The most recent version of macOS, known as macOS 14, or Sonoma (named after a wine region in California), is currently accessible. Changes to the widgets, a new Game Mode, and the ease with which web pages can be converted into web apps. Additionally, entertaining additions to video conferencing software are just a few of the new features that Sonoma offers to Mac users. Continue reading to learn about all the new features and upcoming enhancements for 2024.
The release of a new operating system is always an exciting event for technology enthusiasts, and this year‘s announcement of macOS 14 (Sonoma) from Apple has been no exception. With its anticipated release date of June 5, 2023, Sonoma is set to offer a host of new features and enhancements for Mac users. From interactive widgets to improved video conferencing and even a dedicated Game Mode, this macOS update promises to elevate the user experience to new heights. In this article, we will delve into the details of what users can expect from macOS 14, including its compatibility, release date, and the exciting new features it brings to the table.
Table of Contents
macOS 14 Sonoma: Latest version
On Tuesday, September 26, the public was able to download macOS 14 in its entirety. This is the earliest macOS release date since 2018. It was macOS 14.0 at the time. macOS Sonoma 14.4, the most recent version, includes bug and security fixes, updates to the Podcast app, an icons-only option for the Safari Favorite Bar, and a new emoji. On March 7, it was made available. February 8, macOS 14.3.1 was released, which resolved an issue where “text may unexpectedly duplicate or overlap while typing.”
On January 22, macOS Sonoma 14.3 was released along with Collaborative Playlists for Apple Music. A patch for a zero-day vulnerability that might have been used in the wild is also included. On December 11, macOS Sonoma 14.2 and several app updates, Enhanced AutoFill, and Contact Key Verification were released. The updates are explained in more detail below.
Arriving on November 30, macOS Sonoma 14.1.2 addressed two exploited zero-day WebKit vulnerabilities, which were also patched in iOS and iPadOS with version 17.1.2. To fix the same exploits, Apple also released Safari 17.1.2 for Ventura and older. Before this, on November 7, macOS Sonoma 14.1.1 was released. It is advised for all users and comes with security updates and bug fixes. Before that, on October 25, macOS Sonoma 14.1 was made available. Over the next few months, there will be a ton of updates; these will include major releases that add some of the Sonoma features that weren’t available at launch, as well as minor point releases for security and bug fixes.
macOS 14 Sonoma beta: Latest version and release date
Apple is still working on adding new features to macOS Sonoma, despite its release. The public and developer beta are regularly updated by the company. With the release of macOS 14.4, Apple will begin developing macOS 14.5 now.
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On January 29, developers received access to the first beta of macOS 14.4, which was delivered on March 7, nearly six weeks later. If the development of macOS 14.5 follows a similar timeline, the release date of April 15 seems likely. It might take a little longer, though, as macOS 14.4 arrived a little sooner than previous iterations, which typically take six weeks.
macOS 14 Sonoma: New features
After a thorough review, we’re currently going through all of the new features that macOS 14 Sonoma. For additional how-tos, guides, and updates on all the greatest macOS 14 Sonoma features stay tuned and have a look at our home page. Here are some you can use immediately in the interim.
macOS Sonoma: Interactive widgets
It’s Mac’s turn now that Apple has been busy giving iPhones and iPads widget functionality in recent years. Widgets are now more easily accessible and readable. You can add them to both the desktop and the Notification Center for the first time.
To view what’s available, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Edit Widgets. Using the options on the left, you can sort the widget selection by app. Click the green + (plus) icon or drag a widget to the desktop to add it to the list. Additionally, you can add widgets to your desktop by simply dragging them from the Notification Center.
You can drag your widgets to reorganize and rearrange them once they’re in place. Lastly, you can modify an applet’s details or uninstall it entirely using the right-click menu to access its settings.
New screensavers
To celebrate the release of macOS 14 Sonoma, Apple has created a stunning collection of new slow-motion screensavers. It features everything from rolling Hawaiian landscapes and Yosemite National Park views to underwater jellyfish and whale swimming.
To view them, open the Apple menu and select Screen Saver. You can also set an accompanying still image as your desktop wallpaper when you select a screensaver using the toggle switch at the top.
macOS Sonoma: New video conferencing features
In addition to widgets, your Mac’s video conferencing experience will soon include some awesome new features. There are some incredibly appealing ways to present content, all made possible by Apple Silicon’s Neural Engine. With two different ways to use it, presenter overlay offers new ways to appear next to video presentations and keynote addresses.
