Apple OS X Yosemite Reviews & Product Details

OS X Yosemite, released in October 2014, is the eleventh major version of Apple's desktop operating system for Mac computers. This update introduced a comprehensive redesign, aligning the Mac interface more closely with the aesthetics of iOS, featuring a flatter, more modern look with translucent elements and a refreshed color palette. Yosemite also emphasized enhanced integration between Mac and iOS devices, offering users a more seamless and connected experience across their Apple products. Key Features and Functionality: - Redesigned User Interface: Yosemite introduced a flatter, more modern design with translucent elements and a refreshed color palette, aligning the Mac interface more closely with iOS aesthetics. - Continuity: This suite of features enhances integration between Mac and iOS devices. Handoff allows users to start tasks on one device and continue them on another, while Instant Hotspot enables easy tethering to an iPhone's internet connection. - Phone and SMS Integration: Users can make and receive iPhone calls and send SMS messages directly from their Mac, provided both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. - AirDrop Between Mac and iOS: Yosemite enables file sharing between Mac and iOS devices using AirDrop, facilitating quick and easy transfers without the need for cables or external drives. - Enhanced Spotlight Search: Spotlight received significant improvements, offering a more prominent search bar and the ability to pull in results from various sources, including Wikipedia, Maps, and news, providing a more comprehensive search experience. - Updated Native Applications: Core apps like Safari, Mail, and Messages were updated with new features and improved performance. For instance, Safari introduced a new tab view and improved sharing options, while Mail added functionalities like Mail Drop for sending large attachments. Primary Value and User Solutions: OS X Yosemite's primary value lies in its enhanced continuity and integration features, bridging the gap between Mac and iOS devices. By enabling seamless transitions between devices, users can maintain productivity without interruption, whether they're composing emails, browsing the web, or managing files. The redesigned interface offers a more intuitive and visually appealing experience, while the updated native applications and improved search capabilities streamline daily tasks. Overall, Yosemite addresses the need for a cohesive and interconnected ecosystem, enhancing user efficiency and satisfaction across Apple's hardware and software platforms.

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Apple

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Apple OS X Yosemite Community

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Gabriella B.

Office Manager

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3/24/2026

"Incredibly Simple and Time-Saving, with Lifesaving Cross-Device Support"

5/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

It’s incredibly simple to use, and the different features save me time every single day. Since I use an iPhone, the cross-device capabilities are a real lifesaver. I use iMessage for everything and don't know what I would do without it. Yosemite can handle everything I throw at it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

The only complaint I have about Yosemite is that some of the apps I use daily are not running as optimally as they were prior to this update. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Apple OS X Yosemite solving and how is that benefiting you?

Yosemite literally runs our entire business. For the most part, it’s seamless and does everything we need it to do. I especially appreciate being able to schedule emails and texts so we’re only reaching out to clients at appropriate times, rather than bothering them at inconvenient hours. We struggled with our work hours not always aligning with appropriate times to reach out to people, so scheduling these things has been a game changer Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Jay P.

ICT Technician Specialist

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/22/2026

"Fresh Design, Continuity, and Smarter Spotlight Make Yosemite Shine"

4/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

1. Fresh, Modern Design

Yosemite introduced a flatter, cleaner interface inspired by iOS 7.

Transparent sidebars

Simplified icons

Clean system fonts

It felt lighter and more modern compared to previous versions.

2. Seamless Apple Ecosystem (Continuity)

One of the biggest upgrades was Continuity, working with iOS 8:

Handoff – Start an email on iPhone, finish on Mac

Make and receive phone calls on your Mac

Send/receive SMS from Mac

This was a game-changer if you used multiple Apple devices.

3. Improved Spotlight

Spotlight became much smarter:

Web results

Maps

App Store results

Quick conversions (currency, units)

It started feeling like a mini search engine inside your Mac.

4. Better Safari

Safari became faster and more energy-efficient, with a cleaner tab design and improved performance compared to Chrome at the time.

5. iCloud Drive

iCloud Drive replaced the old iCloud document system, making file syncing across devices much more flexible. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

1.Early Performance Issues

2.Overuse of Transparency

3.Reduced Skeuomorphism

4.Spotlight Changes

5.Compatibility Issues Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Trevor Y.

