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macOS Sonoma, aka macOS 14, is the latest operating system designed for modern Macs. Apple introduced it to public at WWDC 2023, which is powered by a set of new amazing features, such as better video conferencing and much faster search result. However, this new version is only in beta test and only a small portion of devices are eligible to run macOS Sonoma at the time we are wring this post. Like usual, the beta version always comes with bugs and issues so it is more recommended to install macOS Sonoma on external drive before stable release is available.
macOS Sonoma Introduction
Below is a list of new features available in macOS Sonoma:
Interface and Aesthetics: Apple could potentially introduce a refreshed UI, with new icons, dynamic wallpapers, and an improved dark mode. These changes could come along with new animations and transitions for a smoother experience.
Performance and Efficiency: Each new iteration of macOS typically comes with improvements to the overall speed, performance, and efficiency of the system. This can include faster boot-up times, more efficient battery usage, and better memory management.
Security and Privacy: As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, it’s likely that any new macOS version would include updates to enhance user security and privacy, such as improved encryption or more advanced protections against malware.
Better Video Conferencing: Video conferencing has become increasingly essential in many professional and personal settings. macOS Sonoma has additional optimization for Teams, Zoom, FaceTime, Zoom and Skype for better video conferencing experience.
Interactive Widgets on Desktop: Interactive widgets on a desktop are small applications that run on your Mac’s desktop or in a dedicated widget area. They provide quick access to information or functionalities from the main software applications without needing to open the full application. Examples of widgets include weather updates, calendar reminders, system performance statistics, email notifications, and news feeds, among others.
macOS Sonoma Compatible Devices
Usually, new macOS release has more strict requirements for hardware when comparing to the old ones. There is no exception for macOS Sonoma. Only modern Mac models are eligible to run macOS Sonoma, including:
MacBook Air: 2018 and later
MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
Mac Mini: 2018 and later
iMac: 2019 and later
iMac Pro: 2017
Mac Studio: 2022 and later
Mac Pro: 2019 and later
Benefits of Installing macOS on External Drive
Installing macOS on an external drive can provide several benefits, depending on your specific needs:
Testing New Releases: You can test new macOS releases without affecting your main system. This way, you can check out the features and performance of the new system without committing to it fully. It’s particularly useful for developers and beta testers.
Troubleshooting: If your Mac is having problems, you can boot from the external drive to diagnose issues. This can be an invaluable tool when dealing with system crashes or other significant issues on your main drive.
Increased Storage Space: If your internal drive is nearing its storage limit, installing macOS on an external drive can provide you with additional storage space for applications, files, and more.
Portability: You can carry your macOS with your desired applications and settings to another Mac. It’s like having your personalized computer system in your pocket, which can be especially beneficial if you often switch between different Mac computers.
Backup: Having a bootable backup can be a lifesaver in case your internal drive fails. You can immediately continue working with the external drive, ensuring minimal disruption to your tasks.
Performance Testing: If you’re considering upgrading your internal drive (e.g., from an HDD to an SSD), you can first try an external SSD with macOS installed to see the performance difference.
Keep in mind that while these benefits are attractive, running macOS off an external drive may not be as smooth or fast as running it from your Mac’s internal drive. External drives are typically slower, especially if they’re connected over older USB standards, compared to the internal solid-state drives (SSDs) that come with most Macs. The performance of the system could be limited by the speed of the connection and the speed of the external drive itself.
Where to Download macOS Sonoma Installer App
macOS Sonoma is still in developer beta and not available publicly. So you won’t be able to download the installer from Mac App Store. Instead, you can directly download the installation file (InstallAssistant.pkg) from the following link or enroll in Apple’s Beta Software Program:
Apple typically releases macOS beta versions through its Apple Developer Program. To access the beta versions, you need to be a registered developer with a valid developer account. Here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Visit the Apple Developer Program website: https://developer.apple.com/.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Step 3: Enroll in the Apple Developer Program and complete the necessary steps.
Step 4: Once enrolled, navigate to the "Downloads" section.
Step 5: Look for the available beta versions of macOS and download the installer.
Best Portable External Drive for Mac Sonoma
A portable external drive is a storage device that you can use to save, back up, and transfer data. These devices connect to your computer, typically via USB, Thunderbolt, or sometimes wirelessly. They are small, lightweight, and designed for easy transport, making them useful for storing large files and taking your data on the go.
Some people use portable drives to run applications or even entire operating systems. This allows you to take your software and settings with you, using them on any compatible device.
For Intel Mac (USB-A):
Here are some of the best portable external drives you could consider for an Intel Mac with a USB-A port. These drives are highly regarded for their performance, reliability, and durability:
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD: SanDisk’s portable SSDs are fast, reliable, and rugged with a good reputation in the market. They offer high read and write speeds over USB 3.1 (which is backward compatible with USB-A) and have a water- and dust-resistant design.
WD My Passport Ultra: Western Digital’s My Passport Ultra drives offer solid performance with up to 5TB storage capacity. The drive uses USB-C technology but includes a USB 3.0 adapter for compatibility with USB-A ports.
Seagate Backup Plus Slim: Seagate’s Backup Plus Slim is a popular choice due to its reliability and slim design. It offers up to 5TB of storage and includes handy backup software.
