{"id":77115,"date":"2017-09-14T12:38:22","date_gmt":"2017-09-14T19:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.backblaze.com\/blog\/?p=77115"},"modified":"2025-12-12T13:15:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T21:15:53","slug":"macos-high-sierra-upgrade-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backblaze.com\/blog\/macos-high-sierra-upgrade-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Backblaze\u2019s Upgrade Guide for macOS High Sierra"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"High<\/p>\n

Apple introduced macOS 10.13 High Sierra<\/a> at its 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference in June. On Tuesday, we learned we don\u2019t have long to wait\u2014the new OS will be available on September 25. It\u2019s a free upgrade, and millions of Mac users around the world will rush to install it.<\/p>\n

We understand. A new OS from Apple is exciting, But please, before you upgrade, we want to remind you to back up your Mac. You want your data to be safe from unexpected problems that could happen in the upgrade. We do, too. To make that easier, Backblaze offers this macOS High Sierra upgrade guide.<\/p>\n

Why Upgrade to macOS 10.13 High Sierra?<\/h2>\n

High Sierra, as the name suggests, is a follow-on to the previous macOS, Sierra. Its major focus is on improving the base OS with significant improvements that will support new capabilities in the future in the file system, video, graphics, and virtual\/augmented reality.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t despair; there also are outward improvements that will be readily apparent to everyone when they boot the OS for the first time. We\u2019ll cover both the inner and outer improvements coming in this new OS.<\/p>\n

Under the Hood of High Sierra<\/h2>\n

Apple File System (APFS)<\/h3>\n

Apple has been rolling out its first file system upgrade for a while now. It\u2019s already in iOS: now High Sierra brings APFS to the Mac. Apple touts APFS as a new file system optimized for Flash\/SSD<\/a> storage and featuring strong encryption, better and faster file handling, safer copying and moving of files, and other improved file system fundamentals.<\/p>\n

We went into detail about the enhancements and improvements that APFS has over the previous file system, HFS+, in an earlier post<\/a>. Many of these improvements, including enhanced performance, security, and reliability of data will provide immediate benefits to users, while others provide a foundation for future storage innovations and will require work by Apple and third parties to support in their products and services.<\/p>\n

Most of us won\u2019t notice these improvements, but we\u2019ll benefit from better, faster, and safer file handling, which I think all of us can appreciate.<\/p>\n

Video<\/h3>\n

High Sierra includes High Efficiency Video Encoding (HEVC, AKA H.265), which preserves better detail and color while also introducing improved compression over H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC). Even existing Macs will benefit from the HEVC software encoding in High Sierra, but newer Mac models include HEVC hardware acceleration for even better performance.<\/p>\n

\"MacBook<\/a><\/p>\n

Metal 2<\/h3>\n

macOS High Sierra introduces Metal 2, the next-generation of Apple’s Metal graphics API that was launched three years ago. Apple claims that Metal 2 provides up to 10 times better performance in key areas. It provides near-direct access to the graphics processor (GPU), enabling the GPU to take control over key aspects of the rendering pipeline. Metal 2 will enhance the Mac’s capability for machine learning, and is the technology driving the new virtual reality platform on Macs.<\/p>\n

\"audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Virtual Reality<\/h3>\n

We\u2019re about to see an explosion of virtual reality experiences on both the Mac and iOS thanks to High Sierra and iOS 11. Content creators will be able to use apps like Final Cut Pro X, Epic Unreal 4 Editor, and Unity Editor to create fully immersive worlds that will revolutionize entertainment and education and have many professional uses, as well.<\/p>\n

Users will want the new iMac with Retina 5K display or the upcoming iMac Pro to enjoy them, or any supported Mac paired with the latest external GPU and VR headset.<\/p>\n

\"iMac<\/a><\/p>\n

Outward Improvements<\/h2>\n

Siri<\/h3>\n

\"Siri<\/a><\/p>\n

Expect a more natural voice from Siri in High Sierra. It will be less robotic, with greater expression and use of intonation in speech. Siri will also learn more about your preferences in things like music, helping you choose music that fits your taste and putting together playlists expressly for you. Expect Siri to be able to answer your questions about music-related trivia, as well.<\/p>\n

Siri:<\/span>\u00a0What does \u201cscaramouche\u201d refer to in the song “Bohemian Rhapsody?”<\/p>\n

Photos<\/h3>\n

\"HD<\/a><\/p>\n

Photos has been redesigned with a new layout and new tools. A redesigned edit view includes new tools for fine-tuning color and contrast and making adjustments within a defined color range. Some fun elements for creating special effects and memories also have been added. Photos now works with external apps such as Photoshop and Pixelmator. Compatibility with third-party extensions adds printing and publishing services to help get your photos out into the world.<\/p>\n

