Apple has just released macOS Sonoma for all users.
This means that the system is coming earlier this year than in previous release periods (usually October). As always, there are some new functions on board – you can find out everything you need to know about them below.
Widgets now also on the Mac
You can now also place widgets on the desk. You can show system information such as weather data or the time, but also data from third-party applications.
At the same time, an information bar was introduced for MacBooks with a notch, reminiscent of the Dynamic Island of the latest iPhones. If they are disruptive, they fade and fade into the background. Practical! Your widgets from the iPhone will automatically move to the Mac if you want them to.
New “Game Mode” integrated
With the new “Game Mode”, the Mac under Sonoma delivers the highest possible performance when using game apps, everything else is then scaled back.
Mac temporarily prioritizes CPU and GPU performance for gaming on Apple Silicon Macs. Apple also promises to reduce input latency for select game controllers connected via Bluetooth.
Gaming legend Hideo Kojima (“Metal Gear”) is bringing his top game “Death Stranding” to the Mac in a “Director’s Cut” as a demonstration.
This comes in Safari and in video chats
Safari updates make Sonoma safer. You can also look forward to new layouts for video chats. For example, the software exposes you to your slides.
Safari also allows profiles under Sonoma. You can use it to separate your browsing habits according to individual areas such as “private” or “work”. Each profile has its own history, cookies, extensions, tab groups and favorites.
macOS Sonoma is only compatible with these Macs
MacBook Pro: 2018 and newer
MacBook Air: 2018 and later
Mac mini: 2018 and later
iMac: 2019 and later
iMac Pro: 2017
Mac Studio: 2022 and later
Mac Pro: 2019 and later
Don’t forget backup!
And, please: Before you install macOS Sonoma, back up the current Mac configuration.
If you’re not in a hurry…
PS: If you’re not in a hurry, wait until the next few days to install the update. A rush is expected in the next few hours. This means that the servers run hot and are slower.
Conclusion
As in previous years, Apple is not trying to reinvent the wheel this time. Rather, when the system is released in the fall, some adjustments will be changed and new features will be added.
For example, the new system further promotes the standardization of the macOS and iOS interfaces. Unfortunately, there is still no health app for the Mac. But it will definitely come at some point! But there are hundreds of new aerial photo screensavers waiting for you in Sonoma, which you already know in this form from the Apple TV…
