Experience the thrill of the long-awaited moment as Apple unveils its highly anticipated operating system, macOS Sonoma. Prepare to be captivated by an array of impressive features and enhancements that will transform your Mac experience like never before. From technology enthusiasts to casual users, the allure of macOS 14 is simply irresistible. Get ready to embrace a new era of innovation and take your Mac to extraordinary heights.
To embark on an exciting journey of discovering the latest features and experiencing the cutting-edge advancements of macOS Sonoma, here is a step-by-step guide on how you can download and install the developer beta version of this next-generation operating system on your Mac. Get ready to immerse yourself in the future of macOS and unlock its hidden potential. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What are the latest features in the beta version of macOS Sonoma?
- With the addition of the Screen Saver feature on Mac, users can now enjoy captivating animated images that are displayed on their Mac’s screen when it is idle.
- Desktop Widgets: In the latest update, macOS introduces the ability to add widgets to your Mac’s screen. You can now access the widgets from your iPhone and place them wherever you prefer on your Mac, offering greater customization options and convenience.
- Presenter Overlay: The latest macOS Sonoma release includes a unique feature designed specifically for presenters. It enables you to have more participants on video calls, catering to those who frequently engage in video conferencing.
- New Features for Messages App: On macOS Sonoma, the Messages app brings a range of enhancements. Users can now conveniently locate specific messages using search filters, catch up on any missed conversations, and swiftly reply to messages through swiping gestures. Furthermore, an exciting addition is the ability to organize all stickers in a centralized location.
- PDFs and Notes: macOS Sonoma introduces notable features for working with PDFs and Notes. The Safari web browser undergoes enhancements, ensuring a better browsing experience. The keyboard’s autocorrect functionality receives improvements, leading to more accurate typing. Additionally, Mac users can enjoy an enhanced gaming experience, and there are notable advancements in privacy and security measures.
In summary, the macOS Sonoma update brings a plethora of fantastic new features and improvements to your Mac, significantly enhancing your overall experience.
macOS Sonoma compatible Mac list
- MacBook Air – 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro – 2018 or later
- iMac – 2019 or later
- iMac Pro – 2017
- Mac mini – 2018 or later
- Mac Studio – 2022
- Mac Pro – 2019 or later
To check the name of your Mac, simply click on the Apple logo () and select “About This Mac.” This will provide you with an overview of your Mac, including details about the model, macOS version, and chip. Additionally, the mentioned list of MacBooks will be compatible with macOS 14.
How to back up your Mac
- Click on the Apple logo () → Head to System Settings.
- Select General → Choose Time Machine.
- Click Add Backup Disk.
- Select your disk → Choose Set Up Disk.
- Enter a Password to safeguard your backup disk → Choose a Disk Usage Limit → Select Done.
If you find the previously mentioned method too complicated, we have an alternative solution for you. We recommend checking out our article, which offers simpler alternatives to effectively back up your Mac. Feel free to explore the article and find easier ways to ensure your data is backed up securely.
How to download macOS Sonoma developer beta on Mac
- Enroll in the Apple Developer Program: Before you can download the developer beta, you need to be a registered Apple Developer. Visit the Apple Developer website (developer.apple.com) and sign up for the program if you haven’t already.
- Backup your data: It’s essential to back up your Mac before installing any beta software, as there may be bugs or issues that could potentially lead to data loss. Use Time Machine or any other backup method to ensure your data is safe.
- Access the Apple Developer website: Once you are enrolled in the Apple Developer Program, visit the developer.apple.com website and log in with your developer account credentials.
- Download the macOS Sonoma developer beta: On the Apple Developer website, navigate to the “Downloads” section. Look for the macOS Sonoma developer beta and click on the “Download” button next to it. The download may take some time depending on your internet speed.
- Install the beta software: Once the download is complete, you will find the installer in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS Sonoma. Make sure to select the appropriate disk or partition for installation.
- Set up and use the beta: After the installation is complete, your Mac will restart and boot into the new macOS Sonoma beta. Follow the on-screen setup process and provide any necessary information to get started.
Remember that beta software is still in development and may contain bugs or other issues. It’s generally recommended to install beta software on a secondary Mac or in a separate partition to avoid potential problems on your primary system.
How to install macOS Sonoma developer beta
- Click on the Continue button.
- Select the option to Agree with Apple’s Terms and Conditions.
- Proceed by clicking the Install button.
It might be necessary to free up some storage space for the installation. - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the macOS Sonoma installation.
Macs running Ventura 13.4 or later
You can now download and install beta updates for macOS starting from version 13.4 Ventura without having to visit a developer portal. To accomplish this, simply follow the steps outlined below:
- Click on the Apple logo () on the menu bar → Select System Settings.
- Go to General → Software Updates.
- Click on the “i” button next to Beta Updates.
- Choose the dropdown button next to Beta Updates.
- Select macOS Sonoma Developer Beta → Hit Done.
- Click on Upgrade Now next to macOS 14 Beta.
Kindly note that the installation process may require a considerable amount of time, so we kindly request your patience during this period. For further assistance, you can consult the “getting started” section mentioned below. However, if you plan to install the macOS Sonoma developer beta on your main device, we recommend installing it on a separate partition as a precautionary measure.
Install macOS 14 Sonoma developer beta on a partition
It is important to note that beta versions of software may contain bugs or encounter other issues, as previously mentioned. To safeguard your data, it is advisable to either install the beta on a secondary device or create a separate partition within your Mac’s storage. By taking these precautions, you can protect your data from potential problems that may arise during the beta testing phase.
- From the installation window, select Continue after the download is finished.
- Click Agree and Confirm.
- Press Show All Disks and select the partition you want.
- Click Install to begin the procedure.
In this case, you have the flexibility to choose between a clean installation, starting from scratch, or utilizing the installation helper to transfer your existing OS data. The choice is yours depending on your preferences and requirements.
FAQs
Q1: Can I install the macOS Sonoma developer beta on my primary Mac?
A1: While it is possible to install the macOS Sonoma developer beta on your primary Mac, it is not recommended. Beta versions can contain bugs and may impact the stability of your system. It is advisable to install beta software on a secondary Mac or partitioned drive.
Q2: Is it necessary to enroll in the Apple Developer Program to download the beta?
A2: Yes, to gain access to the macOS Sonoma developer beta, you need to be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. This program provides developers with tools, resources, and early access to pre-release software.
Q3: Can I revert to the previous macOS version after installing the beta?
A3: Yes, you can revert to the previous macOS version by restoring your Mac from the backup you created before installing the beta. However, this process will erase any data created or modified while using the beta software.
Q4: Will all my applications work on macOS Sonoma developer beta?
A4: While most applications should work fine on macOS Sonoma developer beta, there is a possibility of compatibility issues with certain apps. Developers use the beta phase to optimize their applications, but some may require updates to work seamlessly.
Q5: How long can I use the macOS Sonoma developer beta?
A5: The macOS Sonoma developer beta is valid for the duration of the beta testing phase. Apple releases periodic updates during this phase, and you can continue using the beta until the final version of macOS Sonoma is officially released.
You may also like:
How to download and install iOS 16.6 developer beta 1 on iPhone
Is your iOS 17 device stuck on “Update Requested”? Here’s a guide on how to resolve the issue.