The latest update to macOS focuses equally on work and play, with a suite of productivity features, and Game Mode, which frees and boosts resources for smoother gaming.

The biggest visual change is the introduction of moveable widgets to the desktop, which seems like it would simply add more clutter – but as one comes into use, the others fade into the screen. Users can also pair their iPhone via a Continuity mode, which lets you access your phones widgets on your desktop, allowing you to bounce between the two machines.

Video conferencing adds a Presenter Overlay mode which basically puts you in front of your shared presentation, like a weatherman on a green screen. Notes now displays PDFs and document scans in full width, making it closer to an Office-type products.

Safari has bolstered its privacy, and added a ‘Profiles’ system with different cookies, histories, extensions, tab groups, bookmarks, and more, for each user.

Game Mode is the most interesting feature, given Apple has traditionally not treated its Macs as gaming machines. Game Mode reduced CPU and GPU use for background tasks, while doubling the Bluetooth sampling rate for less latency between AirPads, wireless controllers, and the machine.

Game Mode will kick in with every game, including future releases.

Sonoma is currently available in Beta mode, and will receive a wide release next month.