Unlike Windows, Apple’s strategy for macOS involves releasing a new version every year, integrating improved features and quality-of-life enhancements. The same can be said formacOS Sonoma, which has quickly become one of the favorite visual updates to the platform. However, the company has also added several new features under the hood.
Here are tenmacOSSonoma features you should probably consider using:
1. Setup Safari profiles
If you use your Mac for both work and personal purposes, then enabling Safari profiles is a good option since it removes the need to juggle multiple accounts on the same website. For instance, if you have two Gmail accounts—one for personal use and another for work—manually switching between them can be tedious. Configuring different profiles streamlines this process, enhancing workflow. Here’s how to set up Safari profiles:
2. New Dictation features
While macOS has featured dictation for years, its accuracy has often been inconsistent. However, with the latest update, this functionality has undergone a much-needed overhaul, allowing users to utilize their keyboards simultaneously while dictating.
You might wonder, why use the keyboard during dictation? Apple’s rationale behind this feature revolves around corrections. Previously, users needed to disable dictation to rectify errors. Now, one can continue dictating while making corrections within the text. Here’s how to enable dictation:
3. Dock Web Apps
Similar to Chrome, Apple has introduced the “dock web apps” feature in Safari, enabling users to dock webpages, effectively transforming them into apps on their desktop. To do this:
4. Remove URL tracking from Safari
It’s no secret that nearly every website tracks visitors to understand usage patterns and tailor ads. However, in recent years, Apple has taken significant steps to curb these practices, thereby limiting the reach of advertisers and safeguarding user privacy. As part of this initiative, the company introduced a new feature in Safari that eliminates tracking parameters from web addresses while preserving the remaining information. To activate this:
5. Lock Private Browsing windows
For those sharing a MacBook, securing private tabs with a password is an important step. Here’s how:
6.Change search engines during private browsing sessions
Despite being in incognito mode or private browsing, most search engines continue tracking people. As a result, Apple now allows users to change their search engine during these sessions, granting enhanced over privacy. To do this:
7.Share passwords and passkeys
Password or passkey sharing has always been a bit of a hassle, with users needing to go through multiple steps. However, with macOS Sonoma, sharing passwords has become more easier than ever. Here is how:
8. Fill PDFs natively
Filling PDFs can be a headache, especially without an Adobe subscription. To address this, macOS Sonoma has introduced a new feature, enabling users to fill out forms. However, note that this feature might not be universally compatible with all PDFs. Here’s how to use it:
9. Lockdown Mode
Threat actors are always on the lookout to gain unauthorized access to your devices. Unfortunately, there’s often little one can do once a hacker gains entry to your system. To solve this issue, Apple has introduced a new lockdown mode, which hardens device defenses and restricts certain functionalities to prevent unauthorized access to private data. To activate it:
10. New Video Calling Features
MacBooks have always had great video-calling functionality. However, macOS Sonoma takes it to the next level by introducing a slew of new features. One standout addition is “Center Stage,” which utilizes the iPhone as a webcam to automatically adjust framing, ensuring the user remains consistently centered within the shot. To activate:
Additionally, to enhance screen sharing, Apple has introduced the Presenter Overlay feature, integrating the presenter’s video feed onto shared content. Users can choose between small or large overlays based on their preferences. To enable:
