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    macOS Sonoma: Launch Date, New Features, and What to Expect

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    Apple’s newest Mac operating system, macOS Sonoma, is set for release on September 26th. This free annual update for Macs brings some helpful new capabilities and design changes.

    In this blog post, we’ll cover macOS Sonoma’s launch timing, highlight the major new features you can expect, discuss compatibility, and more.

    Launch Date

    Apple previously announced macOS Sonoma will launch on Monday, September 26th. The software update will likely be available to download around 10AM Pacific Time or 1PM Eastern Time.

    Once released, you’ll be able to update to macOS Sonoma for free by going to System Settings > General > Software Update. As with any major OS release, it’s wise to wait a few days to update to give Apple a chance to fix any unforeseen bugs.

    Major New Features

    What exciting changes does macOS Sonoma have in store for Mac users? Here are some of the most noteworthy additions:

    Desktop Widgets – Just like on iPhone, you can now place interactive widgets anywhere on your Mac desktop. This includes using widgets from your iPhone apps automatically.

    Game Mode – Your Mac will temporarily optimize performance for gaming by prioritizing CPU and GPU resources. This should provide smoother frame rates and lower latency.

    Web Apps in Dock – You can add any website to your Dock as a simplified web app for quick access and push notifications.

    New Screen Savers – Apple added beautiful aerial screen savers showcasing locations worldwide that transition into matching wallpapers.

    Safari Profiles – Keep your browsing separate for personal, work, or other uses with individual profiles having distinct preferences and data.

    Those are just a few of the changes coming in macOS Sonoma. Apple is also touting updates like Presenter Overlay for video calls, password sharing, Live Stickers in Messages, and more.

    Improved Mac Gaming

    Gaming on Mac gets a nice boost in macOS Sonoma thanks to the new Game Mode. By temporarily focusing your Mac’s processing power on the game, it should provide a smoother, more consistent experience.

    Lower latency when using Bluetooth game controllers and AirPods for gaming is also a welcome improvement. Game Mode will automatically kick in when you launch a game on compatible Macs.

    Customizable Desktop

    Between desktop widgets and the new aerial screen savers, you have more options than ever to customize the look and feel of your Mac with macOS Sonoma.

    Widgets adapted from your favorite iPhone apps can now live right on your desktop for at-a-glance info. And the scenic new screensavers are sure to add some eye candy when your Mac is idle.

    Multitasking and Workflow

    Several changes in macOS Sonoma help streamline your workflow. Safari’s new tab groups should make it easier to organize your browsing.

    Web apps are a clever addition – they provide quick access to websites right from your Dock as simplified apps. Safari’s profiles allow you to separate work and personal browsing into totally distinct sessions.

    And Presenter Overlay will keep you front and center when sharing your screen during video calls instead of being displaced by the content. Combined, these updates allow you to multitask and navigate your Mac more efficiently.

    Compatibility

    macOS Sonoma will be compatible with most Macs from the past 5 years, including:

    • MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
    • MacBook Air: 2018 and later
    • iMac: 2019 and later
    • iMac Pro: 2017 and later
    • Mac Pro: 2019 and later
    • Mac Studio: 2022 and later
    • Mac Mini: 2018 and later

    So if you have a Mac model from 2017-2018 or newer, you should be able to upgrade to macOS Sonoma. Some older Macs will not be supported.

    As always, it’s a good idea to check your important apps for compatibility before updating. Developers don’t always release updates for new operating systems immediately.

    First Impressions

    macOS Sonoma appears to be more of an incremental update compared to past major revisions. You won’t see massive changes rethinking how you interact with your Mac.

    But features like desktop widgets, Game Mode, Web Apps, and Safari Profiles provide some great new capabilities to boost productivity and enjoyment.

    The new aerial screensavers are also just plain cool. And various minor enhancements to apps like Messages, Reminders, and Photos add up to a solid overall update.

    For many though, the most exciting aspect of macOS Sonoma may simply be compatibility with new Macs expected to launch later this year or in 2024. Running the latest OS will ensure you can make the most of that new hardware when the time comes.

    Look for macOS Sonoma to roll out on September 26th. Let us know what new features you’re most excited to try out! And if you spot any issues with the initial release, we may push an upgrade by a week or two to let Apple iron out bugs.

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