macOS Sonoma Compatibility Guide
IMPORTANT! Apple released macOS Sonoma on September 26, 2023. We will revise this article regularly with the latest updates from over 175 manufacturers and software developers.
Sweetwater is your one-stop resource for the information you need to get up and running with music and audio on macOS Sonoma, also called macOS 14.
Everybody is excited about Apple’s annual release of the new version of macOS and all its new features. But, like every year, it is not a good idea for musicians, audio engineers, and content creators to upgrade to the latest macOS right away. We need patience.
Before upgrading, you need to be certain of two things:
- Is your device compatible with macOS Sonoma?
- Are all of the pieces of hardware and software that you use compatible with macOS Sonoma?
The answer to the first question is straightforward. The answer to the second one will require you to do some research. It will also be some time from the launch date until the third-party companies announce compatibility.
Sweetwater provides this guide to help you figure it all out. We regularly update this page with the newest information.
- When Is the macOS Sonoma Release Date?
- macOS Sonoma Features
- Should I Upgrade to macOS Sonoma?
- Now Is the Time to Make a Backup!
- Is My Mac a macOS Sonoma–supported Device?
- macOS Sonoma Compatibility: Software and Hardware
- More Sweetwater macOS Sonoma Support Resources
When Is the macOS Sonoma Release Date?
Apple released macOS Sonoma on September 26, 2023. Sweetwater will regularly update this page and related articles with new information as we work with macOS Sonoma.
Apple announced macOS Sonoma at the annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) on June 5, 2023. Since then, we at Sweetwater have been checking out the developer and public beta builds of macOS Sonoma.
On September 12, 2023, after the product announcement of new iPhone and Apple Watch models, Apple announced that macOS Sonoma would be released on September 26, which is a month earlier than Apple’s pattern of previous years.
macOS Sonoma Features
As we are keen to caution you, please don’t rush into upgrading your Mac to macOS Sonoma. But first, here are some new features everybody is talking about.
macOS Sonoma promises closer integration with your iPhone and iPad in iOS and iPadOS 17, Apple Watch in watchOS 10, and Apple TV in tvOS 17. It also provides better integration and support with AirPods. The new Safari provides multiple user profiles, improvements to tracker blocking, and other enhancements, while passwords can now be shared among a group of people. There are numerous improvements to Messages and iMessage. System-wide predictive text completion when typing and improved autocorrect accuracy are promised, too. Later on they will be providing system-wide integrated features to improve working with PDFs.
If you have an Apple silicon Mac, then macOS Sonoma will provide better gaming performance through Game Mode, which optimizes processor-intensive tasks in the CPU and GPU. It will also provide expanded features in videoconferencing via the Presenter Overlay feature, and enhancements to screen sharing.
There’s more, which you can read about on Apple’s macOS Sonoma page.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Sonoma?
On the one hand, if you have a Mac running a previous version of macOS, your recording system is stable, and each component is functioning correctly, then you have a platform where you can get your work done.
On the other hand, there may be good reasons to upgrade, to gain the features we discussed above. As always, the latest macOS will also have improvements to security.
If you have an older Intel-based Mac, you may be able to upgrade it to macOS Sonoma when the time is right, but the larger question is when to plan a move to a new Mac with Apple Silicon.
What about Sonoma on a Mac with Apple Silicon versus an Intel-based Mac?
This year, 2023, Apple phased out the last of the Mac models with Intel CPUs. All the current Mac devices have Apple silicon (M1, M2) processors, which were first introduced in late 2020. Here at Sweetwater, our audio engineers have been amazed at the gains in system performance and audio processing power with the new-generation Mac with Apple silicon.
While Sonoma straddles the line and provides support for both more recent Intel-based Mac computers and the Mac with Apple silicon devices, the writing is on the wall. If you still have an Intel-based Mac, then think ahead. Can you continue working with your Intel-based Mac for awhile? When would be the right time to move to a new Mac with Apple silicon?
Of course, if you already have a Mac with Apple silicon, then you can upgrade to macOS Sonoma. We want to remind you to be sure that all of the pieces of hardware and software that you use are compatible with macOS Sonoma before you do that.
Keep reading to help you decide whether — and when — it’s safe to upgrade.
Third-party hardware and software compatibility
You rely on your DAW, plug-ins, virtual instruments, and other music and audio apps, not to mention hardware such as your audio interface and MIDI controller. You need a stable system to run the software and hardware you already have.
Meanwhile, the developers of these products you use may not be ready for macOS Sonoma. This is business as usual every year when Apple releases a new macOS. While some developers will announce compatibility promptly, some will need weeks or months after macOS Sonoma is released before they offer new updates to their software.
You should wait to upgrade until the products you use are compatible.
You may also learn that pieces of software or hardware you have used for years are no longer supported by their manufacturers and will not be offered in versions compatible with macOS Sonoma. In that case, you’ll need to consider replacing these items with newer technology.
32-bit software is incompatible with macOS
There may still be users out there who have legacy software and plug-ins that are 32-bit. The last version of macOS that could run 32-bit code was macOS 10.14 Mojave from 2018. Every version of macOS since then requires apps that run 64-bit code. If you are still working with 32-bit apps, then you need to check with each manufacturer of all your apps and plug-ins to obtain new 64-bit versions. You should also preserve any work you created with those 32-bit versions before you upgrade.
Now Is the Time to Make a Time Machine Backup!
If you are thinking that it’s the right time to upgrade your Mac, then here’s a timely reminder:
IMPORTANT: Before you upgrade to macOS Sonoma, you need to connect an external hard drive and use Apple’s Time Machine app to make a complete backup of your system. That way, if anything goes wrong after your upgrade, then you can easily restore your Mac to its original state using the Time Machine backup.
Have a look at Sweetwater’s macOS Time Machine Backup Guide for instructions.
Is My Mac a macOS Sonoma–supported Device?
Pull down the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and choose About This Mac. A window will open, and next to the name of your model, it will indicate the year.
About This Mac showing the model and year of your Mac
If your model and year — or a newer version of your model — are on the following chart, then you can upgrade your Mac to macOS Sonoma.
macOS Sonoma–supported devices
iMac 2019 and later
Learn more
Mac Pro 2019 and later
Learn more
iMac Pro 2017
Learn more
Mac Studio 2022 and later
Learn more
MacBook Air 2018 and later
Learn more
Mac mini 2018 and later
Learn more
MacBook Pro 2018 and later
Learn more
macOS Sonoma Compatibility: Software and Hardware
IMPORTANT: Third-party hardware manufacturers and software developers advise you to stay with your existing macOS version until they announce that their products are compatible with macOS Sonoma.
Now that macOS Sonoma has been released, manufacturers and developers will provide more information. They will announce the results of their testing and release new versions of their products that provide compatibility.
For the newest info, check the table below, which has links to the developers’ support pages for further details.
Compatibility with your DAW
Third-party DAW developers usually require weeks or months after the release of a new macOS to provide a version of the DAW that is compatible and tested to be 100% reliable. So, whatever DAW you use, wait until its developer announces that they have a new version that provides macOS Sonoma compatibility before you upgrade.
Compatibility for plug-ins
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma–compatible DAW. Put DAW compatibility first, and that will take care of many issues. But you still need to check with the plug-in developers to see about the latest updates.
Compatibility for sound libraries
Some developers provide sound libraries that run under another company’s sampler software app. Compatibility for those libraries will, therefore, not happen until the developer that makes the sampler software app announces an update that supports macOS Sonoma. Look up the information on the developer of your sampler platform as well as the developers of your sound libraries.
Apple silicon native
In addition to macOS Sonoma compatibility, many developers provide information on updates to their products that are Apple silicon native, those that will run in Rosetta 2 emulation, and those that are universal binary.
Drivers and class-compliant hardware
Some hardware devices and audio interfaces require a custom software driver to provide macOS Sonoma compatibility. If a manufacturer states that a device is class-compliant on macOS, then this means that it does not require a driver and should already be compatible.
Check back often!
Sweetwater updates this chart regularly with the latest information from these manufacturers and developers.
Mac Compatibility with Live
Live Minimum System Requirements
They state that their products are Apple Silicon-native.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Acoustica FAQ
ADJ myDMX 3.0 Control Software Specifications
AIR macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Akai macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Alesis macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Look up compatibility by individual product name at the Allen & Heath Resources support page.
Antares Compatibility with macOS Sonoma
Compatibility with Apple silicon
They report that the newest versions of their products are Apple silicon native.
Apogee Sonoma compatibility
Apogee Apple silicon compatibility
They provide a list of products that are Apple silicon native.
AAS macOS 13 Ventura Compatibility
AAS Apple silicon Compatibility
They provide a list of products that are Apple silicon native.
AAS macOS Sonoma Compatibility
AAS Apple silicon Compatibility
Arobas Music Guitar Pro 8 System Requirements
Korg macOS Compatibility Chart
They list many products that are Apple Silicon-native.
Arturia: Compatibility with macOS Sonoma
Arturia Compatibility with M1 Processors
Audient macOS Sonoma Compatibility
They state that their products are Apple Silicon-native.
Audified macOS Support
They state that the newest version of Dante Controller is compatible with macOS Sonoma and runs under Rosetta 2.
Dante Virtual Soundcard Support and Downloads
Dante Controller System Requirements
Audio Design Desk System Requirements
They list some products that are Apple silicon native and some that run under Rosetta 2.
Altiverb System Requirements
Native Apple Silicon Support
Audio Modeling Compatibility
They state that the newest versions of their plug-ins are Apple silicon native.
Audiomodern sound libraries should be compatible when run in Native Instruments Kontakt 7.9.0 or higher.
Audiomodern Help Desk
Audiomodern Apple silicon (M1) compatibility
Audionamix Xtrax Stems system requirements
macOS Sonoma compatibility with Avid Creative Tools Products
Avid: Apple silicon compatibility
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Baby Audio states that their products are Apple silicon native.
Baby Audio FAQs | Technical Specs
Behringer products are class-compliant on macOS, so their hardware should be compatible.
Behringer Support
Their sample libraries that require Native Instruments Kontakt should be compatible when run in Native Instruments Kontakt 7.9.0 or higher.
Best Service System Requirements.
BFD macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Big Fish loop and sample libraries that require Native Instruments Kontakt should be compatible when run in Kontakt 7.9.0 or higher.
They state that their Momentum plugin is Apple silicon native.
Big Fish Momentum
They state that Bitwig Studio 4 is macOS 13 Ventura-compatibile and Apple silicon native.
Bitwig System Requirements
Bitwig Apple silicon Support
They state that the newest versions of all Blue Cat products are Apple silicon native.
Blue Cat Audio FAQ
macOS 12 Monterey and Windows 11 Support
Boss Compatibility with macOS Sonoma (Intel Processor)
Boss Compatibility with macOS Sonoma (Apple silicon)
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
They state that most of their plug-ins are Apple Silicon-native.
Boz Support: The Great Plugin Rewrite
Their keyboards provide class-compliant MIDI-over-USB on macOS; no drivers are required, so their hardware should be compatible.
Are Casio keyboards Mac-compatible?
They state that the latest version of Melodyne is Apple silicon native.
Melodyne System Requirements
Cherry Audio: Should I update to macos 14 Sonoma?
Cherry Audio Apple Silicon M1 processor support
Cinesamples Product Compatibility & Version Chart
CME hardware devices are class-compliant on macOS and should be compatible.
CME Support FAQ
Their hardware is class-compliant on macOS, meaning no custom driver is required, so it should be compatible.
Cranborne Audio Tech Support
NiftyKEYZ is class-compliant on macOS and does not require a custom driver, so it should be compatible.
Cre8audio FAQs
They report that the newest versions of most of their plugins are Apple silicon native.
D16 MacOS Compatibility
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Crane Song Contact Page
They report that the newest versions of products are Apple silicon native.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
DDMF FAQ
Denon DJ macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Their hardware devices are class-compliant on macOS and do not require a custom driver. They should be compatible.
Dexibell FAQ
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
They state that their products are Apple Silicon-native.
DJ Swivel Support
Dreadbox hardware devices are class-compliant on macOS and do not require a custom driver. They should be compatible.
Dreadbox FX Support
They report that the newest version of Opus is Apple silicon native.
EastWest Software Updates
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Hardware Plugin information
Elektron | Resources for Overbridge
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple Silicon native.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Empirical Labs Support
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
EVABeat Melody Sauce System Requirements
Latest OS Compatibility Info
They state that their products are compatible with macOS 12 Monterey. They list some products as being Apple silicon native, and provide a chart with detailed information.
Expressive E macOS Compatibility Information
Expressive E Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Compatibility
FabFilter Support News
Fable Sounds Broadway Big Band system requirements
Flux:: Plug-in Specifications
Flux:: macOS Knowledge Base Information
Focusrite Compatibility on macOSFocusrite Pro (Red) Compatibility on macOS
GetGood Drums FAQ
GForce Software macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Headrush macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Heavyocity sound libraries run in Native Instruments Kontakt, and should be compatible when run in Kontakt 7.9.0 or higher.
