Apple announces OS X Yosemite, bridging the gap between iOS and Mac

Apple today unveiled OS X Yosemite, a complete overhaul designed to create continuity for users of both iOS and OS X.

OS X Yosemite features redesigned core features — like Finder, Spotlight, and Notifications — as well as major updates to Safari, Mail, iCal, and iCloud. Announced on stage during the World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple called the new OS “gorgeous and more usable.”

Before we dive into the features, here’s a closer look at the new OS:

Spotlight

OS X Yosemite features deep Spotlight search integration with Safari, and replaces the classic blue search bar with a giant search field which floats at the center of your screen.

Finder

OS X Yosemite’s new, glass-like design for Finder takes cues from iOS 7 and iOS 8.

Apple Mail

The next version of Apple’s email app Mail packs annotation features and iCloud support for sending large attachments.

Safari

Apple has redesigned Safari for OS X Yosemite. The upgraded browser now features a “tab view” which organizes browser tabs, Spotlight search integration with Google Knowledge Graph-like features, and additional sharing functionality. Read more about it here.

iCloud Drive

Apple also debuted iCloud Drive, a Dropbox-style storage tool for saving and sharing files across devices.

Availability

Apple shares that OS X Yosemite will be made available to developers today. The consumer-ready release will debut in the Fall, but curious users can opt to join Apple’s new beta testing program for early access.

Last year Apple announced a radical new look for iOS, yet the current consumer-ready version of OS X — Mavericks, version 10.9 — noticeably lacks Apple’s “flat” design aesthetic. For Yosemite, Apple seeks to unify Macs and iOS devices under a single design language.

To watch Apple’s WWDC keynote in full, check out the live stream here. For all of VentureBeat’s WWDC coverage, head here.