/Mac Cleaner /OS X El Capitan VS macOS Sierra: Should I Upgrade?
Aperture is a discontinued image organizer, once developed by Apple Inc. For the macOS operating system, first released in 2005, which was available from the Mac App Store. I am running 10.13 beta (macOS High Sierra) and successfully opened a handful of old Aperture libraries using the latest 3.6 Aperture version. I didn’t spend any real time in the app doing anything but I was happy it didn’t immediately crash. This site contains user submitted content, comments and opinions and is for informational purposes only. Apple may provide or recommend responses as a possible solution based on the information provided; every potential issue may involve several factors not detailed in the conversations captured in an electronic forum and Apple can therefore provide no guarantee as to the.
MacBook Pro? I have one. Actually, I have multiple MacBook Pros, I only buy newer versions when I think I have to upgrade my device. My current MacBook Pro has the OS X El Capitan. I want to get an upgrade to a macOS Sierra. Is it actually worth it? Or should I stay with OS X El Capitan? Can you give me a comparison between the two?

Aperture was a HUGE upgrade to iPhoto but not sure if Photos can handle what I'd like.I am following along to see what becomes of the others using Aperture. (I would have liked if Apple sold an Aperture 'plugin' to use with Photos.basically Photos is the very basic - use Aperture Plugin/Extension to get more out of Photos.
OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: there are its own drawbacks and benefits. And if you’re thinking about upgrading from OS X El Capitan to macOS Sierra, then you’re looking at the right guide. We’re going to look into detail about how the macOS Sierra compares to the previous OS X El Capitan. By the end of this guide, you’ll know if Sierra is actually worth the wait. Before we actually start with the comparison, you have to know that macOS Sierra runs on almost any Mac bought after 2009. Plus, you can only make an upgrade from OS X El Capitan. You can’t skip El Capitan and run from Yosemite to macOS Sierra immediately. Now, let’s start with the comparison.
Article GuidePart 1. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra Part 2. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: Comparison Of Features Part 3. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: Comparison Of Performance Part 4. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: Comparison Of System Requirements Part 5. Conclusion
People Also Read:How to Reinstall Mac OS sierra without Losing Data?How to speed up El Capitan?
Part 1. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra
We will be giving you a comparison of the performance, features, and system requirements of both El Capitan and macOS Sierra. These are the most common criteria used when making a decision as to whether you should keep El Capitan or upgrade to Sierra. Some measurements included in this guide are actually approximations. It might be different for a specific type of Mac device (e.g. battery life). The said metric depends a lot on the age of the Mac device and its usage intensity as well.
Part 2. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: Comparison Of Features
Cross-Device Syncing On iCloud
El Capitan allows you to sync the usual stuff across multiple devices. These include Calendar, Notes, and Messages. On the other hand, macOS Sierra has added new folders for syncing. These folders include Documents and Desktop.
Siri
El Capitan does not have Siri in it. However, with macOS Sierra, Siri is available.
Apple Pay
El Capitan doesn’t have an Apple Pay feature within it. However, macOS Sierra has this feature and it works very well within it.
Management Of Space
When it comes to El Capitan’s space management, you have to do it yourself by being organized when it comes to your files and folders.
However, macOS Sierra gives you the Optimized Storage feature. Plus, it comes with features for cleaning.
Apple Watch Unlock
El Capitan doesn’t have the Apple Watch Unlock feature. However, macOS Sierra has it and it works perfectly fine.
As you might have noticed, macOS Sierra is filled with a lot of new features. Some can be taken advantage of if you have multiple Apple devices such as the Apple Watch or the iPhone. The Optimized Storage feature has taken storage maintenance to a whole new level.
Tip: A Powerful Tool Helps Your System Run Smoothly
If you wish to ensure that your system runs smoothly after installing one of these two versions, you have to use third-party applications such as a PowerMyMac. This is because your system might contain a lot of junk that’s causing it to slow down because it is already clogged up. What we would recommend is iMyMac PowerMyMac which can help you remove your purgeable space on Mac. Below are the advantages and features of this tool:
01 - It helps to enhance the performance of your Mac by speeding up the entire device’ processes. This is because it helps to remove the junk or clutter that clogs up your device and causes it to slow down.
02 - Its one-click feature allows you to scan your Mac device and clean up unnecessary files with just the press of a button.
03 - It is a powerful application that comprehensively scans your entire Mac device. It even has the ability to check the status of your device' Network.
04 - It allows you to select the files you want to delete and even keep the files you want to be kept. Plus, it sorts the comprehensive scan’s results by a variety of classifications such as size and date.
05 - It gives you a free trial for the first 500MB of data. You can use the tool without having to pay cash upfront. You can test it if it really works.
06 - It is a hundred percent secure. Meaning, it doesn’t have any viruses or any malware that might cause damage to your device.
07 - It gives you support through email in case you have problems with the tool. You are also offered a one-on-one free training and support.
Here’s how to use the tool to clean your Mac device of junk files and unnecessary files:
Step 1. Download and Launch iMyMac PowerMyMac on Your Mac
Download iMyMac PowerMyMac from the official website of the brand then launch it. On the left-hand side of the screen, select Master Scan.
Step 2. Scanning System Junk
Click Scan and wait until the scanning process is complete. The results will show the junk files in various classifications such as Application Cache, Photo Cache, Email Cache, System Logs, System Cache, and System Trash, Etc.
Click a particular category you want and preview the files contained within it on the right-hand side of the screen.
Step 3. Review and Select Items to Clean Up
Select the files or data you want to clean. Click Clean and wait for the process to complete.
Step 4. Clean Up Mac System Junk is Done
Wait until all selected files are cleaned. It will show folders as Zero KB if it is already deleted. Some files will not be regarded as Zero KB because they are auto-recreated folders.
Repeat steps 01 to 07. However, on the third step, you have to click Large & Old Files or Duplicate Finder instead of Master Scan.
That’s how you clean up your Mac device. Another new feature you can find in the Sierra is the helpful assistant Siri. Although the assistant can’t do all the tasks for you, it can still help you find the files you need on your Mac device. Plus, it can help you find restaurants you might want to go to for a birthday dinner.
Part 3. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: Comparison Of Performance
Speed Test
The El Capitan works with fine especially when you have more than enough disk space that is about 10% or higher. On the other hand, the macOS Sierra runs better and faster on new Mac devices. Plus, it looks snappier maybe because it’s a new system that appears cleaner.
Battery Life
The battery life of OS X El Capitan is approximately 6 to 7 hours on a MacBook Air bought in 2013. However, it has a shorter lifespan on macOS Sierra (for the same device). This is at 5 to 6 hours of battery life. Although, this is a usual trend that happens when you upgrade your OS X.
Security
When it comes to security, El Capitan is already solid. However, macOS Sierra does it better with 65 security fixes.
When it comes to performance, thinking about which is more powerful or faster, it’s difficult to judge both versions. However, a new system might be snappier and have faster responses. This can be due to the fact that it’s a new version and the faster response might be lost in a year or two.
Let’s talk about system requirements then.
Part 4. OS X El Capitan vs macOS Sierra: Comparison Of System Requirements
RAM (Memory)
El Capitan and macOS Sierra requires 2GB of RAM.
Storage Space
Both OS X El Capitan and macOS Sierra requires a free storage space of 8.8GB.
Hardware (Or Mac Models)
OS X El Capitan will work on models starting late 2008 (and higher). However, macOS Sierra requires models from late 2009. But mostly, it works in models from 2010.
You can actually check out Apple’s Support Page to ensure that your Mac model is compatible with macOS Sierra.
Part 5. Conclusion
To sum it all up, you can actually have a macOS Sierra if you check out the system requirements and your Mac model is from late 2009 (or higher). It is a pretty solid version of the macOS and can be a great upgrade to that of El Capitan. Finally, if you really want to get an upgrade of your OS X, ensure that you use iMyMac PowerMyMac to ensure your device is in tip-top condition.
ExcellentThanks for your rating.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (based on 82 ratings)
People Also Read:
PowerMyMac
A powerful all-in-one App for Mac
Free DownloadClean up and speed up your Mac with ease
Free DownloadWhich Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans.
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it’s time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2021 it is macOS Big Sur. However, for users that need to run 32-bit apps on Mac, the best macOS is Mojave. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra for which Apple still releases security patches.
Apple Aperture
How to Tell Which macOS You Are Running
To find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
- In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
- The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?
Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations.
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my Mac
Anytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur?
While personally I like macOS Big Sur and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, it comes with serious breaking changes.
The first issue is compatibility.
Big Sur is a transition OS which is designed to help Apple to move from Intel processors to their own chips on ARM.
After I installed Big Sur on my MacBook Pro mid 2020 (pre-Silicon), most of my apps, including Microsoft Office, were working as expected.
However, my VMWare Fusion 11 does not start anymore, so I have to purchase a new license if I want to keep using it (or roll back to Catalina). Luckily, I took a full backup before the upgrade.
The second breaking issue is the lack of 32-bit app support.
macOS Catalina and Big Sur can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur, first verify that you don’t have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after the upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn’t know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bit
To find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
- Click on About This Mac option
- Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
- Scroll down to Software -> Applications
- Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I Use
If you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I’d suggest upgrading at least to Sierra (or better High Sierra) for the following reasons:
- Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
- APFS file system is available
- It supports Siri
- Significant security improvements
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability to get security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page.
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan’s end of life date was August 2018.
Snow Leopard Myth
I know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn’t want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid.
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs.
After five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest Version
There are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
- From the Software Update section in System Preferences
- Use a download link
Using Software Update
This is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here.

For instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can’t install anything newer than that.
Using download links
For older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download Links
Following is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion.
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 11 Big Sur
macOS v11 (codename Big Sur) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 13, 2020
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement 4GB. Big Sur is the first OS to support new Macs using ARM technology (in the future).
Features
- The biggest design refresh since macOS X.
- Support for new ARM processors.
- Safar improved performance and power consumption.
- Time Machine supports backup to APFS volumes.
- One-click translation for 7 languages.
- Redesigned maps
Software Compatibility Issues
Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Big Sur.
Aperture For Mac Sierra Installer
How to install
There are two ways to install Big Sur: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Big Sur
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac models (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
macOS 10.15 Catalina
Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB.
Features
- Introduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
- iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
- Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues
macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to install
There are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Catalina
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 Mojave
Release date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
Features

- The main feature of Mojave is “Dark Mode”
- FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
- News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to install

If your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Mojave
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High Sierra
Release date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk
Features
- APFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It’s a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
- iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
- Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to install
Here is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 Sierra
This is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Siri was introduced to Macs
- Optimized storage with iCloud sync
- Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
- APFS preview available
- Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
- Significant security improvements
How to install
Here is a Sierra download link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Last OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Aperture For Mac Sierra 10.12
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- System Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
- Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
- Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitan
same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
Here is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 Yosemite
Release date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
Features
- Major user design overhaul
- Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
- Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to install
Here is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks
First free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Compressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
- Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
- App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X Mavericks
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
OS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
Must be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- New apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
- AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
- Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain Lion
- iMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
How to install
Mountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS Versions
Following Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
- OS X 10.7 Lion
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
- Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
- Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
