardware, macOS Mojave (and High Sierra) showed slower performance in Python, PHP, and Git operations.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

macOS Mojave delivered a performance profile largely similar to its predecessor, High Sierra, with incremental improvements in general tasks. The most notable performance gains were observed in graphics-intensive applications and professional video editing, directly benefiting from Apple's push towards its Metal API. This optimization strategy aimed for efficiency, potentially reducing power consumption for graphics workloads. While it did not offer a universal dramatic speed increase, the targeted improvements for "pro" applications were significant. However, for certain developer-centric tasks, Linux distributions demonstrated superior performance.

User Reviews & Feedback

Strengths

• Dark Mode: Widely praised for its aesthetic appeal, sophistication, and enveloping nature, providing a fresh and futuristic look that is easier on the eyes.
• Productivity Features: Users appreciated improved file handling with Desktop Stacks (automatically organizing files), Gallery View in Finder, Quick Actions for streamlined editing, and a more efficient screenshot tool.
• Enhanced Security and Privacy: Positive feedback on expanded Gatekeeper controls, Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari, and alerts for camera/microphone access.
• iOS Integration: The introduction of iOS apps (News, Voice Memos, Home) and features like Continuity Camera were well-received for bridging the Mac and iOS ecosystems.
• Redesigned Mac App Store: The overhaul of the App Store with rich editorial content and a focus on curation was seen as a significant improvement.
• Dynamic Desktop: The feature that changes the desktop background throughout the day was a popular aesthetic addition.

Weaknesses

• Dark Mode Adoption: A common complaint was that Dark Mode did not automatically apply to all third-party applications, requiring developers to implement support, leading to an inconsistent experience.
• Limited Back-End Updates: Some users felt that while the front-end changes were significant, there weren't as many profound back-end performance or architectural updates.
• 32-bit App Deprecation: As the last version to support 32-bit apps, it created compatibility issues for users reliant on older software, forcing them to choose between upgrading the OS or their applications.
• Screenshot Editing: Some found the new screenshot editing options to be clunky.
• New iOS Apps: While integration was a strength, the initial set of iOS apps brought to macOS was sometimes perceived as underwhelming.

Recommended Use Cases

macOS Mojave is recommended for users who prioritize a visually refreshed interface with Dark Mode, enhanced privacy controls, and improved productivity features like Desktop Stacks. It is also suitable for those who benefit from tighter integration with the iOS ecosystem through features like Continuity Camera and ported iOS apps. For users with compatible hardware who still rely on legacy 32-bit applications, Mojave serves as the final viable operating system before transitioning to newer, 64-bit only macOS versions.

Summary

macOS Mojave (version 10.14) represented a significant evolutionary step for Apple's desktop operating system, focusing on user experience, privacy, and productivity. Released on September 24, 2018, it introduced several highly anticipated features, most notably a system-wide Dark Mode that was widely praised for its aesthetic and ergonomic benefits. Productivity was enhanced through features like Desktop Stacks for automatic file organization, a redesigned Finder with Gallery View and Quick Actions, and improved screenshot tools. Mojave also deepened the integration between macOS and iOS, bringing select iOS apps to the Mac and introducing Continuity Camera.

From a technical standpoint, Mojave required a Metal-capable GPU, leading to a more restrictive compatibility list than its predecessors. While general performance improvements over High Sierra were often incremental, specific tasks, particularly those leveraging the Metal API like video editing and gaming, saw notable gains. Security and privacy received substantial upgrades, including expanded Gatekeeper controls, enhanced Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari, and explicit user permissions for camera, microphone, and sensitive data access.

However, Mojave's primary weakness in its current state is its end-of-life status. Apple ceased official support and security updates in October 2021, making it an increasingly insecure operating system for daily use. Another significant point was its role as the last macOS version to support 32-bit applications, which, while a strength for users of legacy software, marked a clear transition point for the macOS ecosystem.

In assessment, macOS Mojave was a well-received update that brought valuable user-facing features and critical privacy enhancements. Its strengths lie in its refined user interface, productivity tools, and robust security features at the time of its release. Its weaknesses are now predominantly its lack of ongoing security support and the eventual incompatibility with modern 64-bit only applications. For users still running Mojave, an upgrade to a currently supported macOS version is strongly recommended to maintain security and access to the latest software. For those dependent on 32-bit applications, careful planning for software migration or virtualization is advised.

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.