The first is a tiny overlay that covers your content and places you inside a tiny bubble. The second displays your content on a screen that appears to be behind you in your room, much like a projection screen would. These are gorgeous and will liven up your business presentations or even your family trivia.
Additionally, new gestures have been added to video conferences that allow for some interesting in-video reactions. For instance, if you give the thumbs up, fireworks will burst out behind you. Additionally, screen sharing has been enhanced. Users can now share an app during a call by clicking the small green button located in the upper-left corner of the app. The click enables “easy content sharing from their currently open windows.”
macOS Sonoma: Safari
WWDC disclosed some extremely helpful Safari updates as well. With “even greater protection during browsing both from trackers and from people who might have access to the user’s device,” private browsing has been examined. You can leave those windows open even when you’re not using your Mac because they now lock when a user isn’t using them.
Additionally, profiles are new and make it easy and simple to keep your personal life and world apart. It allows you to work when needed and unwind when desired by separating two sets of cookies and browsing history. The last addition to the Safari lineup was Web apps, which businesses don’t have to create themselves. The page will operate in a separate window, just like an app, if you add a web application from Safari.
macOS Sonoma: Game Mode
Considering that the new Game Mode was released, it appears that Apple is now paying a little more attention to Mac gaming. To improve game performance, this mode will limit other apps’ access to the CPU’s and GPU’s systems. In addition, it will reduce input latency from Xbox and PlayStation controllers as well as audio latency from AirPods, allowing you to play without worrying that your inputs will be lost due to a spotty Bluetooth connection.
macOS Sonoma: New screen savers and wallpapers
The new screensavers in macOS Sonoma feature some really lovely animations that fade in and out when your Mac is unlocked, blending in perfectly with the new desktop backgrounds. Along with scenes from the movie Sonoma, there are also scenes from the Hong Kong Skyline, Monument Valley, and other places.
Dock web apps
Many of the daily apps we use, like Instagram, Slack, and Gmail, operate in a browser. These web apps can be pinned to the dock on macOS 14 Sonoma. Here they can be opened just like any other desktop application. All you have to do is launch a web application in Safari, choose File > Add to Dock, and give the shortcut a name. The web application will not only show up on the dock but also in Launchpad and be searchable by Spotlight.
macOS Sonoma compatibility list:
The latest macOS update, macOS Sonoma, has been released, and many Mac users are curious about its compatibility. The good news is that most Macs released in the past five years will be able to run macOS 14 smoothly. This includes MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Pros. However, some older models may not be able to support all of the new features and updates. Check the compatibility list below to know if you can install macOS Sonoma or not.
Macs that run macOS Sonoma 14:
- iMac from 2019 and later
- Mac Pro from 2019 and later
- iMac Pro from 2017
- Mac Studio from 2022 and later
- MacBook Air from 2018 and later
- Mac Mini from 2018 and later
- MacBook Pro from 2018 and later
By releasing macOS Ventura, these Macs can run it:
- MacBook models from 2017 or later
- MacBook Air models from 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro models from 2017 or later
- Mac mini models from 2018 or later
- iMac models from 2017 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro models from 2019 or later
- Mac Studio (all models)
While a Mac may be able to run macOS 14, some of the new features may not work on it. Not all new features will work on Macs with Intel processors; some may require Apple chips.
FAQ
1. Latest OS operating system for Mac users?
macOS 14, also known as Sonoma, is the new operating system update for Mac models. It is set to be released on June 5, 2023.
2. What are some of the new features in macOS 14?
Some exciting new features of macOS 14 include interactive widgets, improved video conferencing, Safari enhancements, a game mode, and new screensavers and wallpapers.
3. How will widgets differ in macOS 14 compared to previous versions?
Widgets will now have more interactive capabilities and can be accessed directly from the desktop. They will also blend in with the Mac’s background and cause less distraction in use.
4. Will macOS 14 have any enhancements for gaming?
Yes, macOS 14 will introduce a game mode. Game mode will prioritize system resources for a smoother gaming experience. It will also reduce latency for controllers and audio devices, making gaming on the Mac even better.
Conclusion
In conclusion, macOS 14 (Sonoma) is shaping up to be a highly anticipated and exciting release for Mac users. With a wide range of new features and improvements, including interactive widgets, enhanced video conferencing capabilities, and a new Game Mode, Sonoma promises to take the Mac user experience to new heights. Its anticipated release date of June 5, 2023, has Mac enthusiasts eagerly counting down the days until they can experience all that macOS 14 has to offer. From increased compatibility to a sleek new interface, Sonoma is set to become a fan favorite among Apple’s operating systems. Stay tuned for more updates and features as the beta testing period continues.