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Apple also announced macOS Sonoma back at WWDC in June, along with updates to iOS, iPad OS and watchOS. But macOS, like usual, took a bit longer to come out. macOS Sonoma is finally available outside of the beta channel today, to all Mac owners.
Apple says that it is compatible 2019 or later iMac models, the iMac Pro, 2018 or later Mac Mini’s, 2018 or later MacBook Pro and 2019 or later Mac Pro and Mac Studio. Basically anything from 2018 and newer is still supported, which is a bit interesting, since that lines up with the iPhone, but Macs usually get support for a longer time.
You can download the update today by heading into System Settings and tapping on Update. It should be about a 4.5GB update, or if you’re already on the beta but not the RC, about 1.45GB in size. Surprisingly, a bit smaller than previous macOS updates, which is honestly great to see.
What’s new in macOS Sonoma?
So what’s new with macOS Sonoma? Well, the big thing is iOS widgets. Yes, you can bring over your widgets from your iPhone or iPad onto your Mac. It’s a pretty interesting way to do things, as you can now control your HomeKit enabled devices from your Mac, instead of having to reach over for your phone. Among other things.
Apple has also brought over the hugely popular Apple TV screensavers to the Mac. So now you get some nice looking, cinematic screensavers when you step away from your computer. There’s also a new Game Mode for Macs with Apple Silicon. This is going to prioritize gams on the CPU and GPU for smoother performance.
Safari also allows you to save any website as a web app. Which can now live in your dock, and you don’t even need to have Safari open for them to work. This is a really nice feature for myself, as I have Twitter (or rather X Pro) saved as a web app, and in my dock.
You can download macOS Sonoma today.