Safari<\/h3>\n

\"Safari<\/a><\/p>\n

Apple claims that Safari in High Sierra is the world\u2019s fastest desktop browser, outperforming Chrome and other browsers in a range of benchmark tests. They\u2019ve also added autoplay blocking for those pesky videos that play without your permission and tracking blocking to help protect your privacy.<\/p>\n

Can My Mac Run macOS High Sierra 10.13?<\/h2>\n

All Macs introduced in mid 2010 or later are compatible. MacBook and iMac computers introduced in late 2009 are also compatible. You\u2019ll need OS X 10.7.5 Lion or later installed, along with at least 2GB RAM and 8.8GB of available storage to manage the upgrade.
\nSome features of High Sierra require an internet connection or an Apple ID. You can check to see if your Mac is compatible with High Sierra on Apple\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Conquering High Sierra: What Do I Do Before I Upgrade?<\/h2>\n

Back Up That Mac!<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s always smart to back up before you upgrade the operating system or make any other crucial changes to your computer. Upgrading your OS is a major change to your computer, and if anything goes wrong\u2026well, you don\u2019t want that to happen.<\/p>\n

\"iMac<\/a><\/p>\n

We recommend the 3-2-1 backup strategy<\/a> to make sure your data is safe. What does that mean? Have three copies of your data. There\u2019s the \u201clive\u201d version on your Mac, a local backup (Time Machine, another copy on a local drive or other computer), and an off-site backup like Backblaze. No matter what happens to your computer, you\u2019ll have a way to restore the files if anything goes wrong. Need help understanding how to back up your Mac? We have you covered with a handy Mac backup guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Check for App and Driver Updates<\/h3>\n

This is when it helps to do your homework. Check with app developers or device manufacturers to find if their apps and devices have updates to work with High Sierra. Visit their websites or use the Check for Updates feature built into most apps (often found in the File or Help menus).<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve downloaded apps through the Mac App Store, make sure to open them and click on the Updates button to download the latest updates.<\/p>\n

Updating can be hit or miss when you\u2019ve installed apps that didn\u2019t come from the Mac App Store. To make it easier, visit the MacUpdate website<\/a>. MacUpdate tracks changes to thousands of Mac apps.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Will Backblaze work with macOS High Sierra?<\/p>\n

Yes. We\u2019ve taken care to ensure that Backblaze works with High Sierra. We\u2019ve already enhanced our Macintosh client to report the space available on an APFS container and we plan to add additional support for APFS capabilities that enhance Backblaze\u2019s capabilities in the future.<\/p>\n

Of course, we\u2019ll watch Apple\u2019s release carefully for any last minute surprises. We\u2019ll officially offer support for High Sierra once we\u2019ve had a chance to thoroughly test the release version.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Set Aside Time for the Upgrade<\/h2>\n

Depending on the speed of your internet connection and your computer, upgrading to High Sierra will take some time. You\u2019ll be able to use your Mac straightaway after answering a few questions at the end of the upgrade process.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to install High Sierra on multiple Macs, a time and bandwidth saving tip came from a Backblaze customer who suggested copying the installer from your Mac\u2019s Applications folder to a USB flash drive (or an external drive) before you run it. The installer routinely deletes itself once the upgrade process is completed, but if you grab it before that happens you can use it on other computers.<\/p>\n

Where Do I Get High Sierra?<\/h2>\n

Apple says that High Sierra will be available on September 25. Like other Mac operating system releases, Apple offers macOS 10.13 High Sierra for download from the Mac App Store, which is included on the Mac. As long as your Mac is supported and running OS X 10.7.5 Lion (released in 2012) or later, you can download and run the installer. It\u2019s free. Thank you, Apple.<\/p>\n

Better to Be Safe Than Sorry<\/h2>\n

Back up your Mac before doing anything to it, and make Backblaze part of your 3-2-1 backup strategy<\/a>. That way your data is secure. Even if you have to roll back after an upgrade, or if you run into other problems, your data will be safe and sound in your backup.<\/p>\n

Tell Us How It Went<\/h2>\n

Are you getting ready to install High Sierra? Still have questions? Let us know in the comments. Tell us how your upgrade went and what you like about the new release of macOS.<\/p>\n

And while you\u2019re waiting for High Sierra\u2026<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re waiting for Apple to release High Sierra on September 25, you might want to check out these other posts about using your Mac and Backblaze.<\/p>\n