LaCie Rugged Mini: LaCie’s Rugged Mini drives are known for their durability, making them an excellent choice if you’re often on the go. They offer up to 5TB of storage and have a rugged design that can withstand drops, shock, and rain.
Samsung T5 Portable SSD: Although it uses a USB-C connection, the Samsung T5 includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, making it compatible with USB-A ports. This SSD offers excellent speed and reliability.
Remember that speeds will be limited to what the USB-A interface can handle, even if the drive is capable of faster speeds with a USB-C connection. Also, technology continues to evolve, and newer models may have been released after my training data. Always check the latest reviews and product specifications before making a purchase.
For Apple Silicon Mac:
The following portable external drives are some of the top choices for an Intel Mac with a USB-C port. These drives are chosen based on their performance, reliability, and positive user reviews:
Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD: The Samsung T7 Touch offers excellent data transfer speeds. It features a fingerprint scanner for additional data security, but if you don’t need this feature, the non-Touch T7 model offers similar performance.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD: This is a high-speed, durable SSD that’s resistant to water, dust, and shock. It’s highly compact, making it a great choice if you’re constantly on the move.
WD My Passport SSD: The WD My Passport SSD is a reliable choice with good performance. It’s shock-resistant and includes password protection with hardware encryption.
LaCie Rugged SSD: Like their Rugged Mini HDD, LaCie’s Rugged SSD is built to withstand tough conditions. It’s a solid choice if you need an SSD that can handle rough handling.
Crucial X8 Portable SSD: The Crucial X8 offers impressive performance at a relatively affordable price. It has a durable design and delivers fast read and write speeds.
G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile SSD: This drive offers a durable design with an IP67 water/dust resistance rating, a 1000lb crush resistance, and drop protection. It also delivers high-speed data transfers.
Remember to always check the latest reviews and product specifications as newer models may have been released after my training data. Also, ensure your Mac supports the full capabilities of these drives. Some older Macs with USB-C ports may not support the maximum speeds these drives are capable of.
How Much Disk Space Do You Need to Install macOS Sonoma?
According to Apple’s official documentation, macOS Sonoma requires approximately 35.5 GB of available storage to upgrade from macOS Catalina. If you’re installing macOS Big Sur on a Mac that needs to upgrade its file system during the installation process or if you’re installing from macOS Ventura or Monterey, you need up to 44.5GB of available storage.
Remember, it’s a good practice to have more free storage space than the minimum requirement. The performance of your Mac could be negatively impacted if your storage is near full. Also, before proceeding with the installation, ensure to back up your data to prevent potential data loss.
How to Install macOS Sonoma to External Drive
To install macOS on an external drive, follow these steps:
1. Connect the External Drive: Connect your external hard drive to your Mac. Make sure the drive has enough space to install macOS; you’ll need at least 20GB of free space.
2. Format the External Drive: Launch Disk Utility (you can find it in Applications -> Utilities, or search for it using Spotlight). Select your external drive from the list on the left. Click "Erase" and choose "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" as the format. Click "Erase" again. Please note that this will delete all data on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files before you proceed.
3. Download macOS Sonoma Installer: Go to the App Store, find the macOS version you want to install, and download the installer. It should automatically open once the download completes.
4. Install macOS on the External Drive: In the installer, follow the prompts until you get to the "Select the disk where you want to install macOS" screen. Choose your external drive, then click "Install."
5. Follow the Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Your Mac will restart and boot from the external drive to complete the installation.
Please note that running macOS from an external drive will likely be slower than running it from your internal drive, particularly if the external drive is connected via USB. Consider using a Thunderbolt connection for better performance if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to install macOS on external hard drive?
Yes, it's possible to install macOS Sonoma on an external hard drive. This can be useful for a variety of reasons such as testing a new macOS version without affecting your main system, troubleshooting issues, or if you need to run certain applications in a specific macOS version.
Can I use external hard drive as bootable USB on Mac?
Yes, you can use an external hard drive as a bootable device on a Mac. A bootable external drive can be helpful for installing macOS on multiple machines without downloading the installer each time for running a different macOS version separate from the main system.
What the best file system for installing macOS?
The best file system for installing macOS is the Apple File System (APFS). It was designed to overcome the limitations of the older HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) file system and to take full advantage of SSD and flash storage technologies. It offers stronger encryption, better metadata handling, space sharing, and improved file system snapshots, which makes backups more efficient.
Can you run macOS Sonoma from external SSD?
Yes, you can run macOS Sonoma from an external Solid State Drive (SSD). Apple has built-in support for this task. However, make sure the hardware meets the minimal system requirements of target macOS.
Summary
Installing macOS Sonoma on an external drive provides flexibility and options for running different versions of macOS, testing new versions without disturbing the main system, or troubleshooting existing system problems. The process involves formatting the external drive, downloading the installer, and running the installer on the chosen drive. While this method offers numerous benefits, it’s important to remember that the performance might not be as fast as running macOS from the internal drive, particularly if the external drive is connected via USB. A Thunderbolt connection could offer a performance boost. Always ensure that your external drive has adequate storage space for the installation and remember to back up important data before proceeding with any operating system installation to prevent potential data loss.