Apple has released the third public beta of macOS Sonoma 14.2, inviting a broader audience to try the software ahead of its global rollout. The move mirrors industry practice where public betas help identify issues before wide release, providing real world feedback to the engineering team. MacRumor reports capture this evolving testing phase, highlighting how non-developers can participate and contribute to the refinement process.
To join the macOS public beta, users should open the Software Update section within the System Preferences app. From there, they can enable the Sonoma public beta under the Beta Updates option. Beginning the process requires registration on Apple’s beta tester website, followed by download and installation steps that ensure the system remains eligible and ready for testing. This pathway gives everyday users a chance to experience upcoming features and report any anomalies back to Apple.
Version 14.2 brings several new features to macOS Sonoma. In Messages, users can react to messages and send stickers, enhancing communication with quick visual responses. The update also expands Apple Music capabilities by adding collaborative playlists, allowing multiple people to contribute and curate a shared listening experience. A new Favorites playlist automatically collects songs the user marks as liked, streamlining access to preferred tracks and creating a personalized soundtrack library.
Compatibility remains a key consideration for Sonoma 14.2. The operating system supports a range of devices spanning multiple generations. Specifically, it runs on iMac models from 2019 onward, iMac Pro models from 2017 onward, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models from 2018 onward, Mac Pro configurations from 2019 onward, Mac Studio models from 2022 onward, and Mac mini units from 2018 onward. This broad support ensures many Apple users can access Sonoma 14.2 without waiting for newer hardware purchases.
In addition to these updates, Apple continues to refine the software ecosystem with ongoing improvements. Earlier, the company released an improved version of iOS 17, aligning with the broader strategy of delivering cohesive, cross-device experiences across its platforms. This synchronized approach helps users maintain continuity as they move between Macs, iPhones, and other Apple devices, reinforcing a seamless user experience across the product family.