Tech services lead

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3/26/2026

"Secure and Reliable: Why OS X Yosemite Remains My Favorite"

5/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Apple OS X Yosemite has always been my favorite Apple OS. I find it very secure, and it blocks malware and viruses natively without needing any additional malware protection. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

I dislike the fact that, for certain programs I need to use for work, I have to run Parallels and Windows just to use them. I really wish Apple would offer something natively, so I wouldn’t have to pay for an additional program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Apple OS X Yosemite solving and how is that benefiting you?

I still use it because it has programs that can’t be upgraded and don’t require a subscription to use. Back when it was in general use, the subscription model wasn’t fully in effect. I have Microsoft Word on the device, and it works flawlessly without needing to pay for a subscription, which helps cut down on company costs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Sekhar S.

UI UX Developer

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3/24/2026

"Simple, Smooth and Better Connected Experience"

5/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

I like how clean and simple OS X Yosemite feels] it’s easy to very use and looks modern the smooth performance and better integration with iPhone (like calls and messages) make it really convenient and simple. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Sometimes it feels a bit slow or laggy on older Macs after the update.

Also, the new design and changes can take time to get used to and may not suit everyone. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Nour A.

Software Engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

3/10/2026

"Clean, Modern Design with Seamless iPhone Integration"

4/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

What I like most about OS X Yosemite is its clean, modern design and improved integration with iPhone through Continuity and Handoff, which makes it easy to switch between devices and stay productive. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

One thing I dislike about OS X Yosemite is that it can feel slower on older Macs, and some users experienced Wi-Fi connectivity issues after upgrading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Apple OS X Yosemite solving and how is that benefiting you?

Apple OS X Yosemite improves integration between Mac and iPhone, making it easier to continue tasks across devices with features like Handoff and AirDrop. This benefits me by making my workflow smoother and allowing me to access messages, calls, and files seamlessly across my devices Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Aaron S.

Inside Sales Engineer II

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3/10/2026

"Smooth, Easy-to-Use OS with Unparalleled Apple Support"

4/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Apple's OS's have always leaned heavily into their ease of use and flow through the system. Yosemite is no different. Apple also offers unparalleled customer support when issues arise. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Occasionally it can be tricky to have the lack of flexibility that MacOS demands. There are only so many ways you can use it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Henry E.

IT Support Specialist

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/7/2026

"Clean, Seamless, and Productive Experience"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Its clean, intuitive design and smooth integration across Apple devices make everyday tasks simple and reliable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Limited customization options and occasional performance slowdowns on older Macs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Charity E.

Process engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

9/3/2025

"apple in the SOX sportlight"

4/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

notification center enhancement, iCloud drive integration, spotlight search upgrade Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

performance issue on old macs, stability bugs at lunch, battery life concerns, flat design not loved by all Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Annarose E.

Associate Practice Manager

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

12/27/2024

"Apple Updates Continue to Impress"

5/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

Yosemite matches all my consumer needs for personal and professional purposes. The way it keeps my computer running smoothly while applying security and optimization updates to Apple incorporated apps (e.g. Notes, Photos) across technologies makes me a loyal customer and recommender. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

There is concern that updates will eventually supersede the hardware capabilities, making the choice between further software updates at odds with needing additional purchases/tension. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Apple OS X Yosemite solving and how is that benefiting you?

Yosemite updates as with all previous OS updates have been incredibly easy to implement and you both immediately and longterm see results. My favorite feature on recent updates has been the Freeform application across devices, which is a great creative and collaborate space for all ideas (text, visual boards, etc) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Razvan C.

PHP Developer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4/3/2025

"I used it on my MacBook old time ago"

3/5

What do you like best about Apple OS X Yosemite?

It has a nice design and was like a fresh breath of air. It was pretty easy to use and to implement it on your device. Customer support is as usual for Apple. I use it almost daily on that period. For that time the number of features was ok-ish Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Apple OS X Yosemite?

No longer supported by Apple, and it's pretty outdated. Now is old, so you can use something newer and better. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.