# macOS Sonoma 14: Launch Date, Features, and Compatibility
Apple presented macOS Sonoma 14 during the 2023 WWDC keynote, marking a significant advancement in the Mac operating system. Expanding upon the groundwork established by macOS Ventura, Sonoma introduces a range of innovative features designed to enhance the user experience, particularly in video conferencing, gaming, and productivity. Here’s what you should know about macOS Sonoma, encompassing its features, launch date, and compatibility.
## What is the Official Name of macOS 14?
Continuing its tradition, Apple has named this version of macOS after a notable Californian locale. macOS 14 is officially dubbed **Sonoma**, named after the historic Northern California city celebrated for its winemaking industry. The tagline for this release is “Come for the power, stay for the fun,” highlighting a focus on both productivity and enjoyment.
## Major Features of macOS Sonoma
macOS Sonoma aims to enhance the Mac experience through numerous new features, especially in video conferencing, gaming, and desktop personalization. Below are some standout features:
### 1. **Enhancements for Video Conferencing**
– **Presenter Overlay**: This functionality enables users to maintain visibility during screen sharing in video calls. You can select between a large overlay that positions your screen alongside you or a smaller bubble that hovers over your presentation.
– **Hand Gestures for Reactions**: Users can now respond during video calls using 3D augmented reality effects such as confetti, fireworks, and hearts, activated by simple hand movements.
– **Screen Sharing Picker**: A revamped, user-friendly screen-sharing picker allows you to share specific applications or multiple apps while on a call.
– **Camera Adjustments**: If utilizing an iPhone or Studio Display as a camera, you can modify the frame with zoom and pan controls or utilize the Recenter feature to remain centered in the frame.
### 2. **Improvements for Gaming**
– **Game Mode**: macOS Sonoma unveils Game Mode, which allocates CPU and GPU resources specifically for gaming, minimizing background task impact and reducing latency for wireless devices like AirPods and game controllers. Apple has also made progress in enhancing access to AAA gaming on Apple Silicon Macs.
### 3. **Customization of Desktop**
– **Screen Savers**: New slow-motion screen savers featuring stunning global locations smoothly transition into desktop wallpapers upon login.
– **Widgets on Desktop**: Users can now add interactive widgets directly to their desktop. These widgets fade into the background when apps or windows are opened, allowing you to concentrate on your work. Moreover, with Continuity, you can transfer iPhone widgets to your Mac desktop without needing to install the related apps on your Mac.
### 4. **Safari and Password Management Features**
– **Profiles**: Safari now includes profiles, enabling users to differentiate their browsing history, cookies, and extensions for various purposes like Work and Personal.
– **Web Apps**: Users can now add web apps to their dock, providing an app-like interface with streamlined toolbars.
– **Private Browsing Enhancements**: Private browsing windows now have the option to be locked, and Safari prevents known trackers from loading on web pages.
– **Password Sharing**: macOS Sonoma introduces a new way to share password groups with trusted contacts. Passwords remain updated for all members, and you can remove someone from the group at any time.
### 5. **Improvements in PDF and Notes**
– **AutoFill for PDFs**: The update enhances AutoFill for PDFs by utilizing saved information from Contacts to expedite form filling.
– **PDF Viewing in Notes**: Users can now view full-width PDFs within Notes and consolidate multiple PDFs into a single note for easy reference.
### 6. **Unique Features for Apple Silicon Macs**
Certain features in macOS Sonoma are exclusive to Macs equipped with Apple Silicon chips, including:
– **Presenter Overlay** and **Hand Gesture Reactions** in video calls.
– **Game Mode** for improved gaming capabilities.
– **Personal Voice** for individuals with speech loss, enabling them to produce a voice that resembles their own.
– **Siri Activation**: Apple Silicon Macs no longer require the “Hey Siri” activation; you can just say “Siri” to engage the assistant.
## New Emojis in macOS Sonoma
With each significant macOS update, Apple unveils new emojis. macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduced 28 new emojis, featuring a lime, a phoenix bird, and gender-neutral family emojis. With the inclusion of skin tone modifiers and gender variants, the total count of new emojis reaches 108.
## Updates for macOS Sonoma
Apple has consistently improved macOS Sonoma with minor updates:
– **macOS 14.1**: Introduced enhancements to Apple Music, including the possibility to favorite songs and albums, and rolled out a new “Coverage”.
