Should I Upgrade My Mac to macOS Sonoma? Here's the Answer

Robert Hunt
Last updated: Dec 20, 2023

"Should I upgrade my Mac to macOS Sonoma?"

This is a question that crosses the minds of Mac users whenever a new macOS Sonoma update is released. This article aims to address your queries and offer tips both before and after upgrading to macOS Sonoma.

Should I Upgrade My Mac to macOS Sonoma? Here's the Answer

Should I Upgrade to macOS Sonoma?

It depends. If your Mac is too old to support the latest macOS Sonoma update, it's advisable not to proceed with the upgrade. On the other hand, if you're an avid macOS enthusiast who enjoys exploring and utilizing the new features in macOS Sonoma, it's recommended to upgrade your Mac after creating a full copy.

Tip
The best tools for backing up your Mac include Time Machine and iCloud. For those who are new to the backup process, it is recommended that you use BuhoCleaner to delete unwanted files beforehand. This not only helps save space, but also reduces the time it takes to back up.

Is macOS Sonoma Worth Upgrading to?

This question will be addressed from two perspectives: features and stability.

macOS Sonoma New Features

Apart from bug fixes and performance enhancements, macOS Sonoma introduces a host of new features designed to enhance your work and overall Mac experience.

Its notable features include:

  • Interactive desktop widgets
  • Expanded support for popular games
  • Game mode for an enhanced gaming experience
  • Animated video screensavers
  • The ability to add webpages to the Dock, similar to apps
  • Further improvements in security and privacy features.
macos-sonoma-preview.png

macOS Sonoma Stability

The current version of macOS Sonoma is 14.3.1, and in comparison to version 14.0, it exhibits greater stability and power.

Although issues and bugs are still unavoidable, the useful improvements introduced in macOS Sonoma 14.3.1 make the upgrade worthwhile.

macOS Sonoma Compatibility

Before you proceed with trying out macOS Sonoma, it's crucial to ensure your Mac is compatible. Here is a list of supported Mac models:

  • iMac (2019 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • MacBook Air (2018 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
  • Mac Mini (2018 and later)
  • Mac Pro (2019 and later)
  • Mac Studio (2022 and later)

Things to Know before and after Upgrading to macOS Sonoma

Here are some essential considerations before and after upgrading your Mac to macOS Sonoma.

Before You Upgrade

  1. Check Comapatbility

    Ensure that your Mac is supported by macOS Sonoma.

  2. Back Up Your Mac

    Create a backup for your Mac before upgrading to avoid the risk of data loss.

  3. Free Up Enough Storage Space

    The macOS Sonoma installer is approximately 13GB. It's recommended to free up at least 20GB of space to ensure a smooth download and installation process.

    If you're looking for a quick way to free up space on your Mac, try BuhoCleaner, the best cleaner for Mac. With just a couple of clicks, you can delete unwanted files and apps, making room for a seamless macOS Sonoma upgrade.

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Once these steps are completed, navigate to the Apple menu > System Settings > Software Update > Upgrade Now to download and install macOS Sonoma.

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After You Upgrade

While macOS Sonoma generally operates smoothly, occasional issues may arise, such as Bluetooth malfunctions, widgets not displaying or updating, or wallpaper not moving.

Here are some tips to fix macOS Sonoma issues:

  1. Restart Your Mac

    A simple reboot can resolve various minor issues with macOS.

  2. Check for the Latest macOS Sonoma Issues

    Explore the top common macOS Sonoma issues and their quick fixes. If restarting doesn't resolve your problems, refer to this resource.

  3. Downgrade macOS

    If you find macOS Sonoma disappointing, you have the option to downgrade it to an older version.

  4. Wait for New Update

    Some bugs may only be fixed with a subsequent macOS Sonoma update. If you wish to continue using macOS Sonoma, patiently wait for the release of a new update.

Conclusion

After reading this, we hope you have a clearer understanding of whether to upgrade your Mac to macOS Sonoma. It's crucial to note that installing macOS Sonoma may encounter issues, and to prevent data loss, the best approach is to back up your Mac beforehand.

Robert Hunt

I'm Robert Hunt, a tech-savvy fan with the love of all things Apple. As a hobbyist of gardening and meditation, I'm also a seasoned writer covering a wide array of Apple products, like iPhone, iPad, iOS and more.