Apple releases Public Beta of macOS 14 Sonoma: Features, compatibility and updates explained

Apple has launched a public beta of macOS 14 Sonoma, available to all those who have registered for Apple's public beta software program with their Apple ID. Due to potential bugs in the beta version, users are advised to install with caution and may choose to wait for the final release.

macOS 14 Sonoma is compatible with certain devices from 2017 onwards (iMac:2019, Mac Pro:2019, iMac Pro:2017, Mac Studio:2022, MacBook Air:2018, Mac mini:2018, MacBook Pro:2018, and later), and shares features with iOS 17, including the addition of desktop widgets. These can be dragged and dropped onto the desktop, and can move files aside when dragged over them. If an iPhone is connected, its widgets can also be transferred to the desktop.

The new version of macOS also includes updates focused on video conferencing, such as webcam hardware enhancements and features like Continuity Camera. Animated reactions can be used across various teleconferencing apps, and the Presenter Overlay feature allows users to change their presentation into a background or display their head as a bubble inset. It is also worth mentioning the support for Passkeys that we discussed recently. Safari introduces Profiles, which allows users to categorize various elements and save "web apps" to the Dock. Updates to Messages include multiple search filters, swipe to replay, location sharing via Apple Maps, and improved autocorrect. The final release of macOS 14 Sonoma is expected later this year, around September/October. If you want to take a deeper look at what Sonoma brings, you can refer back to what we mentioned a little over a month ago.