Apple rolls out macOS Sonoma: Enhanced widgets, Safari upgrades, and more

After several months of beta testing, it is now available for compatible devices, including the iMac (2019 and later), iMac Pro, Mac mini (2018 and later), MacBook Pro (2018 and later), Mac Pro (2019 and later), and Mac Studio.

One of the major features in macOS Sonoma is the introduction of interactive widgets on the desktop, removing them from the Today view to enhance their accessibility and utility. With Continuity, users can seamlessly view and interact with iPhone widgets directly on their Mac.

The update also includes a collection of Apple TV-like screensavers, showcasing slow-motion videos from various global locations, accompanied by matching desktop wallpapers.

Apple has introduced a Game Mode specifically for Macs powered by Apple silicon chips, optimizing CPU and GPU resources for smoother gaming performance.

Video conferencing experiences are enhanced with the Presenter Overlay effect for content sharing and a high-performance mode for Screen Sharing, ensuring higher frame rates and low-latency audio for content creators on the go.

Safari receives notable improvements, such as locking Private Browsing mode behind Touch ID, introducing Profile support for separating work and personal browsing, and enhancing tracking and fingerprinting protections for user privacy. Users can also save their favorite websites as web apps on the desktop or dock, providing a simplified toolbar for a more app-like experience.

Additionally, macOS Sonoma incorporates several features from iOS 17. The Messages app offers an enhanced stickers experience, converting all emojis into stickers, while the People album can now recognize pets. Visual Lookup extends its capabilities to videos, identifying food and symbols on labels and signs.

Users can now share AirTags with others through Find My, collaborate on iCloud Keychain passwords with friends and family, access inline PDFs in the Notes app, and activate Siri without the need to say "Hey Siri."

The full list of updates can be found in Apple's official macOS Sonoma release notes.