11 Hidden Features in macOS Sonoma for Power Users

macOS Sonoma is packed with powerful features that can significantly improve your productivity. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best hidden features that will make you a power user.

1. Use the New Game Mode

For those using Silicon-based Macs, macOS Sonoma introduces an exciting new Game Mode feature.

This mode optimizes your gaming experience by prioritizing CPU and GPU resources for active games, which results in smoother performance. It also reduces background activity, minimizing lag and latency for controllers and AirPods.

To enable Game Mode, simply start your game and let Sonoma handle the rest, giving you a more immersive and responsive gaming experience.

2. Try New Aerial Screen Savers

In macOS Sonoma, you can enjoy stunning aerial screen savers featuring breathtaking views from around the world. These dynamic wallpapers transition from your lock screen to your desktop, creating a fluid and visually appealing picture. You can also shuffle screen savers to rotate through various themes like landscapes and cityscapes, keeping your Mac’s display fresh and interesting.

To change your screen saver on macOS Sonoma, follow the path Apple menu -> System Settings -> Screen Saver.

Screensavers on macOS have felt a bit stale for a few years now, but this new feature breathes life into them. If you frequently switch between your lock screen and home screen, you’ll appreciate the smooth, cohesive look these aerial screen savers provide.

3. Add a Large Clock to Your Screen Saver

macOS Sonoma enhances your screen saver experience by allowing you to add a large clock display. This feature is perfect for keeping track of time while enjoying the beautiful aerial screen savers. You can also choose to display the clock on both the screen saver and the lock screen.

To enable this feature, go to Apple menu -> System Settings -> Lock Screen on your Mac. Next to the Show large clock option, select On Screen Saver and Lock Screen.

4. Hide Your Apps From Desktop

macOS Sonoma introduces a handy feature to quickly hide all apps from your Mac’s desktop by clicking any blank space on the desktop. This is particularly useful if you’re working on something personal and need to clear your screen quickly when someone enters the room, or if you want to access files on your desktop without distractions.

To switch it on, follow the path Apple menu -> System Settings -> Desktop & Dock -> Desktop & Stage Manager. Then next to Click wallpaper to reveal desktop, select Always.

When you click any empty space on the desktop, all open windows will slide to the sides of the screen, leaving a clean desktop. To bring back the app windows, simply click the empty space again.

5. Use Dictation With Keyboard Typing Simultaneously

While macOS has featured dictation for a long time, macOS Sonoma takes it a step further. Previously, you had to choose between typing or using dictation. Now, you can use both simultaneously to boost productivity. This means you can type and dictate at the same time, making it easier to capture your thoughts quickly.

To activate this feature, go to Apple menu -> System Settings -> Keyboard -> Dictation. Enable the toggle next to the Microphone icon.

6. Lock Your Private Browsing Window in Safari

One of Apple’s standout features is its emphasis on user privacy. With macOS Sonoma, Apple improves this by allowing you to lock your private browsing window in Safari. This means Safari will automatically lock your private browsing window when you’re not using it, adding an extra layer of security.

To turn this feature on, open Safari on your Mac and from the ribbon menu on top of the screen select Safari -> Settings. Go to the Privacy tab and check the box next to Private Browsing.

This simple yet powerful feature ensures your private browsing sessions remain confidential even when you step away from your Mac.

7. Add Safari Web Pages as Apps

With macOS Sonoma, you can now add Safari web pages to your Mac’s Dock, turning them into web apps. This feature creates a shortcut on the Dock that opens a specific website in a simplified Safari window, free of address bars, tabs, and other distractions.

To create a Safari Web App, open Safari and navigate to the desired website. Click the Share button in the toolbar and select Add to Dock. This will create an icon on your Dock that launches the website as a web app.

If you decide to remove a web app from the Dock, you can still access it through the Applications folder. Simply drag the web app to the Desktop or open it via Spotlight. This new feature streamlines your workflow by allowing quick access to your most-used web pages.

8. Enable Sensitive Content Warning

The internet can be unpredictable, so it’s important to safeguard yourself from certain online content. With macOS Sonoma, you can use the new Sensitive Content Warning feature to protect yourself from unsolicited explicit pictures. This feature not only works in iMessage but also extends to third-party apps, giving you control over your privacy regardless of the app.

To turn on the Sensitive Content Warning feature in macOS Sonoma, go to Apple menu -> System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Sensitive Content Warning. Switch on the toggle next to Sensitive Content Warning.

By enabling this feature, you ensure a safer browsing and messaging experience, no matter which app you’re using.

9. Swipe to Reply in the Messages App

macOS Sonoma introduces a handy new feature to the Messages app – the ability to reply to a message by simply swiping right on it.

This makes starting a conversation or responding to a specific message much more convenient. Just swipe right on any message, and you’ll be able to type your reply instantly. This small but powerful addition streamlines your messaging experience, making it faster and easier to stay connected.

10. Use Reminders App to Create Grocery Lists

The latest macOS Sonoma brings significant improvements to the Reminders app. One of them is the ability to make grocery lists in the app. You can now categorize items like bread, pastries, and cookies, ensuring everything is organized for your shopping trip. Additionally, you can set priority levels so you don’t miss important items. This means no more multiple visits to the bakery because everything you need is grouped together.

This feature not only makes your shopping stress-free but also helps you avoid overspending on unnecessary items. Plus, with its availability on iOS 17, you can easily sync your list between your Mac and iPhone.

11. Use Live Speech and Personal Voice to Communicate Effectively

Live Speech, a standout feature of macOS Sonoma, caters to users who face speech challenges. This text-to-speech tool enables communication via typing during voice or video calls, with iPhone support extending to in-person conversations. Alongside traditional text input, Live Speech offers predefined phrases, facilitating quick comments without typing.

For users who fear losing their ability to speak, Sonoma introduces Personal Voice. This innovative feature allows users to craft a custom text-to-speech voice that mirrors their own. By reading predefined text prompts, users can personalize their speech output. Once configured, Live Speech seamlessly integrates with Personal Voice, ensuring a tailored and effective communication experience for all users.

What Makes Updating to macOS Sonoma Worth It

macOS Sonoma introduces a variety of features that can enhance productivity and convenience. From the new Game Mode for optimized gaming experiences to the ability to create grocery lists in the Reminders app, Sonoma offers innovative solutions to everyday tasks.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a tech enthusiast, exploring these hidden features will unlock new possibilities on your Mac.

All screenshots by Anya Zhukova.

Anya Zhukova

Anya is a bilingual writer who has spent over 8 years writing about all things tech. She's contributed to high-traffic tech publications such as MakeUseOf, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, and Switching to Mac. Anya's always looking for new ways to make life easier using technology. When she's not writing, you can find her shredding fresh pow on a snowboard, or exploring new mountain bike trails.