Apple will formally launch macOS Sonoma (model 14) to the general public on Tuesday, September 26. The replace was introduced in June at WWDC 2023 and brings some nice enhancements to the Mac working system, reminiscent of a brand new Lock Display screen, desktop widgets, new results for FaceTime calls, Sport Mode, and extra. For these planning to put in the brand new macOS, learn on as we element how you can put together your Mac for the replace.
What’s new with macOS Sonoma
First, right here’s a fast recap of what’s new with macOS Sonoma. This yr’s replace isn’t an enormous one, but it surely does include some fascinating new options.
Maybe essentially the most notable is the brand new Lock Display screen, which seems to be just like what customers discover on the iPhone and iPad. However that’s not all, as macOS Sonoma comes with over 100 new wallpapers that grow to be screensavers on the Lock Display screen. A few of the new wallpapers come from Apple TV’s Aerial screensavers.
Customers will even be capable to place widgets on the desktop as a substitute of protecting them hidden within the Notification Heart. Apple has additionally made it simpler to cover all home windows and present the desktop with only one click on on the wallpaper. Much like iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, macOS 14 options interactive widgets.
FaceTime customers can now react with their fingers to point out 3D results in actual time throughout a video name. There are additionally new results to point out your picture floating when sharing your display screen with others.
Avid gamers will discover new game-related options in macOS Sonoma, reminiscent of a Sport Mode for higher efficiency and a brand new API for porting Home windows video games to macOS. The Sonoma replace additionally brings among the options of iOS 17, reminiscent of new stickers in iMessage, improved internet app assist, and a greater auto-correct keyboard.
Earlier than you replace your Mac to macOS Sonoma
There are some things it is advisable do earlier than updating your Mac to macOS Sonoma. Initially, it’s necessary to verify compatibility, as the brand new model of the working system will not be appropriate with some older Macs.
These are the Mac computer systems appropriate with macOS Sonoma:
- iMac 2019 and later
- iMac Professional 2017
- Mac Professional 2019 and later
- Mac Studio 2022 and later
- MacBook Air 2018 and later
- MacBook Professional 2018 and later
- Mac mini 2018 and later
You’ll be able to verify which Mac you’ve gotten by clicking on the Apple menu after which About This Mac.
Replace your apps
New variations of macOS sometimes introduce new APIs that allow new functionalities for third-party apps. Nonetheless, to benefit from these options, apps should be up to date. On the identical time, the brand new macOS could break assist for some apps.
That’s why it’s necessary to maintain all of the apps put in in your Mac updated. This ensures that the apps will run completely with macOS Sonoma whereas additionally benefiting from the working system’s new options.
For apps put in through the App Retailer, you’ll be able to replace them manually by opening the App Retailer in your Mac after which clicking on the Updates menu. However, after all, in case you have third-party software program put in through different strategies, it’s price opening every app to verify if a brand new model is offered. By doing this earlier than putting in the brand new macOS, you’ll be able to keep away from compatibility points together with your apps.
Clear up some pointless information
If you happen to’ve owned your Mac for some time, there’s a very good probability it’s filled with previous or pointless recordsdata. And since macOS updates are available giant file sizes, you may want to scrub up your Mac’s inside storage earlier than putting in the replace.
That will help you with this course of, open the System Settings app, click on on the Normal menu, after which select the Storage Settings possibility. macOS will present you what precisely is taking on your Mac’s inside area in an effort to delete some recordsdata or apps that you simply not want.
Again up your Mac
It might sound apparent to some folks, however not everybody backs up their Mac. Typically, the replace course of could not work as anticipated, and you could want to revive your Mac. In such instances, having a backup is extraordinarily necessary. It can save you your most necessary paperwork in iCloud, for instance, in addition to your pictures, notes, and contacts.
You can too use Apple’s Time Machine to make a full backup of your Mac utilizing an exterior storage drive. For extra particulars on how you can use Time Machine, try this text from Apple Assist.
Wrap up
Now that you simply’ve adopted all of the suggestions above, you’ll be able to safely set up macOS Sonoma in your Mac by opening the System Settings app and selecting Software program Replace from the Normal menu.
Tell us within the feedback part under if the replace to macOS Sonoma went easily for you.
