“So far, the rollout of macOS Sonoma appears to be relatively smooth in terms of app compatibility, with only a few exceptions warranting attention.
One notable exception is Apple’s own Configurator app, which requires an update for full compatibility. While this may not be a critical issue for most users, it can pose challenges for enterprise mobile management, as Configurator is essential for IT administrators in businesses and educational institutions. Apple has acknowledged that on a Mac with macOS Sonoma installed, Configurator fails to add apps from the App Store to iPhones and iPads. To address this, Apple recommends users continue to use macOS Ventura or earlier until a future update resolves the problem.
Microsoft has confirmed that Microsoft 365 supports Sonoma with the September 2023 update (16.77). They advise users to update Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote to their latest versions for optimal performance. Additionally, older releases of these applications will soon require macOS Monterey or later, so users on older macOS versions should take note.
Adobe has reported an issue with Lightroom Classic 12.5 or lower versions not displaying shadow watermarks correctly. While Adobe is actively working on a fix, they suggest that Lightroom Classic users stick with Ventura until the issue is resolved.
On the other hand, Intuit, the developer of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, is experiencing compatibility issues with Sonoma. Users are awaiting a fix, although Intuit’s support team has not yet provided a release date for the update.
For those who rely on Virtual Machine (VM) software to run non-native apps, games, and operating systems, macOS Sonoma brings some changes. Parallels has released a major update to its VM software, Parallels Desktop 19, which is optimized for macOS Sonoma. This update addresses issues related to the removal of built-in PostScript support in Sonoma.
CodeWeavers has introduced CrossOver 23.5, a compatibility layer software that enhances gaming performance on Mac and other systems. This release includes a “D3DMetal” option for running DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games using CrossOver and components from Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit. Notably, this option improves quality, compatibility, and performance for various games on Macs with the M1 chip or later.
Users looking to customize their Mac’s menu bar should be aware that Bartender, a popular Menu Bar reorganization tool, has been updated to version 5 for Sonoma optimization. Older versions may not offer full compatibility with Sonoma and may lack certain features.
As a general rule, before upgrading to macOS Sonoma, it’s advisable to check with the developers of the apps you rely on to ensure compatibility with the new operating system. Additionally, explore the Mac App Store, as many apps have received recent updates to ensure Sonoma compatibility and to take advantage of new Sonoma-specific features.”
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Zoomer Zest journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
