Experience MacOS Sonoma on Intel MacBook Air 2018
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- How to Install Mac OS Sonoma without Developer Program
- Major Changes in Mac OS Sonoma
- 3.1 Screen Saver Wallpapers
- 3.2 Widgets
- 3.3 Safari Improvements
- 3.4 FaceTime Enhancements
- 3.5 Messages App Updates
- 3.6 PDF and Note Improvements
- 3.7 Game Mode
- Performance of Mac OS Sonoma on the 2018 Intel MacBook Air
- Real-World Usage Experience
- Comparison with Apple Silicon Macs
- Can Mac OS Sonoma be Installed on Intel Macs?
- Conclusion
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
🖥️ Introduction
Welcome to this article where we will be exploring the performance of Mac OS Sonoma on the 2018 Intel MacBook Air. Mac OS Sonoma brings several new features and enhancements to the operating system. We will also discuss how to install Mac OS Sonoma without the need for a developer program. So, let's dive in and see what this update has to offer!
💻 How to Install Mac OS Sonoma without Developer Program
Before we begin, let's talk about an exciting development regarding the installation of beta software versions. Apple has made it easier for users to install beta updates without the need to be part of the Apple Developer Program. Gone are the days when you had to pay a hundred dollars a year to run beta software on your Mac. Now, all you need is your Apple ID, which you can use to log in to developer.apple.com. Once logged in, you can easily turn on beta updates in your device settings, and Mac OS Sonoma will be available for installation.
🌟 Major Changes in Mac OS Sonoma
Mac OS Sonoma brings two major changes and several significant updates that enhance the user experience. Let's explore these changes and updates in detail:
3.1 Screen Saver Wallpapers
One of the notable changes in Mac OS Sonoma is the introduction of screen saver wallpapers. These wallpapers are similar to the captivating Apple TV screen savers or a better version of live wallpapers found on Android devices. The screen saver wallpapers in Sonoma feature smooth slow-motion landscapes that cycle through a variety of visually stunning scenes. When you log in to your Mac, these wallpapers seamlessly become your desktop background, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your device.
3.2 Widgets
Widgets have been gaining popularity across Apple devices, and Sonoma brings them to Mac OS as well. In the previous update, we saw the introduction of a widget bar on the right side of the screen. With Sonoma, you have the freedom to place widgets anywhere on your screen. When you try to place a widget near another one, it automatically snaps into a compact arrangement. Moreover, you can also place widgets freely in the middle of your screen. These interactive widgets provide useful at-a-glance information, further enhancing your workflow.
3.3 Safari Improvements
Safari, Apple's web browser, also receives some notable enhancements in Mac OS Sonoma. One of the new features is the ability to have multiple profiles for work and personal use. However, it is important to note that this feature wasn't visible in the developer beta at the time of testing. Another useful addition is the ability to place web pages as individual app icons in your dock. This allows for quick access to frequently visited websites, streamlining your browsing experience.
3.4 FaceTime Enhancements
FaceTime, Apple's video calling application, receives some improvements in Mac OS Sonoma. However, these enhancements are limited to Macs powered by Apple's silicon M1 chips or require the Continuity Camera feature to work with iPhone 12 or above. These updates aim to enhance the overall FaceTime experience for Apple users by introducing new features and functionalities.
3.5 Messages App Updates
The Messages app in Mac OS Sonoma receives an update that brings stickers and live stickers. These additions allow users to express themselves creatively in conversations. However, it is important to note that live Transcription and other AI-related updates are once again limited to Apple silicon Macs, showcasing the power and capabilities of Apple's proprietary chipsets.
3.6 PDF and Note Improvements
Mac OS Sonoma introduces improvements to PDF handling and note-taking capabilities. These enhancements make it easier to work with PDF files and take notes within the native applications. These improvements are available not only for the latest Apple silicon Macs but also for Intel-based Macs, ensuring a smooth user experience across different hardware configurations.
3.7 Game Mode
Mac OS Sonoma aims to attract game developers by introducing a dedicated game mode. This feature allows game developers to take advantage of the power and performance offered by Apple's M2 Pro, Max, and Ultra chips. However, it's important to note that the game mode is limited to Apple silicon Macs and is not available for Intel-based Macs.
