Released in September 2023, macOS 14 Sonoma was the fourth version of macOS to run on Apple silicon Macs and Intel machines, dropping support for all 2017 Intel machines except for the one-off iMac Pro.
In conjunction with iOS and iPadOS 17, this release had a big focus on widgets, which now run on the Desktop, free from the cramped space of Notification Center. Messages, Notes, Reminders and other system apps were updated across the ecosystem. Safari gained the ability to save websites as stand-alone apps. Apple focused on gaming for macOS Sonoma, launching tools for developers to port their titles to Apple silicon, and even including a Game Mode, which automatically gives games top priority on the CPU and GPU.
Visually, the biggest change — other then widgets hanging out on the Desktop — was the inclusion of screensavers from tvOS that gracefully blended into a still desktop picture when logging in.
Sponsored by Rogue Amoeba
The 512 Pixels macOS Screenshot Library is sponsored by SoundSource, from the fine folks at Rogue Amoeba.
SoundSource puts powerful audio control of your Mac right in your menu bar. Adjust app volume instantly, apply audio effects to the audio you hear, and redirect that audio to any device connected to your Mac – now including AirPlay devices.
SoundSource: Sound control so good, it ought to be built into macOS.
Editor’s Note: Like for previous releases, I am providing both Light and Dark Mode images in just the first two image collections.
Appearance & Accent Combinations
System Settings
Sonoma
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View all entries in the Aqua Screenshot Library or check out OS X’s default wallpapers, updated for 6K Retina displays.