What is macOS Sonoma and how to install it on your MacBook

MacOS Sonoma is a new operating system for Apple-branded PCs and Macbooks. The company has released a beta version of the software, available for functionality testing and adaptation to the new platform by developers of their applications. The macOS 14 2023 has optionally improved the Mac ecosystem and made working on PC devices even more comfortable.

From this article you will learn how to install macOS Sonoma, which models of devices support Apple macOS Sonoma, and which steps you need to take to ensure that your devices work properly.

Also: Create a bootable USB Flash Drive: easy way

3 steps to install macOS Sonoma

MacOS Sonoma can be installed correctly by users with minimal experience, if they act strictly according to the instructions. Before starting the installation, all software, and drivers must be updated to the latest versions, otherwise the device may not work properly.

MacOS Sonoma can be installed on the following models of devices (listed and later):

• Mac Studio 2022;
• iMac 2019;
• Mac Pro 2019;
• MacBook Air 2018;
• Mac mini 2018;
• MacBook Pro 2018;
• iMac Pro 2017.

1. Installing on a separate APFS volume

The good thing about betas is that they can be installed in parallel with another operating system and the performance can be tested in a risk-free environment. To do this, you need to create a separate APFS volume. 

Enter the Disk Utility and select Edit from the drive menu, then Add APFS Volume, name it, and then click Add. This allows you to switch between operating systems from the settings menu. You need to select “Basic”, “Bootable Disk”, specify the volume and click on “Restart”.

There are two ways to install macOS Sonoma on a new volume.

First:

1. Download the macOS Ventura installer from the Mac App Store.
2. During installation, specify in the settings that you want to receive beta updates (path: “Main”, “Software update”, next to “Beta updates” press “i”).
3. Select macOS Sonoma from the list. You will be notified when the update is available, and then you can download and install it.

The second way is simpler. Simply download the installer from the official website (Beta 2) and install the OS on the new volume in standard mode.

2. Installing macOS Sonoma beta on an external drive

The macOS 14 2023 operating system takes only 13.5 GB of space, but for some users that may seem a lot. To save space, you can install the operating system on an external drive. Another possible reason for this installation is that you may not want to create an extra volume on the drive.

To install the beta version of Apple macOS Sonoma, you need to connect the external drive to the device and install the OS in the same way as described above. Instead of the second volume, you should select your hard drive and start the installation process.

3. Installing macOS Sonoma on a virtual device

This installation option is less convenient, because a user will not be able to log into the Apple ID, which means synchronization in iCloud will not be available. Such data as calendars, notes, contacts, etc. cannot be synchronized, and a user will not be able to access various Apple services.

However, this method has the advantage that you can run macOS Sonoma in a separate window, actually running a different operating system at the same time. The beta version is installed on its own partition, isolated from all other data on the device.

You can install macOS Sonoma using third-party software such as UTM, VMware Fusion, or Parallels Desktop. The algorithm depends on the specific program, but in general it's intuitive and easy even for an inexperienced user.

To ensure your Apple-branded devices work reliably throughout their lifetime, use only genuine parts for repairs and upgrades. Only original manufacturer parts guarantee high quality, performance, and full compatibility with other MacBook components.

AppleParts offers a large selection of original parts for various MacBook models. The store sells only original components, which were tested for performance and compliance with the characteristics before going on sale.

One of the main advantages of Appleparts.io is the affordable Apple devices parts price. The store pricing policy is to create a competitive cost of original components. 

All merchandise items on the site are guaranteed to be original and customers can be sure that they won't buy a counterfeit. AppleParts offers several payment options and fast delivery of orders.