With each new release of macOS, it’s natural to wonder what upgrades and improvements Apple has introduced. Unlike iOS and iPadOS, where bold and visible changes are often emphasized, Apple tends to focus on more subtle enhancements for the Mac. Last year’s Stage Manager feature, for example, was a surprising addition but was actually brought over from iPadOS. In fact, many of the improvements to the Mac experience are typically under the hood, including the complete rebuilding of macOS to support Apple’s new Apple Silicon chips.
This trend continues with macOS Sonoma, an update that may not immediately make itself known until you notice the new high-resolution video screensavers or try to drag a widget onto your desktop. When widgets are one of the highlights of a new operating system, it’s clear that it’s not a revolutionary year in terms of updates and changes.
However, this should not be seen as a criticism of Sonoma. It’s no surprise that Apple reserves its bolder UI concepts for iPhones, iPads, and devices like the Vision Pro. After all, Macs are still primarily computers without touchscreens. It makes sense for Apple to play it safe and focus on refining the user experience rather than introducing radical changes.
Now, let’s delve into the new screensavers introduced in macOS Sonoma. While not groundbreaking, Apple’s new aerial footage screensavers are visually stunning. They add an extra touch of elegance to an already refined operating system. Imagine having footage from breathtaking locations like Hawaii or Patagonia appear on your screen during a workday – it’s like a mini-vacation. Of course, this may sound a bit sad to some, but it’s a small pleasure that can brighten up your day.
One of the notable features of these new screensavers is the ability to turn them into wallpapers. This means that the aerial screensavers can play as videos on your lock screen, and once you log in, the video slows down and transitions smoothly into a static image. It’s likely that this design choice was made to prevent motion sickness in some users. However, I’m hopeful that Apple or a creative hacker will find a way to allow the video to constantly play as your desktop wallpaper. While it may cause some discomfort for a few users, the allure of the slick drone footage may be worth it.
While macOS Sonoma may not introduce groundbreaking changes or a radical UI overhaul, it still offers a refined and reliable experience for Mac users. Apple understands that the Mac is primarily used as a productivity tool and focuses on making the operating system stable, secure, and optimized for performance. This commitment to a seamless user experience is evident in the under-the-hood improvements and the attention to detail in features like the screensavers.
In conclusion, macOS Sonoma may not be the most exciting update in terms of visible changes or bold UI concepts, but it continues Apple’s tradition of refining and improving the Mac experience. The new screensavers add an extra touch of elegance, and the ability to turn them into wallpapers provides a unique customization option. While we may have to wait for more significant updates to see groundbreaking changes on the Mac, macOS Sonoma ensures that the operating system remains stable, secure, and optimized for performance.