Mac Apps You Need
How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later
If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:
Jul 01, 2020. Jul 29, 2020. Jul 14, 2020.
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
- When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
Mac App Store is the simplest way to find and download apps for your Mac. To download apps from the Mac App Store, you need a Mac with OS X 10.6.6 or later. Sep 12, 2019.
To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.
How to get updates for earlier macOS versions
If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
- Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
- When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.
To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
How to get updates for iOS
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
Learn more
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
- Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.
Whether you are upgrading to a newer Mac version, or it’s your first time using a Mac, you need to install some apps. Of course, your Mac will be very boring if there isn’t one app in there. Don’t worry. We are here to help. We’ve scraped every corner of the web to ensure we give a detailed list of the best Mac apps this 2018.
Here’s a quick note before we start our list. Apple has updated its security settings, especially in the newer Mac versions, so you’ll have to manually allow your system to accept and open the apps below. More often, you’ll be prompted that the application is downloaded from the Internet. It’ll ask for your confirmation if you want to continue opening it. When you click Open, the installation will push through.
Anyway, we won’t make this any longer. Without further ado, here are the best apps for Mac.
1. Tweakbit MacRepair
We listed Tweakbit MacRepair as one of the top Mac apps this 2018 because we believe that efficiency and security are of utmost importance. This app optimizes your RAM to give room for more active apps and helps keep your Mac free from any junk that may cause it to perform poorly.
This app is very easy to use. Simply click on the Scan button and the app will start going through all your files and get rid of any junk it sees. It’s that easy.
Another great thing about this app is that it is so smart that it only scans the files that can be safely cleaned. It does not go over the system files because it knows they are important for Mac to run. After the scan, your Mac should perform at its optimum.
2. VLC
Are you looking for an audio/video player for your Mac? VLC is all you need. It has a user-friendly interface and does not consume so much space on your hard drive. It also has advanced features such as audio/video filters and subtitle synchronization you might want to explore before using.
In addition, VLC can also support a number of video and audio formats. That means you can use it to play music or videos from various sources. As you can see, VLC is such a powerful app. No wonder why it’s listed among the best Mac apps you need this 2018.
3. Handbrake
In case your audio/video player does not support the video format of the movie you just downloaded, perhaps Handbrake can save you. Using this app, you can quickly and conveniently convert a video to any format that is widely supported by existing audio/video players.
Although the interface of Handbrake is pretty plain and straightforward, there are advanced features you must practice on before using. Adding chapters and subtitles to videos is one.
Handbrake is a free app and is available not only for macOS but also for Windows and Linux.
4. Parallels Desktop
One of the most popular apps for Mac, Parallels Desktop allows you to run a Windows OS on a Mac even without rebooting your computer.
Best Free Apps For Mac
Now, you might be wondering why the need to run Windows OS on Mac? Well, Windows gaming will run efficiently on Mac at a faster pace. So, if you want to play any Windows games, you just need to add them to your Mac’s Touch Bar for instant access.
However, Parallels Desktop requires a license that can cost up to $99.99 per year, depending on whether it’ll be used for home or work.
5. BitDefender Antivirus for Mac
Your Mac is one of your most valuable possessions. So, protect every bit of it with BitDefender Antivirus. It’s most recent version has already been redesigned for ease of use, hence it won’t require technical skills to use.
With BitDefender installed on your Mac, rest assured it will be protected against viruses, malware, and ransomware. It can quickly detect threats and remove them as soon as possible. And if you are concerned that performing a scan will affect your Mac’s overall performance, you are wrong. Believe us, it won’t interfere with any running app and it does its job quite fast.
Aside from protecting your Mac, this app also protects your backups. Plus, it is constantly being updated to ensure your Mac gets the level of protection it deserves.
6. iMindMap
Got a lot of ideas running through your mind? Draw them all using iMindMap. This amazing app allows you to design or arrange your ideas in your own way.
This app is known for its Fast Capture View that lets you capture your ideas lightning fast. As soon as your ideas are captured, it will be easier for you to sort and organize them. From there, you can improve your ideas and turn them into a plan using a certain map type. Comments and links can then be added to your map as you wish.
iMindMap is available in Home, Student, Ultimate, and Ultimate Plus versions. The license fee ranges from $100 to $217.
