On September 26, 2023, Apple released the stable version of macOS Sonoma, following its initial public beta phase. This new operating system brings a range of exciting features and improvements to compatible Mac computers. In addition to highlighting the list of Macs compatible with macOS Sonoma, let’s delve into some of the noteworthy features that users can look forward to.
Compatible Mac Models with macOS Sonoma
Here is a list of Mac computers, including MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, Mac Pro, Mac Studio, Mac mini, iMacs, and iMac Pro, that are compatible with the stable version of macOS Sonoma:
Compatible MacBook Pros:
- MacBook Pro 13 (2018)
- MacBook Pro 15 (2018)
- MacBook Pro 13 (2019)
- MacBook Pro 15 (2019)
- MacBook Pro 16 (2019)
- MacBook Pro 13 (2020)
- MacBook Pro 13 M1 (2020)
- MacBook Pro 16 M1 Pro/Max (2021)
- MacBook Pro 14 M1 Pro/Max (2021)
- MacBook Pro 13 M2 (2022)
- MacBook Pro 16 M2 Pro/Max (2023)
- MacBook Pro 14 M2 Pro/Max (2023)
Compatible MacBook Airs:
- MacBook Air (2018)
- MacBook Air (2019)
- MacBook Air (2020)
- MacBook Air M1 (2020)
- MacBook Air M2 (2022)
- MacBook Air 15 M2 (2023)
Compatible Mac Pro:
- Mac Pro (2019)
- Mac Pro M2 Ultra (2023)
Compatible Mac Studio:
- Mac Studio M1 Max/Turbo (2022)
- Mac Studio M2 Max/Ultra (2023)
Compatible Mac mini:
- Mac mini (2018)
- Mac mini M1 (2020)
- Mac mini M2/M2 Pro (2023)
Compatible iMacs:
- iMac 21.5 and 27 inches (2019)
- iMac (2020)
- iMac M1 (2021)
Compatible iMac Pro:
- iMac Pro (2017)
New Features in macOS Sonoma
- Lock Screen and Desktop: macOS Sonoma introduces new slow-motion screensavers featuring stunning locations. These screensavers seamlessly transition to your wallpaper upon login. The update also includes new desktop widgets, making your Mac feel more like an iPad or iPhone. Continuity allows you to incorporate widgets directly from your iPhone to your Mac without installing additional applications.
- FaceTime Enhancements: Screen sharing on FaceTime now allows your camera’s image to appear superimposed, with options to adjust its size and position, ensuring it doesn’t obscure important content. FaceTime also introduces 3D augmented reality effects for reactions, such as hearts, confetti, and fireworks.
- Safari Improvements: Safari lets you add websites as web applications to your Dock, offering notifications and enhanced functionality. Profiles, similar to Chrome, allow you to separate browsing data like history, extensions, tab groups, cookies, and favorites.
- Enhanced Privacy in Safari: Private browsing now blocks loading trackers when windows are inactive and removes tracking from URLs. You can also create and share groups, keeping account passwords up to date for all members.
- Improved Messaging: The Messages app now supports combining search filters for specific messages. Unread conversations are marked with an arrow, making it easy to resume where you left off. Additionally, you can share your location or request your correspondent’s directly within the conversation.
- PDF Autofill: Pages in macOS Sonoma offer an improved autofill feature, utilizing contact information to fill out PDFs and scanned documents efficiently. You can now also add links from one note to another, allowing you to create interconnected notes.
- Enhanced Keyboard Features: Automatic correction is more efficient, with corrected words temporarily displayed, and you can easily revert to the previous version with a single click.
- Gaming Mode: macOS Sonoma introduces a dedicated “Game” mode that optimizes processor and graphics card usage for games while reducing background program resource consumption. This mode also reduces latency for wireless accessories, improving responsiveness, ideal for AirPods or Bluetooth controllers.
These exciting features in macOS Sonoma enhance the user experience and productivity on compatible Macs. Furthermore, the introduction of a dedicated gaming mode signals Apple’s commitment to expanding its presence in the gaming industry, promising exciting developments for gamers on macOS.
