Apple Unveils macOS 14 Sonoma with New Features: A Closer Look

PAGE CONTENT:

macOS 14: Name, Release Date, Compatibility
macOS 14 Sonoma New Features
How to Download macOS 14 Sonoma [4 Proven Methods]

macOS 14: Name, Release Date, Compatibility

Apple's WWDC is expected to bring updates to macOS, with users looking forward to the new version, macOS Sonoma, following Ventura.

macOS Sonoma

Name of macOS 14

Apple has a consistent naming pattern for its macOS versions, dating back to macOS Mavericks, where it uses California landmarks. The company has also trademarked many of these names over the years, suggesting a deliberate strategy behind its naming choices.

macOS Ventura users may be wondering what comes next. The answer is macOS Sonoma, which was announced by Apple at WWDC 2023 in June as the name of the next major version of the Mac operating system, macOS 14.

macOS 14 Sonoma Release Date

macOS Monterey was released in December 2021, and macOS Ventura was released in October 2022. Based on this pattern, it's likely that macOS Sonoma will be released in the fall of 2023. However, it's worth noting that Apple has not made any official announcements regarding the release date of macOS Sonoma.

November 12, 2020: macOS Big Sur was released.
October 25, 2021: macOS Monterey was released.
October 24, 2022: macOS Ventura was released.
Apple's next major operating system update, macOS Sonoma, is scheduled to be released to the public on September 26, 2023.

The developer beta of macOS 14 Sonoma was released on June 5, 2023, and will be available to the general public on September 26, 2023, after a three to four month beta period.

macOS 14 Sonoma Compatibility

Here are the compatible Mac models of macOS 14 Sonoma: As Apple focuses on Apple silicon Macs, we can see more Intel-based Macs losing compatibility with new macOS versions. The compatible Mac models of macOS 14 Sonoma include the M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2 Ultra, M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra-equipped Macs, as well as the Intel-based 13-inch MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and 21.5-inch iMac.

MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
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

macOS Sonoma drops support for Macs published in 2017, including the MacBook Pro, iMac, and 12-inch MacBook. However, for those who still want to install Sonoma on their unsupported Mac, there is a guide available to help with the process.

macOS Sonoma, also known as macOS 14, is now available, but it may not be compatible with all Mac models. To install it on an unsupported Mac, you'll need to follow a specific process.

Installing macOS Sonoma on an unsupported Mac can be done in four different ways. Each method has its own set of requirements and considerations, and users should carefully evaluate their options before proceeding. The article provides a detailed overview of the installation process for each method, taking into account the specific needs and limitations of each approach.

As Apple transitions away from Intel-based Macs, some newer features are not compatible with older models, even though macOS Sonoma may be compatible with them.

macOS 14 Sonoma is the latest operating system from Apple, and it brings a range of exciting new features and improvements. One of the standout changes is the ability to use the iPhone's camera as a webcam, making it easier to stay connected with friends and family.

✨macOS 14 Sonoma New Features

Here are the main features of macOS Sonoma:

🧩Widgets on the Desktop have been revamped: The widgets in macOS 14 Sonoma can be placed anywhere on the Desktop, not just limited to the notification center.

⏱️Lock Screen has a clock: macOS 14 Sonoma includes a feature that displays a clock when the screen is locked, mirroring functionality found in iOS and iPadOS.

🎞️Expanded screen-sharing capabilities: You can share your screen and presence webcam video simultaneously during a web conference on macOS Sonoma.

🔎Major updates to Safari and Message:

This feature allows users to have multiple, isolated browsing profiles, each with their own set of bookmarks, extensions, and cookies. This can be useful for separating personal and work-related browsing, or for creating a dedicated profile for a specific task or activity.
Multiple users can access and synchronize the same set of website passwords across all registered devices.
To refine your search in the Messages application on your Mac, you can use more precise search filters. This allows you to quickly find specific conversations or messages.

🎮Game mode: macOS Sonoma game mode optimizes game performance by prioritizing tasks and allocating more GPU and CPU capacity to games.

🖼️Slow-motion screensavers: macOS Sonoma features slow-motion screensavers of various global locations, which transform into desktop wallpapers after login.

How to Download macOS 14 Sonoma [4 Proven Methods]

If you're eager to try out the features of macOS Sonma on your MacBook, you can follow these methods to download it. Don't worry if you're not sure how to get started - just follow these steps.

Download macOS Sonoma Developer Beta
Download macOS Sonoma on Mac from the App Store
Upgrade to macOS 14 in Software Update
Create macOS Sonoma Installation USB

The macOS 14 beta is an unstable and potentially feature-incomplete version of the operating system, which may result in a changed UI and incompatibility with third-party software. However, users can revert to their original macOS version by selecting "Off" in Beta Updates.

Switching between macOS versions can lead to data loss, especially when using an unofficial version. To avoid this, it's recommended to install an all-in-one data recovery software, such as Deep Data Recovery for Mac, to back up your data before updating to macOS Sonoma, making it easier to recover lost data.

Back Up Your Mac and Never Lose Data

You can back up and restore your MacBook/iMac without using Time Machine, iCloud, or external hard drives. Instead, you can use the built-in Recovery Mode on your Mac to create a bootable backup on a USB drive.

Download for Mac
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EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard supports data recovery of various file types under numerous situations, including recovering deleted files on macOS Sonoma.

Conclusion

macOS 14 Sonoma, revealed on June 5, 2023, is named after Sonoma, a principal city in California's Wine Country. The beta period, which will last three to four months, will precede the official release of macOS Sonoma to the general public.

MacOS Sonoma introduces significant changes to desktop widgets, lock screen, and screen-sharing features, along with updates to Safari and Messages, and the addition of a game mode.

macOS 14 Sonoma FAQs

Here are some questions people also ask when they search for macOS 14 Sonoma. You can read these questions to learn more about macOS 14.

1. When will the macOS Sonoma be released?

macOS Sonoma, the latest operating system from Apple, was announced at the WWDC 2023 conference in June. Following the typical release schedule, the final version of Sonoma is expected to be available to the public in October, about 3-4 months after its initial unveiling.

2. What Macs will get macOS 14?

Here are the compatible Mac models of macOS 14 Sonoma:

MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
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

3. Will Apple chips be better than Intel?

Apple's silicon Macs have matched or surpassed Intel Macs in terms of speed, while offering significantly improved battery life and reduced power consumption.

In 2023, Apple will start to reduce software support for Intel-based Macs, as the company continues to phase out these devices in favor of its Apple Silicon Macs.

4. Will macOS Sonoma perform better in gaming?

The game mode on macOS Sonoma enhances gaming performance by prioritizing tasks and allocating more GPU and CPU resources to games, resulting in better gaming experience.