macOS Sierra release date, updates: Apple's desktop OS launches on Sept. 20

The macOS Sierra is Apple's latest desktop operating system that was unveiled at WWDC 2016 event last June, with no firm date for its release. The tech giant also ditched the OS X naming convention and switch back to Mac OS or rather macOS name format. Now, the company has officially announced its release date, Sept. 20.

Apple puts up the date of release on the dedicated homepage of its upcoming operating system. It is a free update, and it will be available on the Mac App Store when the given date has arrived. However, not all Macs will be able to accommodate the new OS. The compatible models are the MacBook (late 2009 or newer), the MacBook Pro (mid-2010 or newer), the MacBook Air (late 2010 or newer), the Mac mini (mid-2010 or newer), the iMac (late 2009 or newer), and the Mac Pro (mid-2010 or newer).

macOS Sierra Auto Unlock feature with Apple WatchApple

Incidentally, the machine that is planned to be upgraded to the upcoming operating system should at least have an OS X 10.7.5 or later installed, 2 GB of memory, and 8.8 GB of available storage.

In terms of features, the macOS will bring in the many things to Apple's desktop machines.

One of the new features that the new version of the OS will bring to the table is Siri Integration. For the first time, Siri will be available to the Mac. The intelligent personal assistant will be ready to assist Apple's desktop and laptop users with their daily task, like sending a message to someone, search files and images, play some music, ask the local time in another country or the weather in another state. These can be performed by simply asking Siri.

The macOS Sierra also optimizes the use of the iCloud Drive. Documents and other files are now easier to access by other Macs or iOS devices. Saved files are automatically updated with the online storage app, which will make it available anytime and anywhere.

The Universal Clipboard feature will also be integrated with the macOS Sierra. The copy-and-paste function has never been easier with this new application included with the new version of the operating system. Images, videos, and text can be dragged and dropped from one device to another.

Another one of these new features will allow Mac to unlock their machines with their Apple Watch using Auto Unlock. This new macOS Sierra feature will eliminate the need to type in the password on their laptops every time they have to return back to them.

Other features that will also arrive with the update are Apple Pay, Picture-in-Picture Mode, Memories, Messages, improved iTunes, and Tabs among others.

The macOS Sierra is scheduled to roll out on Sept. 20.