Apple has begun the rollout of its latest macOS update, named Sonoma, to compatible Mac computers.
Let’s delve into what all is new on this update.
Enhanced Widgets and Improved Continuity
One notable addition is the enhancement of desktop widgets. These widgets, now more interactive and accessible than before, have found a permanent home on the desktop.
With Continuity, users can also sync their iPhone widgets with their Mac, providing a seamless user experience.
Exciting Video Conferencing Features
Sonoma comes with exciting features to enhance virtual meetings. The Presenter Overlay video effect places users' avatars front and centre during screen sharing, adding a personal touch to presentations.
The new Screen Sharing picker simplifies app sharing during calls, and the Reactions feature adds fun elements such as balloons, confetti, and hearts based on hand gestures.
Messages and Mail Enhancements
Sonoma brings enhancements to both the Messages and Mail apps. In Messages, users can now enjoy a new sticker experience, and all emojis can be used as stickers.
Custom stickers can even be created from Live Photos. Searching through messages is made more efficient with filters, and group chats make it easy to pick up where conversations left off.
In the Mail app, one-time verification codes now autofill in Safari, saving users from constantly switching between apps. The app also prioritises travel-related emails and supports big emojis.
Photos, Music, and Safari Upgrades
The Photos app in Sonoma recognizes pets in the People album and expands Visual Lookup to videos and even food, suggesting related recipes.
AirTags can now be shared through the Find My app, and the Home app's Activity History provides valuable insights.
The Music app will introduce Collaborative playlists, and muting AirPods is made easier with a simple press on the stem. Additionally, switching between devices is now quicker and more seamless.
Apple's Safari web browser also receives significant upgrades in Sonoma. Private Browsing mode now locks behind Touch ID for added privacy.
The search feature is more responsive, providing better suggestions. Separate profiles for work and personal browsing with their own history, cookies, and extensions can be created, allowing for effortless switching.
Favourite websites can also be 'installed' as web apps.
Enhanced Security and Password Sharing
Sonoma introduces a new Passwords section in Settings, allowing users to securely share crucial passwords and passkeys with family and friends.
These passwords are securely stored in iCloud Keychain and support end-to-end encryption.
Smarter Notes, Reminders, and Elevated Screen Sharing
The Notes app in Sonoma supports inline PDFs and full-width document scans, making it a powerful tool for organising information. Related notes can be seamlessly linked together.
AutoFill in PDFs makes filling in forms quicker. Reminders gain an upgrade with grocery list organisation and customizable sections, while the new column view provides a fresh look for managing tasks.
Sonoma also introduces a high-performance mode for professionals who rely on screen sharing, offering low-latency audio, high frame rates, and support for up to two virtual displays and reference colour.
Improved Siri, Autocorrect, and Dictation
Sonoma introduces improvements to Siri, autocorrect, and dictation. Instead of using the "Hey Siri" command, a simple "Siri" will activate the voice assistant.
Autocorrect now provides more accurate corrections, and typing is made easier with inline completions for entire sentences. Dictation users will appreciate the improved speech recognition.
Game Mode, Screensavers, and Accessibility Features
Sonoma brings good news for gamers on Macs with Apple silicon chips, as Game Mode optimises gaming performance by prioritising CPU and GPU resources.
Stunning Apple TV-like screen savers featuring slow-motion videos from around the world add a visual feast to the desktop.
Sonoma also introduces new accessibility features, including support for Made for iPhone hearing devices during calls and media consumption.
Live Speech empowers non speaking users to vocalise their thoughts, while phonetic suggestions enhance dictation and text editing with Voice Control.
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