macOS Sonoma: Features, Supported Devices, Release Date & More!


macOS Sonoma: Features, Supported Devices, Release Date & More!Pin

Apple has unveiled the next version of the Mac’s operating system, macOS Sonoma. Here are the best new features and supported devices.


WWDC23, the event where Apple previews its next-generation operating systems, has now passed. During the keynote, Apple showed off a ton of new software including iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and macOS 14.

It’s the last one of those – macOS 14, known by its brand name, macOS Sonoma – that is the operating system that runs on Mac computers, including the company’s MacBook laptops and iMac desktops.

But just what does Apple have in store for macOS Sonoma? Here’s what we know so far…

macOS Sonoma: Name

Unlike iOS and iPadOS, Apple doesn’t brand macOS by its version number. Instead, Apple assigns a version name to macOS in marketing materials. For example, macOS 11 is known as macOS Big Sur, macOS 12 is known as macOS Monterey, and macOS 13 is known as macOS Ventura.

What’s interesting about Apple’s recent macOS naming convention is that all the names are from places in California – the home of Apple.

We now know macOS 14 will be called macOS Sonoma. But if you were interested in what the other potential names could have been, you’re in luck. You see, Apple has trademarked a number of California-related names it has still to use. Vox’s Parker Ortolani has listed these names in a tweet from April (via 9to5Mac). They are:

  • Diablo
  • Condor
  • Tiburon
  • Farallon
  • Miramar
  • Rincon
  • Pacific
  • Redwood
  • Shasta
  • Grizzly
  • Skyline
  • Redtail
  • Sonoma
  • Sequoia
  • Mammoth

We now know that Apple plucked the name Sonoma from the list and that will be what macOS 14 is called. It’s very possible other names from the list will be used for versions of macOS in the future.

macOS Sonoma: Features, Supported Devices, Release Date & More!Pin
Credit: Apple

macOS Sonoma: Features

While Apple is adding some new features to macOS Sonoma, the overall upgrade wont be as significant as in previous years. This is probably actually a good thing as its gives Apple’s developers more time to work on bug fixes and stability improvements.

Here are the best new features coming to macOS Sonoma:

New Screen Savers

Probably the most stunning new feature of macOS Sonoma is its new screen savers. If you’ve seen the screen savers on the Apple TV, you’ve got a good idea of what the news screens avers on macOS Sonoma will look like.

But one cool thing about the new macOS Sonoma screensavers is that when you log into your Mac or wake it from its screensaver state, the slow movtion video screen saver will slowly freeze its image and become your static desktop wallpaper.

Desktop Widgets

Speaking of the desktop, macOS Sonoma is instroducing desktop widgets to the Mac. While you can still access your widgets in the side panel of your macOS desktop, in macOS Sonoma you can now drag a widget to you desktop and place it anywhere you want.

What’s even more cool abotu this is you can set the desktop widgets to automatically become transpaerent when you are wokring in an app window so they do not become a visual deistraction to yout eyes.

And the widgets are interactive, so you can use them to pause music, turn out lights, and more.

Use A Website Like An App

One of the more questionable new feautres is the ability of macOS Sonoma to kind of transform a website into an app. It’s a weird feature and one we’re not sure anyone was asking for.

Here’s how Apple describes it: “Add any website to the Dock as a web app, right from the File menu. Launch a web app to get an app-like experience with a simplified toolbar. Access web apps the way you would any app and receive notifications.”

We’ll have to wait to see how useful a feature this actually is in macOS Sonoma.

Gaming Mode

One new feature that is very welcome is a new gaming mode in macOS Sonoma. When gaming mode is engaged, your Mac gives CPU and GPU priority to the game you are playing, which should help with gaming performance and framerates.

This is a welcome feature because it shows Apple is taking gaming on the platform more seriously. However, do note that Gaming Mode is only available on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Sonoma and not Intel Macs.

In addition to Gamin Mode, Apple also announced the following games are coming to Macs (all games sold seperately):

  • Fort Solis
  • Stray
  • DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT
  • SnowRunner
  • World of Warcraft: Dragonflight
  • HUMANKIND
  • The Medium
  • Resident Evil Village: Winters’ Expansion
  • No Man’s Sky
  • Firmament
  • Disney Dreamlight Valley
  • Dragonheir: Silent Gods
  • ELEX II
  • Layers of Fear

macOS Sonoma: Supported Devices

Currently macOS Ventura (macOS 13) supports the following devices:

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

Here’s a quick guide on what the cheapest MacBook is that you can buy right now.

We now know that Apple is DROPPING support for some of those devices from macOS Sonoma. This isn’t a surprise as the models dropped are Macs with older Intel chipsets. However, some Intel Macs will still be able to run macOS Sonoma (just not all of the features).

Here are the Macs that will run macOS Sonoma (macOS 14):

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

macOS Sonoma: Release Date

Apple has already released the first developer beta of macOS Sonoma to developers. The company is expected to release the first public beta of macOS Sonoma to interested users in July.

Then all users who have supported devices will be able to download macOS Sonoma when it ships to the public later this fall. Based on past years, we should see macOS Sonoma become available in October 2023.

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB