Version 10.15 of macOS called Catalina by Apple has been available since October 7. It brings several attractive new features, including the Sidecar functionality, allowing the iPad to be used as a second screen natively, the Catalyst platform allowing developers to easily port iPad apps to macOS, or even new Music, Podcasts and TV applications, replacing the defunct iTunes app.
But alongside these numerous contributions, various malfunctions, bugs and other less attractive changes should be noted. Moreover, these have sufficiently serious consequences that the update is not recommended as it stands in different professional fields.
macOS Catalina, a criticized update
Recently, wetalked about the problem of lost emails in the Mail app, but macOS Catalina is also a potential blocker during the installation wizard.
And then, among many other bugs, Apple, with Catalina, signed the death warrant for 32-bit applications. And this has many consequences in different environments, including audio and computer-assisted music (MAO). Indeed, under macOS Catalina, it is no longer possible to use software that is too old, even if it worked very well until now with previous versions of the system. In computer music, it is common to use numerous effects plug-ins, some of which have not been updated for several years. And yet, these effects can be very practical in audio mixing for example. Many musicians and sound engineers are therefore avoiding Catalina for the moment, and probably again for the whole of 2020.
Moreover, it might have been wise for the Californian firm to take inspiration from the world of audio. In fact, for several years there have been bridge applications allowing the use of 32-bit effects in 64-bit sequencers. Why don't Tim Cook and his engineers provide such a bridge feature for Catalina, allowing old 32-bit apps to be used?
© jBridgeM – Pont audio 64 bits pour plug-ins 32 bits
In addition, the end of iTunes means the need for software using Apple's historic app library, such as DJ software, to change how it works and adapt to the new Music app.
The same goes for OpenGL graphics technology, abandoned by Apple with Catalina, in favor of Metal. Many developers must then update their apps at several levels to adapt to the new OS, otherwise they will become unusable on Mac. They therefore complain a lot to the Cupertino company about the mass of work that macOS Catalina requires in terms of code rewriting.
Catalina? Not goods
Ultimately, in different professional worlds where Macs are appreciated for their reliability and ease of use, macOS Catalina stands out. Moreover, users are regularly advised not to update their machine yet. So, of course, you always have to be careful and wait a little before installing a new update on a working machine. But rarely has an Apple OS been so unanimous in terms of warnings.
And you, have you installed Catalina? How do you like the update? Do you have any notable malfunctions to report? Finally, would you recommend the update as is?
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By : Keleops AG
Editor-in-chief for iPhon.fr. Pierre is like Indiana Jones, looking for the lost iOS trick. Also a long-time Mac user, Apple devices hold no secrets for him. Contact: pierre[a]iphon.fr.