⚡ Performance of Mac OS Sonoma on the 2018 Intel MacBook Air
Now, let's explore how Mac OS Sonoma performs on the 2018 Intel MacBook Air. Keep in mind that this is the first developer beta, and performance improvements can be expected in future updates. To assess the performance, we ran several benchmark tests and conducted real-world usage experiments.
When running Geekbench 6, the results were similar to the previous OS, Mac OS Ventura. The single-core score was 8.95, while the multi-core score reached 1547. These scores are comparable to those achieved on the previous OS version. Although Sonoma shows promise, it's important to remember that this is still a beta version, and optimizations will likely be made in subsequent updates.
🌐 Real-World Usage Experience
To further evaluate the performance, we conducted real-world usage tests. We visited websites, opened multiple tabs, and compared the overall browsing experience. Whether using Safari or Chrome, the browsing experience remained smooth and Snappy. We tested heavy extensions, opened shopping sites like Amazon and Flipkart, and experienced no significant issues. Switching between tabs and revisiting previously opened pages was generally seamless, with only minor occasional hiccups, similar to our experience with Mac OS Ventura.
🆚 Comparison with Apple Silicon Macs
It's worth mentioning the significant performance difference between the 2018 Intel MacBook Air and the newer Apple silicon Macs. The Apple silicon M1 models have proven to be more powerful and efficient compared to their Intel counterparts. In our comparison, the Intel-based MacBook Air scored 895 in single-core Geekbench, while the M1-based MacBook Air scored an impressive 2335, showcasing its superiority. Similarly, the multi-core score for the Intel model was 1547, while the M1 model reached an exceptional 8510. These results highlight the substantial advantage of Apple silicon Macs over Intel-based ones.
❓ Can Mac OS Sonoma be Installed on Intel Macs?
The good news is that Mac OS Sonoma can be installed on Intel-based Macs without experiencing performance degradation. However, it's worth noting that Apple has removed several Intel models from the compatibility list, leaving older generation Macs out of the update. This could be Apple's way of encouraging users to upgrade to the latest Apple silicon MacBooks. Keep in mind that certain features and enhancements, such as FaceTime advancements and game mode, are limited to Apple silicon Macs.
🔚 Conclusion
In conclusion, Mac OS Sonoma is a significant update to the Mac OS ecosystem. It brings new features, enhancements, and a Cohesive experience across Apple devices, promoting seamless integration and productivity. While the 2018 Intel MacBook Air may not benefit from all the advancements, it can still run Mac OS Sonoma without performance degradation. However, it's essential to consider the future direction of Apple's hardware architecture and the increasing capabilities of Apple silicon Macs.
📚 Resources
🙋♂️ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I install Mac OS Sonoma on my Intel-based MacBook Air?
A: Yes, you can install Mac OS Sonoma on supported Intel-based MacBook Air models. However, it's important to note that Apple has removed certain Intel models from the compatibility list.
Q: Are there any performance differences between Mac OS Sonoma and the previous OS version on the 2018 Intel MacBook Air?
A: Performance improvements are expected in subsequent updates. Current benchmark scores and real-world usage suggest a similar performance level to the previous OS version.
Q: Which Macs can benefit from the FaceTime enhancements introduced in Mac OS Sonoma?
A: The FaceTime enhancements in Mac OS Sonoma are limited to Macs powered by Apple's silicon M1 chips or require the Continuity Camera feature to work with iPhone 12 or above.
Q: Can I use the game mode feature in Mac OS Sonoma on my Intel-based MacBook Air?
A: No, the game mode feature in Mac OS Sonoma is currently limited to Apple silicon Macs and is not available for Intel-based MacBook Air.
Q: Should I upgrade to an Apple silicon MacBook Air to fully experience the advantages of Mac OS Sonoma?
A: While Apple silicon Macs offer superior performance and efficiency, the 2018 Intel MacBook Air can still run Mac OS Sonoma without significant performance degradation.
Q: Where can I find more information about Mac OS Sonoma and its features?
A: You can find more information about Mac OS Sonoma and its features on Apple's developer website at developer.apple.com.
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