Heavyocity Support
iConnectivity macOS Compatibility Update
They provide a list of products that are Apple silicon native.
Is my M1 macOS system compatible with IK Products?
ILIO Product Frequently Asked Questions
FL Studio System Requirements
FL Studio Apple silicon Support
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Inspired Acoustics System Requirements
iZotope: Compatibility of Products on macOS
Their hardware products are class-compliant and therefore should be compatible.
JoeCo Product Support
They state that their apps are compatible with macOS 12 Monterey and will run on Apple Silicon under Rosetta.
Keith McMillan System Requirements and Downloads
They state that their plug-ins are Apple silicon native. Their plug-ins are expected to work in a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Kilohearts FAQ System Requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
They state that most of their plug-ins are Apple silicon native in VST and AU, and some in AAX. Check each product’s page under System Requirements.
Kit Plugins FAQ
They state that the newest version of their products are Apple silicon native.
Look up your product’s information at Klevgrand
Korg Mac Compatibility Chart
Lexicon states their products are compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur (2020).
Lexicon PCM Native Effects System Requirements
Some products are Apple silicon native and some require Rosetta 2.
Line 6 macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Logitech Support – Software
Logitech Support
Lynx macOS Core Audio Driver Information
M-Audio macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Their products are class-compliant on macOS and do not require a custom driver, so they should be compatible.
Mackie Support
They state that the newest version of their products are Apple silicon native.
macOS 14 Sonoma and Finale Notation Products
Finale and Garritan Compatibility with Apple Silicon
McDSP Plug-In Support and System Requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
MeldaProduction System Requirements
Mixwave macOS Sonoma Compatibility Information
MODALapp system requirements
Their hardware products are class-compliant over USB and do not require a custom driver.
Moog Music Support
MOTU and macOS Sonoma
They state that their products are Apple Silicon-native.
MusicLab RealGuitar System Requirements
The newest versions of all of their currently supported products are Apple silicon native.
Compatibility of Native Instruments Products on macOS
Native Instruments Apple Silicon (M1 / M2) Compatibility News
Nektar macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Nektar macOS 11 and above, and Apple M1 Compatibility
They list some plug-ins that are Apple silicon native.
Neural System Requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
They state that their products are Apple silicon native.
Noise Engineering Software
Novation compatibility on macOS
They list some of their products that are Apple silicon native and others that work under Rosetta 2.
Nugen Audio FAQ
Numark macOS Sonoma Compatibility
They state that their products are Apple silicon native.
Oeksound soothe2 System Requirements
Oeksound spiff System Requirements
They state that some products are Apple silicon native and some run under Rosetta 2.
Output macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility
Output Apple silicon compatibility
They state that their plug-ins are Apple silicon native.
Overloud Compatibility and System Requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Peterson Strobosoft Tuner Specifications
Pioneer DJ Support for macOS Sonoma
Pioneer DDJ-RR Audio Driver for macOS Sonoma
They state that their products are Apple Silicon-native.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Polyverse Knowledge Base
The chart below lists other products that require Rosetta 2 on Apple silicon.
Positive Grid Bias FX 2: What’s New
Positive Grid System Requirements for Desktop Software
They state that the newest versions of many software products are compatible, including Studio One 6.5, PreSonus Hub, Studio One +, and Capture.
They report that the newest versions of most products are Apple silicon native. They state that Notion is compatible but requires Rosetta 2.
Consult the chart at the link below for details.
PreSonus macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Process.Audio System Requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple Silicon-native.
PSP 285 System Requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Pulsar Support FAQ
Radial hardware products are class-compliant for USB and should be compatible.
Radial Digital Products
Rane macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Reason: MacOS Sonoma compatibility statement
They state that their products will run on Apple silicon under Rosetta 2.
Which DAWs Are Officially Supported By Relab?
Reveal System Requirements and Compatibility
RME Driver Downloads
RME Driver Installation for Mac
Look up system requirements by product.
MacOS Sonoma and How It Impacts RODE Products
RodeCentral Desktop App information
Linnstrument is class-compliant on macOS and does not require a custom driver. It should be compatible.
LinnStrument Support
Roland Compatibility with macOS Sonoma (Intel processor)
Roland Compatibility with macOS Sonoma (Apple silicon)
Sequential instruments are class-compliant on macOS and do not require a custom driver. They should be compatible.
