Apple previewed the next version of macOS at WWDC 2023. macOS Sonoma brings iOS and macOS closer with the ability have interactive widgets on the Mac desktop that stay in synch with their iOS versions via Continuity. But that’s just one of a bunch of new features and enhancements.
There are literally dozens of new features and changes coming. Here are the ones I think are most interesting. One things that stands out to me is that macOS is becoming more like a productivity engine than ever before. Many of the new features bring business or enterprise-like capability to macOS.
New features and enhancements coming in macOS Sonoma
Presenter Overlay: With so many of us working from home, the need to deliver great presentations remotely is important. Presenter Overlay is a new video effect that displays the presenter on top of the content they are sharing. Users can share Reactions and the new Screen Sharing picker makes it easier to work out what content you’ll actually be sharing.
Interactive widgets: Widgets have had a mixed history on macOS. But you’ll be able to place widgets on the desktop and conveniently access the widget gallery to find the ones they know and love. Continuity gives access to the vast ecosystem of iPhone widgets on their Mac. And widgets become interactive, allowing users to check off reminders, play or pause media, access home controls, and perform various tasks from their Mac, all directly from the desktop.
PDF handling: Notes now displays PDFs and document scans in full width, and with linked notes, users can quickly connect related notes like recipes or homework. And enhanced PDF functionality allows for quick form-filling with AutoFill, and smart recipient recommendations.
Safari boosts: Safari gets a significant update to Private Browsing, which provides even greater protection during browsing both from trackers and from people who might have access to the user’s device. You can also have separate work and personal profiles so your browsing activity can be separated. Safari also enables the creation of web apps that behave like normal apps, putting users’ favourite sites at their fingertips and providing a simplified toolbar for an app-like experience.
There are some nice visual enhancements like new screen savers, boosted graphics performance for games and the ability to safely share passwords.
When can you get macOS Sonoma?
The developer beta of macOS Sonoma is available through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com from today.
A public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com.
The final release will be available as a free software update this spring.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.