How to download macOS Sonoma
Among the many exciting new features of Apple’s Download macOS Sonoma (also known as macOS 14) are game mode, desktop widgets, and a new presenter mode for video conversations. Is it ready for your Mac? If so, you should download it right now to benefit from all the updated features and security improvements. Here’s how to Download macOS 14 when you’re ready, but make sure you back up your most important data first.
macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Make sure your Mac is compatible with macOS Sonoma before downloading it. Apple revealed the Macs that are compatible with the new macOS version along with its announcement. Among them are:
- MacBook Air from 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro from 2018 or later
- Mac Mini from 2018 or later
- Mac Pro from 2019 or later
- iMac from 2019 or later
- iMac Pro from 2017 or later
- Mac Studio from 2022 or later
Unfortunately, macOS 13 Ventura is the final version of macOS that you can Download macOS if your MacBook or Mac is older than these models. Here’s how to update your Mac if you haven’t already updated to that version.
Download macOS Sonoma
Following several months in public beta testing, Apple has now made macOS Sonoma fully available. It’s really simple and free to download and install; we’ll lead you through every step below. Because this is a significant operating system update, make sure you back up your Mac before Download macOS. In the event that something goes wrong during the installation process, that can help salvage the situation.
Now that we have cleared all of that up, let’s look at how to Download macOS and set up macOS Sonoma.
Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the menu bar, select System Settings, or click the cog symbol in the Dock of your Mac to launch the System Settings app.
Step 2: Select General > Software Update under System Settings. Allow the program to look for updates for a few moments. You ought to get a notification to download the software update if your Mac can run macOS Sonoma. Select “Upgrade Now.”
Step 3: The installation of macOS Sonoma will now begin on your Mac. You’ll be asked to restart your Mac when it’s ready. If so, select Restart Now.
Step 4: As macOS Sonoma installs, your Mac may need to restart multiple times. This is normal; simply give it time to work through, which may include several steps.
Step 5: Your Mac will load onto your login screen after the installation is complete. Congratulations! You may now experience all of macOS Sonoma’s new features after installing it successfully.
macOS Sonoma New Features
The lack of many significant new features in macOS Sonoma, in contrast to some previous releases, is likely because of the technical work needed to create visionOS for the new Vision Pro headset. There are, nevertheless, many excellent reasons to upgrade.
The improved screen saver system in macOS Sonoma is one of the cutest new features. When turned on, Apple’s collection of video backgrounds and screen savers blends together seamlessly. A video screen saver starts and smoothly transitions from your desktop image to the screen saver, showing the camera floating above the surface of the water or through the air. Once the screen saver has concluded, it returns to your wallpaper, which is now based on its previous location.
Furthermore, interactive widgets can now be positioned on the desktop in macOS Sonoma rather than being hidden inside the Notification Center. If you have widgets on your iPhone or iPad, you can even utilize them for apps that aren’t installed on your Mac.
Additionally, Apple modified video calls in macOS Sonoma. You may make a number of hand gestures on FaceTime, including the thumbs-up or peace sign, and the app will initiate various backdrop effects, such as balloons floating in midair and fireworks. With toggles for the Center Stage field of vision, Portrait mode strength, and other features, you also have additional control over the Continuity Camera.
From Game Mode to passkey sharing, macOS offers a ton of additional features. Check out our hands-on review to see what else Apple has included.
Are you curious about what your new setup can accomplish? Here are a few of the greatest macOS Sonoma features that you may test out.