Over the last 12 months or so, Microsoft has been heavily criticised for tactics used to nudge PC users on to Windows 10. On Monday, Apple risked incurring a similar wrath with its latest desktop software release.
Just as Microsoft did following the launch of Windows 10, Apple is enabling automatic downloads of the new macOS Sierra OS, released last month.
For customers with Auto Downloads enabled in the Mac App Store settings, the file will download in the background, providing the Mac meets the minimum spec requirement and has enough available storage space.
Speaking to The Loop, Apple said it will not be installed without the user giving permission and will send them an alert when the download is complete.
Related: macOS Sierra review
The situation creates a pickle for Mac owners like to have their Mac apps regularly updated without checking for updates, but don’t want to feel like a major OS update is being forced upon them.
Of course, they can go into App Store settings and turn off automatic downloads, but this will remove those aforementioned benefits.
macOS Sierra is a free upgrade bringing Siri, Apple Pay on the Web and a proximity unlock feature for Apple Watch owners.
Does Apple’s method upset you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
