Flickr/Alejandro Pinto
Like iOS 9, Apple's most recent software update for the iPhone and iPad, El Capitan adds subtle features that are helpful and make multitasking easier.
It's not a major physical change, so your Mac won't look or feel any different once you install the new software.
Some of the most useful new features in El Capitan include:
- A new Split View, which lets you divide your screen between two different apps at the same time
- An improved Notes app that allows you to make checklists, draw sketches, share Safari links, and more
- A better Spotlight Search that makes it easier to search using your natural language
- The ability to search for the weather, stocks, and sports scores using Spotlight Search
- General performance improvements
Like Yosemite and Mavericks, El Capitan is completely free. In years past, Apple has charged $20 for software updates.