What is the latest macOS you can install?
Before we start
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The latest macOS version is macOS 14 Sonoma. It was released in September 2023 and is available for everyone to download. Here's everything you need to know about the latest Mac operating system.
Will my Mac run macOS Sonoma?
According to Apple, macOS Sonoma drops support for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models 2017 as well as Mac Pros released in 2018. But macOS 14 is perfectly fit for MacBook Air 2018 and newer and Mac mini 2018 and later. All late iMacs newer than 2019, MacBook Pros released after 2018, and iMac Pros newer than 2017 are also compatible with the latest macOS.
Storage space: 13 GB of free space
Memory: at least 4 GB RAM
Time: 30-50 minutes installation time
The space issue is the most crucial, though. The 13 GB of storage is a formal requirement, but in reality, you'll need twice as much to prepare the backup. No worries, if you scan your Mac with CleanMyMac X, you can free up tens of gigabytes of space by removing junk files (System Junk module) and uninstalling applications (Uninstaller module). Download CleanMyMac X for free and get your Mac cleaned and ready for macOS Sonoma.
How to check your macOS version
To see which version of macOS you have on your Mac, follow the steps:
- Click the Apple menu icon at the top left corner of your screen.
- Choose About This Mac.
- Check the version in the Overview tab.
How to update your Mac to the latest version
You can download the latest version of the macOS from the App Store. The process is not difficult but requires some preparation. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to upgrade to macOS Sonoma.
We've prepared a quick tour of the new Apple macOS — check it out
What are the new features in macOS Sonoma?
Here are some new features and improvements introduced in macOS Sonoma.
Safari
Safari is preinstalled with macOS, and Apple improves it with every major release. This time, Safari comes with apps and profiles. Similar to Chrome, you can now divide bookmarks, users, or projects between different profiles. But the most spectacular feature is the ability to save web pages as icons in the Dock so that you can access them right away.
Screensavers
Perhaps the most outstanding feature is the introduction of dynamic screensavers. Now, they are slow-motion fly-through videos showing different famous landmarks — from the vineyards of Sonoma to Hong Kong harbor. Once you log in to your Mac, the video stops playing and turns into your background picture.
Messages
Another feature that has been significantly improved is Messages. Now, you can combine different search terms to find what you need even faster and more effectively. The new feature is similar to creating a Smart Folder in the Finder. In group chats, you can jump to the first unread message by simply clicking an arrow.
Widgets
If you are a fan of Widgets, you'll be pleased to find out that they have been improved, too. Now, Widgets have become more interactive — you can use them to control any devices connected to the Home app or play a podcast. You can also display widgets from your iPhone even if you don't have a respective app installed on your Mac.
Video Conferencing
Video Conferencing feature has been significantly improved in macOS Sonoma. In the new macOS version, when you share your screen, you can place your video on top of it. Meaning that you, as a presenter, can appear either in a bubble on the screen you are sharing (small Presenter Overlay option) or walk around the screen and point to different things (large Presenter Overlay option).
Features introduced in macOS Ventura
macOS Sonoma brought a bunch of great improvements to make your experience on a Mac more seamless, focused, and fun. The previous OS version, macOS Ventura, introduced even more major changes and updates. Let's recall some of the best features added in macOS Ventura.
Stage Manager
Stage Manager is a way to arrange and manage apps. It is the newest feature that comes with macOS Ventura. When switched on, it puts the window that is currently open in the center, while other apps that are open are placed on the left side of the screen. It is a convenient way to work with the apps if you have one screen only, as you can easily switch between them.
FaceTime
We rely on video chatting apps more than we thought we did. That's why FaceTime got a significant update in macOS Ventura. Now, FaceTime allows you to move calls from your Mac to another device, such as an iPhone or an iPad, and vice versa.
Continuity Camera
Perhaps it's something many Mac users have waited for. With macOS Ventura, you can finally use your iPhone as a Mac webcam. All you have to do is bring it close to your Mac. For iPhone 11 and later, Portrait mode, Studio Light, and Centre Stage are available, along with the Desk View that uses the Ultra Wide camera to demonstrate your desk.
What is something most users possibly dream of when sending an email? Right, the unsend function. In macOS Ventura, Apple has finally added it. Now, you have 10 seconds to unsend an email. It may seem like it's not enough, but it's still a good place to begin the improvement of the function. Besides, there are some additional functions introduced: remind me, schedules send, and follow up. All of these make the built-in Mail app even handier.
Spotlight
Spotlight has been around for a while. However, it has experienced some improvements with the release of macOS Ventura. Now, you can enjoy better image search and find images from Messages, Photos, Notes, and Finder. Also, you can use Live Text to find any text located in the images.
What were the previous macOS versions called?
Here's a list of the most recent versions of macOS and OS X
Name | Year of release | Features |
| macOS Sonoma | 2023 | Video Conferencing improvements, new features in Messages and Safari, Widgets enhancements, screensavers |
| macOS Ventura | 2022 | FaceTime improvements, Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, Spotlight and Mail improvements |
| macOS Monterey | 2021 | FaceTime improvements, Shortcuts, Live Text, Focus, Universal Control |
| macOS Big Sur | 2020 | Visual overhaul, faster Safari, Control Centre app, privacy improvements. |
| macOS Catalina | 2019 | iPad apps on Mac, a.k.a Sidecar, new Music and Podcasts apps, Screentime. |
| macOS Mojave | 2018 | Dark mode, dynamic wallpaper, redesigned Mac App Store. |
macOS High Sierra | 2017 | APFS, Metal 2, support for HEVC video, improvements to VR |
macOS Sierra | 2016 | Siri on the Mac, iCloud Drive, optimized storage, Universal Clipboard |
OS X El Capitan | 2015 | San Francisco system font, Metal, split-screen mode, improved spotlight |
OS X Yosemite | 2014 | Redesigned 'flat' interface, Continuity, Handoff, Photos |
OS X Mavericks | 2013 | Improved battery life, iBooks, Maps, Finder tabs, faster Safari |
The brief evolution of macOS versions
The latest version of macOS, Sonoma, looks to be even better than the previous macOS, Ventura. There are lots of good reasons to download and install it since it became available in September 2023. Lots of staple Mac apps have already been optimized for Sonoma. One of them is CleanMyMac X that helps speed up the system and free it up from excessive junk with its Smart Scan module.
