The official version of macOS Sonoma was released on September 27, Beijing time, bringing a series of rich new features to Mac: optimized widgets, upgraded video conferencing, immersive gaming experience, etc. Is the latest macOS 14 worth updating? Here I will share it based on my one-month trial experience of the beta version.
I am using a MacBook air with an M1 chip. It is relatively stable after the update. Functionally, it should optimize the smoothness and switching experience of AirPods, but the battery life has dropped.
macOS Sonoma new feature highlights
Brand new lock screen saver
Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner, then click on the lock screen to see the new dynamic wallpaper, which is very high-definition. You can also upload a high-definition video as the lock screen wallpaper.
Desktop widgets
Various small components are very convenient to use. After the user opens the window, the widget fades into the background. In addition, Mac and iPhone can access widgets from iPhone if they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Video conferencing improvements
macOS Sonoma brings improvements to video conferencing. For example, Speaker Overlays are a new set of video effects that place users on top of shared content, allowing users to reveal themselves in front of the content they are sharing. Video conferencing calls have become more interactive, all thanks to the neural network engine built into Apple chips. The feature also boasts AR effects and reactions, allowing users to express their feelings during video sessions. Additionally, the screen sharing feature has been improved. Apple promises to support these features across all conferencing apps.
Safari browser improvements
macOS Sonoma also brings a series of common improvements to Safari. For example, there is an update for private browsing. It increases protection against trackers and people who might gain access to your device.
Safari's User Scenes feature groups browsing into topics, such as "Work" and "Personal." Users can set up different profiles for personal use and work purposes. There is also a new way to create web applications that work like normal applications. It allows users to reach their favorite websites faster.
Introduction of game and improved game modes
macOS Sonoma also introduces Game Mode, giving gamers valuable millisecond performance benefits. Game Mode delivers an optimized gaming experience with smoother, more consistent frame rates by ensuring gaming tasks receive the highest priority on both the CPU and graphics processor. Game Mode also increases the immersion of the Mac gaming experience, doubling the Bluetooth sampling rate to significantly reduce audio latency on AirPods and significantly reducing input lag on popular gamepads like Xbox and PlayStation. Game Mode works with all games, including all recent and upcoming Mac games.
According to my one-month trial experience of the beta version, macOS14 is worth updating. If the computer version is suitable, it is recommended to update to the latest system.
Compatible with macOS Sonoma models
2019 and later iMac models
2019 and subsequent Mac Pro models
2017 and later iMac Pro models
Mac Studio in 2022 and beyond
2018 and later MacBook Air models
2018 and later Mac mini models
2018 and later MacBook Pro models
Installation download
macOS 14 Sonoma official version pkg installation package
Kind tips
Before upgrading your system, be sure to back up, back up, back up