10.11 El Capitan vs Sierra: What's the Difference?

When Apple released macOS Sierra in 2016, it marked a significant departure from its predecessor, OS X El Capitan. The new operating system introduced several features that aimed to improve user experience and streamline tasks. In this article, we'll delve into the key differences between macOS El Capitan (10.11) and Sierra (10.12).

iCloud Drive: A Game-Changer

One of the most notable changes in Sierra is the inclusion of iCloud Drive. This feature allows users to upload their documents and desktop directories to the cloud, making it easy to access and sync files across multiple devices. El Capitan did not offer this level of integration, requiring users to rely on third-party services for file sharing.

Optimized Storage: A Solution for Limited Space

Sierra also introduced Optimized Storage, a feature that helps manage storage space by suggesting ways to free up disk space. This includes deleting unnecessary files and compressing others. El Capitan did not offer this level of storage management, often leaving users with limited options for freeing up space.

Compatibility: A Major Change

One of the most significant differences between El Capitan and Sierra is compatibility. Sierra dropped support for several older Mac models, including those that only supported PowerPC processors. This change was a result of Apple's decision to focus on 64-bit architecture and optimize performance for newer hardware.

System Requirements

Sierra has stricter system requirements than El Capitan, requiring at least 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage space. El Capitan, on the other hand, could run with as little as 1 GB of RAM and 6 GB of storage space.

Other Key Features

Both El Capitan and Sierra introduced several features that improved user experience. Some notable differences include:

* Auto Unlock: A feature that allows users to unlock their Macs using their Apple Watch.

* Universal Clipboard: A feature that enables users to copy text on one device and paste it on another.

* iCloud Drive and Optimized Storage: Features that allow users to sync files across devices and manage storage space.

In conclusion, macOS Sierra marked a significant shift in the direction of Apple's operating system. With its focus on cloud integration, optimized storage, and improved performance, Sierra set the stage for future versions of macOS. While El Capitan was a solid operating system, Sierra represented a major upgrade that laid the groundwork for modern Macs.

10.11 el capitan vs sierra