New macOS Mojave supports iOS apps, redesigns the desktop and Finder

This year Apple's computer OS is leaving the mountains - meet macOS Mojave. It will streamline the way you interact with files, but it also deepens the integration with Apple's other platform, iOS.

Apple reworked some apps on the iOS - News, Stocks, Voice Memos and Home. Those same apps are now available on macOS too. But here's an unexpected surprise - Apple didn't rewrite the iOS News app for the Mac, it's actually the same app!

iOS apps running on macOS!

UIKit, the user interface foundation for iOS apps, has been ported over to macOS Mojave. As an early test, Apple moved some of its own apps to the mac. But starting in 2019, all devs will have the option to port their apps.

And since you may be wondering, no Apple will not drop macOS in favor of iOS on its Macs. The macOS will live on and it will continue to gain cool new features, some of which are inspired by iOS.

The desktop reimagines folders into stacks. Files are sorted automatically based on kind, date and tags. When a new file is created on the desktop, it is automatically sent to the right stack. Unlike folders, stacks can behave like files - you can through the file that's "on top" of the stack and drag it into an app.

Stacks are reimagined folders

Finder lets you focus more on individual files with the new Gallery view. The sidebar will offer at a glance info (e.g. a photo's EXIF) and do simple actions. You can even run custom actions you've created with Automater. The sidebar is available in the other Finder views too.

Finder's Gallery view • Sidebar info • Note the buttons • Batch and custom actions are supported

Quick look is an easy way to make simple edits to files. For example, you can add your signature to a PDF. Or you can crop photos or trim videos with just a couple of clicks.

Quick look offers simple access to certain functions

Continuity syncs apps between your devices, but with Mojave it goes real time. For example, while editing a presentation you can right click and select the option that launches the camera on your iPhone. Click save and the photo instantly appears on your Mac. You can do the same for document scanning.

Continuity lets you snap a photo with your iPhone and it transfers it instantly

Other times, a screenshot will do just fine. You can even record video of your screen too.

Apple added night mode to the system, which affects Apple apps too. Even the wallpaper changes from day to night - dynamic wallpapers have images for the morning, the day and the evening.

Night mode on macOS Mojave

The new macOS features a new app store, which sorts apps into tabs. The tabs now show video previews of apps and put user reviews front and center. Even after installing an app, the store can be helpful by showing tips and tricks.

The new Mac app store

Safari has gained new privacy-focused features. The OS as a whole is more secure as it protects sensitive date (e.g. your email database).

The macOS Mojave update will roll out to users this fall. Developers get it today so they can start on working to integrate these new experiences.