The next iteration of macOS
macOS Sonoma is a free IT application developed by Apple and is the next official version of its macOS operating system for laptop and desktop computers. Also known internally as macOS 14, it started as a development beta sent out to specific users before it was released to the public sometime after.
Compared to its predecessors, macOS Monterey and macOS Ventura, the latest macOS Sonoma focuses more on specific areas of the OS, namely, improved gaming performance and allowing users to have more personalization options. It is expected to be compatible with the more recently released Apple devices.
Refinements and performance boosts
Apple hosts its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on an annual basis to showcase some of the new tech products and concepts it’s been working on, and the 2023 program is no different. It is also when the next version of macOS that runs its laptops and desktops is announced, and that is macOS 14 known as macOS Sonoma. This iteration is more about refinements and improved usability features.
This version will come with a dedicated Game Mode to take advantage of the in-house Apple Silicon for increased CPU and GPU performance in games. That is joined by various improvements to video-conferencing with the presenter overlay features, which lets you present while keeping the focus of your webcam on you. Safari also received improved desktop notifications and will support Profiles for different usage scenarios.
Other notable features are carried over from its mobile counterpart, iOS 17, and they include better autocorrect when typing, faster auto-fill for documents, a new way to summon Siri, and a lot more small yet appreciable inclusions. Besides that, interactive widgets can now be placed on your desktop’s home screen. Plus, the update also brings forth a plethora of new, stunning dynamic screen savers to choose from.
Device compatibility
As mentioned, macOS Sonoma is only compatible with more recently released devices. The list includes the following:
- iMac 2019 and later
- iMac Pro 2017
- Mac Pro 2019 and later
- Mac Studio 2022 and later
- MacBook Air 2018 and later
- MacBook Pro 2018 and later
- Mac Mini 2018 and later
Good news for gamers
While it brings a lot of refinements to the core experience, macOS Sonoma marks the company’s renewed focus on gaming, which is great news for gamers. Given the powerful in-house chip that is Apple Silicon, it’s just as well that this feature has been added since it can make full use of its capabilities. For everyone else, this is another solid iteration of the operating system.
