Apple's Mac OS Sonoma is now available for download. It brings various visual and functionality features borrowed heavily from iOS and iPadOS, a reversal of how things were a decade ago when iPhones basically ran lite versions of Mac OS apps. The result is a refreshing and colorful OS with a lot of nuance and new functionality geared not just for creatives but also for more serious business users invested in the Apple ecosystem. The latest version of Apple's Mac OS Sonoma is available for the following devices:
- iMac (2019 or later)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- MacBook Air (2018 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2018 or later)
- Mac Mini (2018 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
- Mac Studio (all models)
The first thing you'll notice upon installing macOS Sonoma is the reimagined Lock Screen, akin to the familiar look on iPhones and iPads. It not only showcases a new aesthetic but provides a well-crafted option for switching between users.
Widgets: Beyond Just Eye Candy
Widgets get a major facelift. Previously confined to a side strip, they now live in a more accessible drawer-like window. These widgets are not merely decorative; they're interactive. Control smart lights, for instance, directly from the widget—no need to open another app.
Safari: More Than a Browser
In Sonoma, Safari evolves into a more integrated tool. It introduces "Profiles," allowing seamless shifts between professional and personal browsing modes. Moreover, it auto-locks private windows after a period of inactivity, bolstering security.
Privacy and Sharing: Double-Edged Sword
In addition to auto-lock features in Safari, there's also the option to share passwords securely. This feature uses the same principle as collaboration in Apple's Pages.
Productivity: Predictive Text 2.0
MacOS Sonoma boosts productivity with an enhanced predictive text service. It suggests not just words but short phrases, adapting to your writing style over time.
Reminders: Smart and Sorted
The Reminders app may seem basic, but Sonoma adds some horsepower. Items on your shopping list are automatically sorted into categories like "Produce," streamlining your grocery trips.
Summary
macOS Sonoma is not just an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a functional one. The redesign places users first, offering flexibility with widgets and innovative browser profiles in Safari. Enhanced security and predictive text services sharpen its professional edge. Given these features, decision-makers should consider Sonoma not just as an OS update but as a productivity tool for their teams.