These Are the Best Features of macOS Sonoma


These subtle improvements will have a significant impact on Mac users. The most recent edition of macOS is readily accessible, presenting numerous inconspicuous alterations to the operating system that might pass unnoticed if one isn't aware of where to find them. It should come as no surprise that Apple has chosen to err on the side of caution once again by providing what may appear to be minor updates to their already stable operating system. Despite their seemingly insignificant nature, the changes in macOS Sonoma are actually quite substantial, resulting in one of the most refined versions of macOS that I have encountered thus far.


Finally, widgets worth using

macOS Sonoma has finally addressed the persistent widget problem that has been affecting both Apple and Microsoft computers for several years. No longer will users need to open Notification Center in order to access essential information like weather updates, battery details for connected Apple devices, and more. Thanks to the introduction of meticulously crafted widgets, all of this data can now be conveniently viewed directly on the desktop.

These widgets closely resemble those found in iOS 17. To begin utilizing them, simply right-click (or double-click) on the desktop, select Add Widgets, and choose the desired ones. The initial widget that is added will determine the arrangement of subsequent widgets, which happens to be the single aspect that I personally find less favorable. Additionally, it is important to note that the quality of the widget can vary depending on the specific application being used.

Ultimately, these widgets offer a user-friendly method of keeping track of significant information right on the desktop of your Mac. Furthermore, the ability to tap on the desktop and clear all windows enhances the experience, providing a neat way to swiftly check in on various matters before resuming work. Although it may be possible to clutter the relatively smaller display of the 13-inch MacBook Air, the 15-inch MacBook Air provides ample space for setting up multiple widgets without impeding any other functionalities.



Web apps, passkey sharing, and more Safari goodies

But the desktop is not the only aspect that Apple has given a subtle makeover. The company has also taken the initiative to renovate its approach to handling passwords and passkeys, as well as how websites function on the Mac.

Although Apple initially introduced support for passkeys in its software updates last year, the company is now placing more emphasis on them with the latest updates. Passkeys offer a simplified and highly secure method of logging in, and now you can easily share them with other users on both macOS Sonoma and iOS 17.

Another feature that Apple has introduced is the ability to create different profiles within Safari, a functionality that has long been present in other browsers like Chrome and Edge. These profiles allow you to separate your various browsing habits, enabling you to keep work-related browsing confined to one profile while reserving another for personal use. This feature enhances work-life balance on your Mac, and personally, I have already found it invaluable. Whenever I need a break from writing, I simply switch to my personal profile, and vice versa.

Moreover, Apple has made significant enhancements to private browsing in macOS Sonoma. Now, when you engage private browsing, your windows are automatically locked when not in use, requiring a password or Touch ID to unlock them. In addition, Safari effectively blocks internet trackers from loading and even eliminates tracking mechanisms that could identify you through URLs.

Perhaps the most notable update in web browsing on Sonoma is the introduction of web apps, which allows you to transform any website into an app complete with its own icon in the Dock. Web apps provide quicker access to your favorite and frequently visited websites while helping to maintain a sleeker toolbar. This, in turn, facilitates easier browsing without the need to sift through a multitude of bookmarks.



Video conferencing, messages, and gaming

With macOS Sonoma, Apple introduces new video conferencing features, such as the Presenter Overlay. This feature enables you to stay front and center during FaceTime and third-party conferencing apps. It should be noted, however, that this feature specifically requires a Mac with Apple silicon.

Furthermore, FaceTime now supports hand gestures that trigger 3D effects like balloons, confetti, hearts, and other icons. This capability is available on Macs with Apple silicon and can be seamlessly integrated with the iPhone's Continuity Camera. Although it may seem like a whimsical feature, it adds an element of fun to video calls.

In the realm of messaging, Apple has made improvements to search functionality. Users can now easily search for specific people, keywords, and content types within their messages. Additionally, the ability to swipe and reply to iMessage bubbles, a feature already present in iOS 17, has been incorporated in macOS. Live Stickers also synchronize across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, granting you access to your entire library of Live Stickers, regardless of the device you are using.

Apple has also introduced a Gaming Mode for Apple silicon Macs. This mode prioritizes games and allocates the highest resources to the GPU and CPU, resulting in more consistent frame rates and reduced latency. I tested this mode with Baldur's Gate 3, one of the year's most notable games, and found that it significantly enhanced the overall gaming experience. While the M2 chip in the 15-inch MacBook Air already performs admirably, I observed a noticeable improvement when utilizing the Gaming Mode to test this new feature. Nonetheless, I still recommend gaming on PCs or consoles, as Mac support is not as comprehensive as some may desire.



Tons of other small improvements

And that's how macOS Sonoma evolves, enhancing the elements introduced by Apple in macOS Ventura and Big Sur. The additions made in this iteration may not be revolutionary, but they don't necessarily have to be.

Nonetheless, it remains a robust update, and although it may not hold the transformative power that Big Sur had upon its initial release, it brings forth numerous subtle changes that contribute to the overall refinement and seamlessness of macOS. Included in this polish are new dynamic wallpapers and screensavers depicting breathtaking landscapes from around the world. These visuals truly shine when you power on your Mac and log in. Expanding on this, Apple has also revamped the login screen, now showcasing a more expansive view of your selected wallpaper while conveniently displaying icons and usernames at the bottom of the screen. All in all, macOS Sonoma represents a valuable update for the Mac ecosystem.