Apple macOS Catalina now available to download: Here's how to upgrade

Apple's latest version of macOS - macOS Catalina software update -- is now available to download. Apple's latest version operating system brings for MacBooks and Desktop PCs brings a host of new features. macOS Catalina update brings the Arcade game subscription service that Apple announced at its September event last month. It also provides users with new Mac versions of Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV apps.

Catalina includes a new feature called Sidecar, extending Mac desktops with the iPad as a second display. It also lets users use the iPad as a second tablet input device using Apple Pencil with Mac apps. Another feature called Voice Control, as its name suggests, lets users control their Mac simply by their voice.

Third-party app developers now bring iPad apps to Mac, courtesy of Mac Catalyst. For the first time, Screen Time comes to Mac, allowing users to decide how to spend their time using specific apps or services. It also provides users with insights into how they spend time in apps and on websites.

Apple Arcade game streaming service goes live, how to sign up now

How to upgrade to macOS Catalina

Step 1: Following is the list of macOS Catalina-compatible Mac models introduced mid-2012 or later:

-- 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)
-- Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

Step 2: Now that you have checked compatibility, make sure to back up your Mac. You can use either Time Machine, a built-in backup feature. However, Time Machine requires an external storage device. All you need to do is connect the device and select as your backup disk. Refer to this article on Apple Support for more details.

Step 3: Now, you need to free up some space. Apple recommends your Mac needs at least 12.5GB of available storage space, or up to 18.5GB of space depending on what macOS version you are running on your computer.

Step 4: Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet. Downloading and installing (upgrading) macOS is a fairly lengthy process. So make sure to have a reliable Internet connection.

Step 5: You need to choose Apple menu and navigate to the App Store and then Updates. Begin installation for macOS Catalina. Have patience and allow installation to complete on its own, without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its flap.