The next major macOS release is here. Dubbed macOS Sonoma, the update packs several usability changes that will help further boost your productivity.
Apple typically drops major new macOS builds in October. But this time, it is releasing macOS Sonoma in September, possibly because it is a minor update.
macOS Sonoma won’t radically change the way you use your Mac. Instead, its features will make you more productive and make your life simpler while in video meetings. You will like the addition of interactive desktop widgets, especially since it is possible to use widgets from iPhone apps without installing the companion app.
Apple is also introducing a new Game Mode in Sonoma that focuses on boosting CPU and GPU performance on Apple silicon Macs for better performance. If you use your Mac heavily for video meetings, a new Presenter Overlay will allow you to share your screen while keeping you in the front and center. The feature works with FaceTime as well as other third-party apps.
Sonoma also brings iCloud Passwords to Google Chrome and other browsers, making the former a better password manager.
Other useful improvements in Sonoma include autofill of one-time verification code in Safari from the Mail app, Visual Look Up for recipes, improved autocorrect, an enhanced Dictation experience, profile support in Safari and more. Check out the best macOS Sonoma features to try after updating your Mac.
How to update your Mac to macOS Sonoma
Updating your Mac to Sonoma is a straightforward process. It is just that installing the update can take a while, so don’t start the process in the middle of a workday.
- Click the Apple logo on the top-left of your Mac’s menu bar.
- Select System settings.
- Select General from the left sidebar, followed by Software update.
- The macOS Sonoma update should show up for download. Click Update Now to start the download and installation process.
There could be a lot of rush initially when macOS Sonoma releases. This could cause a slowdown in download speeds, so you might want to try a few hours after the update drops. Also, note that some macOS Sonoma features won’t arrive on older Intel-based Macs.