What Does 'Catalina' Mean?

What is Catalina?
Photo by Patrick Ward on Unsplash

Catalina is the name of one of the versions of Apple’s macOS operating system, also known as “macOS 10.15,” which is the software that powers the company’s Mac computers. It was released on October 7, 2019, and is named after Santa Catalina Island in California.

One of the main features of Catalina is the introduction of iPad apps for the Mac. This allows users to run iPad apps on their Mac computers, making it easier to use iOS apps on the desktop.

Another major feature of Catalina is the separation of iTunes into three separate apps: music, podcasts, and Apple TV. This allows users to have a more focused experience when using these apps, rather than having everything bundled together in one app.

Catalina also includes an updated version of the Photos app, which includes new features such as a redesigned interface, improved facial recognition, and the ability to edit videos.

Catalina introduces a new security feature called “Sidecar,” which allows users to use their iPad as a secondary display for their Mac. This can be useful for designers and other professionals who need a larger display while working on their Mac.

Catalina also has a number of other updates and improvements, such as support for new technologies like Apple Arcade and Apple Music, better performance, and bug fixes.

In general, Catalina is a significant update to the macOS operating system that brings a number of new features and improvements to the Mac. It is designed to make the Mac more powerful, user-friendly, and capable of running a wider range of apps.

Support for 32-bit applications

Catalina is the first version of macOS to drop support for 32-bit apps. This means that any apps that are still 32-bit will no longer work on Mac computers running Catalina.

Apple has been transitioning away from 32-bit apps for a while now, as the company has been focusing on 64-bit technology for its operating systems. The main advantage of 64-bit technology is that it lets the system access more memory, which can improve performance and make it possible to do more complicated tasks.

While dropping support for 32-bit apps may cause some inconvenience for users who still rely on older apps, it is ultimately a necessary step in order to take advantage of the benefits of 64-bit technology and move the Mac platform forward.

If you are a Mac user and you are concerned about whether your apps will continue to work on Catalina, you can check the compatibility of your apps by going to the “About This Mac” section in the Apple menu and clicking on the “System Report” button. From there, you can view a list of all of the apps on your Mac and see which ones are 32-bit and which ones are 64-bit.

“Screen time” feature

Catalina includes a feature called “Screen Time,” which is designed to help users better manage their time spent on their devices.

Screen Time allows users to see how much time they are spending on their Mac and how they are using it. It provides a breakdown of the apps and websites that users are spending the most time on, as well as the number of notifications they are receiving.

With this information, users can make more informed decisions about their device usage and set limits on their app usage if desired. For example, a user might set a daily limit on social media usage or restrict certain apps during certain times of the day.

Screen Time also includes a feature called “Downtime,” which allows users to set a schedule for when their device is not available for use. This can help people learn how to use their devices in a healthy way and make sure they aren’t always connected to them.

Screen Time is a welcome addition to the macOS operating system. It is a useful tool that helps users understand and control how they use their devices.