7. Unarchiver
Need to open an archived document on your Mac? You will need Unarchiver. Regardless of the archived document format, this app won’t fail you as it supports a wide range of archived document formats.
To use, you just have to launch the Unarchiver app. Next, go to File > Menu. Lastly, choose the file you want to open the app. The app is free to use. It also does not have any in-app purchases.
8. 1Password
1Password is, by far, one of the best password managers designed for Mac. It works by letting you create one master password, which you can use to access all your other passwords. You get to decide whether to randomly generate passwords inside the app. If you do so, rest assured that they’ll be strong and nearly impossible to hack.
You need not remember any of these passwords. As long as you know your master password, you can easily access the other passwords.
Because it is secure and reliable, you can store your credit card information, software serial numbers, passport numbers, secure data, and bank account details. And if you feel the need to share some passwords with family members or teammates, you can edit the permissions and choose which passwords to make available to co-workers or family members.
9. OmniFocus
If you think you’ve got a digital brain, you’ll need an absolutely reliable task manager like OmniFocus. Although it is very powerful, it has a neat user interface, which makes it easy to use for other Apple products such as Apple Watch.
Because it has many handy features, OmniFocus can be intimidating at times. But if you take time to master how to use it, there should be no dull moment.
This 2018, the developers of this app are looking to release a newer version with more features, including tags and a more flexible scheduling.
10. Dropbox
If you are using your Mac for work, Dropbox makes a handy tool. Besides real-time data synchronization in the cloud, you can use it to collaborate on various projects as a team, regardless of your members’ location.
Once installed, a Dropbox folder is created on your drive. This folder is just like any ordinary folder, but with a few noticeable differences such as changes made here are automatically synced to the Dropbox accounts of the users you have shared the files with.
Why consider Dropbox? There are a lot of reasons, but, we’ll specifically highlight its affordable pricing plans. The Basic plan costs nothing but gives you 2GB storage space and an added 500 MB for every referral. The Pro plan, which comes with a 1TB storage space, is available for $9.99 per month. The Business for Teams plan, on the other hand, costs $15 per user and the storage space is unlimited.
11. Pocket
More than 14 million Mac users use Pocket to save videos and articles for later viewing. Using this app, all contents are saved in one place, allowing easy access for any device. So, even if you are offline, riding the train or in flight, you can read and access your saved files.
If you have never used Pocket before, you will have to sign up for a new account. After installing the app, open it and click Sign Up and you are good to go.
12. Deliveries
For a worry-free and easy tracking of your packages, use Deliveries. Whether it’s a new dress you ordered overseas or the latest published book of your favorite author, Deliveries keeps you posted on the whereabouts of your package, thus you won’t miss the doorbell.
The app allows you to add estimated delivery dates to your calendar. It also lets you share your shipment updates over AirDrop, iMessage, or email. Now, who wouldn’t want this app on their Macs?
13. Prey
Getting your Mac stolen sucks, but you can do something to prevent it. A theft protection app, Prey allows you to look over your Mac, whether you are abroad or in the local market. And in case of theft, it helps you recover it.
Once the app is installed, it will silently sleep and hide in the background, waiting for a go signal. As soon as you trigger it remotely using another device, your Mac will start collecting detailed evidence and send it to you.
14. Simplenote
Want a fast and easy way to store your ideas or important notes? With Simplenote, you can achieve that. The best way to use this app is to try it firsthand. You have to make an account first. After that, you can write down your thoughts and organize them with pins and tags. If you want, you can share and publish them so others can read.
15. Gimp
Gimp or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free application that allows you to perform tasks such as image authoring, photo retouching, and image composition.
Other than that, Gimp has many features and capabilities. It can be used as an online batch processing system, an image renderer for a number of photos, an image converter, and an advanced photo retouching app. Thanks to its advanced scripting interface, all the mentioned tasks can be done effortlessly.
Bottom Line
Every Mac owner has his own needs. While some require advanced applications that are useful for work, others only want an app for entertainment. Then again, we’re confident that there is a corresponding app to answer that need.
Featured above are just some of the best Mac apps this 2018. Install them on your Mac for a convenient year ahead. Soon thereafter, you will realize that everything you need to do on your computer will be easy-peasy, regardless if it’s for work, leisure, hobby, or entertainment.
Is there an app you recommend that didn’t make our list? Let us know. Share the best Mac apps you know of in the comments section below.
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