Should You Update to MacOS Sonoma as a Logic Pro User?

 

It’s that time of year again! On Tuesday Apple released macOS Sonoma, the latest version of the Mac operating system.

With Sonoma comes plenty of new features to elevate your Mac experience. Including:

• Widgets on desktop
• Improvements in video conferencing
• Game mode

And much, much more! Here’s an entire PDF from Apple that outlines many of the new features in Sonoma.

Assuming you’re a Logic Pro user whose Mac is able to update to Sonoma – should you?

Well…it depends.

Any time there’s a major OS update, it’s always best to take a step back and do a little digging first.

Because an OS update can mean big changes. Which might not always mean good changes for us folk using pro applications, plug-ins, and connected hardware.

First, it’s always good to ask yourself the following:

1 – Am I using any 3rd party hardware, plug-ins, or apps for my creative work?

“3rd party” meaning not developed and manufactured by Apple. Most likely, you probably are!

For example, Apple doesn’t manufacture audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, or USB microphones. And maybe you’ve also purchased plug-ins and software instruments that don’t come with Logic Pro.

These devices, plug-ins and apps might not be considered Sonoma-compatible yet. So it’s always best to check first before updating.

2 – Are you in the middle of an important Project?

This might be client work you’re being paid to deliver. Or a massive personal project that you’re in the middle of or nearly finished with.

In these cases, it might be better to hold off on updating to Sonoma until your important Projects are finished first.

So when should you update?

I understand if this comes across as fear-mongering, and that’s not my intent. In fact, in professional circles it’s actually standard procedure to stay behind at least 1 OS version, if not several!

Even though new updates bring new features and toys, they also can introduce unexpected problems.

So when should you update? My recommendation is that you first:

1. Check all 3rd party developer websites to see if your hardware, plug-ins, and apps are “Sonoma-ready”
2. Back up your Mac using Time Machine to an external drive (or a 3rd party option like Carbon Copy Cloner)
3. Sign off on all important Projects before updating

However, if you just can’t wait to see what Sonoma is all about, there is a bonus step for the more technically inclined:

1. Bonus: create a new volume on your Mac’s hard drive that you can install Sonoma onto and run alongside your current system

This bonus step allows you to install a 2nd APFS volume side-by-side with your current macOS on the same drive. Which then gives you the option to start up your Mac from either volume! Very handy for testing Sonoma without fully committing to it.

Links to Bookmark and Refer To

The following links will be of tremendous help in your journey to Sonoma.

Both Sweetwater and Production Expert have put together compatibility guides that keep track of which developers are Sonoma-ready.

I’ve also included 2 Apple support pages for how to create a Time Machine backup, and how to install more than 1 version of macOS:

Sweetwater Sonoma Compatibility Guide  – https://sweetwater.sjv.io/5gqNPb 

Production Expert Compatibility Guide – https://www.production-expert.com/production-expert-1/macos-sonoma-compatibility-the-ultimate-pro-audio-guide

How to set up a Time Machine backup – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

How to use more than 1 version of macOS  – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208891

I hope this helps!