Have you recently noticed that your Mac is running slower than usual? Have you tried to download an app but encountered compatibility issues? Are you missing a feature that Apple recently announced? The solution to all your problems is simple: you need macOS Sonoma. Although macOS 14 was released in September 2023 (Apple has since launched its successor, macOS Sequoia), there are still compelling reasons to upgrade.
Before we start:
Preparing your Mac for an upgrade is just as important–if not more so–than the updating process itself. We recommend using a cleanup tool like MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup. macOS updates typically require a significant amount of space, so this program can help you remove temporary and junk files that occupy valuable disk space.
Follow our instructions to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup on your Mac:
Select the folders you want to scan by checking the relevant checkboxes.
Click Clean Junk Files.
Wait until the cleaning is complete.
In this article you will find the following:
Our team has prepared the ultimate guide to macOS 14. Below, we explain the reasons why you should upgrade to Sonoma and the potential risks or drawbacks you should be aware of first. You may also find our comparison of Sonoma vs Ventura helpful.
System requirements and hardware demands to macOS 14
Like all operating systems, macOS Sonoma isn’t compatible with every Mac. Here, we break down the minimum requirements to help you determine if your Apple computer can run macOS 14:
Software currently installed
macOS Ventura (version 13)
Processor
Intel Core i5 Dual-Core and later, or Apple M1 and later
A redesigned Lock Screen that now displays the date and time, similar to iOS.
Revamped widgets that can be customized and placed on the desktop.
An enhanced Messages app, featuring more accurate filters and the option to quickly jump to the first unread message.
Improved video conferencing features, including Presenter Overlay, Portrait mode, and Studio Light.
The ability to quickly hide apps with a single click on the desktop.
New Safari features such as individual profiles, private browsing windows that lock automatically, and a shortcut to a website that can be pinned to the Dock.
Why is an update to macOS Sonoma important for Mac
You should update to Sonoma to enhance your Mac’s performance and address potential bugs and security issues. Additionally, we advise macOS users to upgrade to have access to the latest Apple features.
Key benefits of upgrading to macOS 14
If you’re wondering whether you should download macOS Sonoma, here we explain the main reasons to upgrade to macOS 14:
New interface enhancements
Improved productivity and efficiency
Security and privacy updates
1. New interface enhancements
macOS updates consistently introduce exciting new features, and with macOS 14, we particularly appreciate the interface improvements. This version offers enhanced freedom for managing widgets, along with a redesigned lock screen and startup screen. The app icons and the Spotlight search bar now have a more rounded appearance. Additionally, Apple has introduced new slow-motion screensavers, smoother animations in certain areas, and a text cursor that we think resembles the one in iOS.
2. Improved productivity and efficiency
Moreover, macOS Sonoma enhances some of the most frequently used apps. For instance, our experience with Safari has improved. Users can now have multiple browsing profiles, share passwords, and add websites to the Dock. The Messages app has also changed. We particularly like that search filters are now more precise and that it’s easier to jump to the top of unread messages. Finally, Apple has made refinements to video-conferencing apps as well.
3. Security and privacy updates
Since its initial launch in September 2023, Apple has been rolling out small updates focused on enhancing security and privacy. This is part of the standard practice in the macOS update cycle, even after the release of a major version. The current version of macOS Sonoma is 14.7. We commend Apple for addressing issues related to apps that could access user-sensitive data and fixing a problem caused by a maliciously crafted file that affected system functionality.
A note from our experts:
If you’re upgrading your computer to macOS Sonoma, we recommend cleaning up your system beforehand to ensure a smooth installation process. Removing temporary and junk files will also help free up space. Remember: you need at least 25 GB of free space on your Mac. To assist with this, we suggest installing MacKeeper, which includes the useful and effective Safe Cleanup tool.
Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup:
Launch the MacKeeper application on your Mac/MacBook.
From the Cleaning selection, choose the Safe Cleanup option.
To start, hit Start Scan.
Next, check the folders you want MacKeeper to scan.
Click Clean Junk Files.
Wait a few minutes until the cleaning process is finished.
Step 1. Launching Safe Cleanup and hitting the Start Scan buttonStep 2. Waiting for the scanning to be completeStep 3. Choosing the folders to be cleanedStep 4. Hitting the Clean Junk Files buttonStep 5. Confirming you want to delete the selected junk files
Possible drawbacks of upgrading to macOS Sonoma
Before installing macOS Sonoma, we suggest you consider some potential drawbacks. These include the possibility of app incompatibility as well as system glitches that can occur with software updates. In addition, if you have an older Mac, you might not have access to all the new features of macOS 14.
Software incompatibility risks with macOS Sonoma
If you decide to install macOS Sonoma, we advise you to keep the following potential risks in mind:
Outdated software: Although this is more common soon after the release of a new operating system, some software you rely on may temporarily not be compatible with Sonoma.
Incompatible apps: You may find that your favorite app has become incompatible with macOS 14. As a result, you’ll no longer be able to access it.
Removed features: With Sonoma, macOS no longer supports certain features, like legacy Mail plug-ins. Meanwhile, System API support for converting PostScript and Encapsulated PostScript files to PDF has also been removed.
Unsupported hardware. Even if your Mac is listed as compatible with macOS 14, its components may not support all the latest features.
System glitches. As with any software update, there’s always a risk of experiencing bugs or issues during the installation process.
Our answer to this question is simple: macOS Sonoma is good. Upgrading to a new version of macOS is always a smart move, especially since updates include improvements to security and privacy. Additionally, you gain access to the latest features of the operating system. In the case of macOS Sonoma, we believe there are some particularly interesting new features.
If our reasons for upgrading to macOS 14 have convinced you, check out how to update Mac.
Before you upgrade, make sure to back up your Mac just in case. We also recommend performing a thorough cleanup of your computer using MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup. This will help eliminate unnecessary files that take up precious space and prevent potential issues during the macOS Sonoma upgrade process.
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