Sequential Support
macOS 14 Sonoma – Serato software compatibility status
Serato: System Requirements and support information
Shure Software and Firmware Archives
Slate Digital macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Slate Media Technology Support
Softube: Is macOS Sonoma supported?
They state that the newest version of all their currently supported plug-ins are Apple silicon native.
On their plug-in compatibility chart, they do not yet list information about macOS Sonoma.
Solid State Logic Plug-in OS Compatibility
Is SoundID Reference supported on macOS 14 Sonoma?
They list some of their plug-ins that are Apple silicon native and some that run under Rosetta 2.
Are Sonible plug-ins compatible with macOS Sonoma?
Are sonible plug-ins compatible with ARM based Macs?
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple silicon native.
Sonnox macOS Sonoma Compatibility
Sonuscore sound libraries that run in Native Instruments Kontakt should be compatible when run in Kontakt 7.9.0 or higher. For Sonuscore products that run in EastWest Opus, consult EastWest’s compatibility information.
Sonuscore Support
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple silicon native.
Sound Particles Support
They state that their products are Apple Silicon-native.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Soundtoys 5 Compatibility and System Requirements
Soundtoys Apple Silicon Compatibility
Spectrasonics Mac OS Compatibility
SPL plugins are supported by Plugin Alliance and Universal Audio.
SPL Support
Steinberg macOS Sonoma product compatibility
They state that the newest version of the VSX software is Apple Silicon-native.
System Requirements & Supported Digital Audio Workstations
They state that the newest version of the VSX software is Apple silicon native.
System Requirements & Supported Digital Audio Workstations
They state that the latest version is Apple silicon compatible.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Steven Slate Drums System Requirements
Strymon Plug-in System Requirements
Studiologic Support
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Sugar Bytes Support
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple silicon native.
Syncro Arts | VocALign Project 3 or VocALign Pro 4
Native support for Apple Silicon M1 computers
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple silicon native.
TAL Product News
Their products require Rosetta 2.
TC Electronic Support
Information – TC Electronic Native Plugins – M1 Compatibility
They state that the newest versions of their products are Apple silicon native.
Toontrack macOS Sonoma support
Look up your product on the Tracktion website.
Two notes Genome information
Two notes Torpedo Remote app
They state that the newest version of most of their products are Apple silicon native. Follow this link for details.
u-he Operating System Support FAQ
UJAM macOS Sonoma Support
UJAM Apple Silicon M1, VST 3 support
They state that their currently supported hardware products are compatible.
For details and installation instructions, follow this link.
UAD Software Compatibility with macOS Sonoma
How to install UA software on Mac with Apple Silicon
UVI Compatibility with macOS 14 Sonoma and Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3 Processors)
They state that the newest version of Avenger 2 is Apple silicon native.
Look up your product specifications on the Vengeance website.
The newest versions of several VSL products are Apple silicon native.
Is VSL software compatible with the latest macOS and Apple Silicon?
Look up your product on the Vir2 instruments product page.
Their hardware USB connections are generally class-compliant on macOS and should be compatible.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Waldorf Support
They state that their plugins are Apple silicon native on VST3 and AU, but not AAX.
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
WaveArts plug-in requirements
Plug-ins will generally be compatible when run under a macOS Sonoma-compatible DAW.
Drumagog System Requirements
Waves System Requirements
Waves: Apple silicon Support
The newest version of the Yamaha Steinberg USB driver is Apple Silicon-native.
Yamaha macOS Compatibility information
They list several products that are Apple Silicon-native.
zplane Products
They report that the newest versions of their Mac audio apps are macOS 12 Monterey-compatible and Apple Silicon-native.
Zynaptiq Mac Audio Apps System Requirements
More Sweetwater macOS Sonoma Support Resources
As announced, Apple launched macOS Sonoma on September 26, 2023.
Bookmark this page and check back for the latest updates.
Check our Mac/PC Optimization Guides page for the newest support resources, along with the guides we have provided for previous versions of both macOS and Windows.
We’ve got a guide on how to use Time Machine, which is built into macOS, to make a backup of your entire system onto an external hard drive. We urge you to make a full backup before you go forward so you can restore your system easily if anything goes wrong.
Since computer operating systems aren’t specifically designed for music and audio production, we’ve also included tips for optimizing your OS for best performance in your studio or live rig.
Remember that you can call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. They are always here for you.
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