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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.