With the latest macOS update, Apple has brought incredible features to wow users. Ventura might not be as transformational as Big Sur, but it packs a punch. Some handy features are Continuity Camera, Handoff in FaceTime, Stage Manager, more intelligent Spotlight search, improved Mail and Messages applications, safer Safari, Passkeys, etc.
So are you excited to upgrade your system? Before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things you need to know. Continue reading.
Compatible Mac models
Before going ahead with the update, the first thing to check is ensuring your Mac model is eligible for Ventura. The compatible models are Mac Pro 2019 and later, iMac Pro 2017 and later, Mac Mini 2018 and later, MacBook Pro 2017 and later, MacBook Air 2018 and later, and MacBook 2017 and later.
Space Needed for macOS Ventura
If your system is eligible for Ventura, the next question you must ask is how much space does macOS Ventura need? The installer is about 12GB, and to install it, you need more than 35GB of free storage space.
Check if you have enough space by going to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. If you don’t have enough space, click the Manage button and manually delete documents and files you don’t need to free storage space. You must get rid of all the large files and attachments, applications, and other redundant documents hogging space on your system.
Standout Features of macOS 13 Ventura
Upgrading your system to Ventura may feel like a huge step if you’re used to the comforts of Big Sur or Monterey. So it is normal to want to know what more you will get if you upgrade your system.
In Ventura, Apple has focused on improving productivity and added some incredible features. Some of them are:
- A tool called Stage Manager for seamless switching between active apps and windows. Also, you can place the active window in the middle of the screen to enhance focus.
- Continuity Camera enables users to leverage their iPhone’s camera capabilities on their Mac computer. So you can use your phone camera as a webcam.
- Passkeys eliminate the use of complex passwords. A passkey is a digital key enhancing online security.
- Safari enhancements, including shared tab groups features.
- A new version of iMessage allows users to unsend messages and edit them after they have been sent to the recipient.
- Improved Mail application. You can now undo messages after you have hit the send button and even schedule messages and set reminders.
- Enhanced gaming experience due to the introduction of Metal 3 and also a new game center dashboard.
Steps to Download Ventura
Once you’ve confirmed your system is eligible for macOS Ventura, you can download and install it by going to the App Store. Then, type macOS Ventura and click Get to download. To confirm and start the download process, click Download.
After the download process is complete, the installation will begin. You must patiently wait for the installation process to finish. Don’t close your device.
Steps to Upgrade Ventura
Another way to upgrade your system to Ventura is by opting for the Software Update option. With this, the new operating system will replace the old one while all your programs and files will remain on your device.
Go to the System Preferences app by clicking the Apple menu > click Software Update. Check for the available update and when macOS Ventura shows up, click Upgrade Now. Wait for the process to complete. You may need to restart your system for the changes to take place.
Problems Reported by Users and Their Fixes
As soon as your system is upgraded, you might face some issues. These problems can be fixed quickly.
- Battery drain – The battery may only last for a short time. This might be because your system is working overtime behind the scenes to update all the processes and programs. After a few hours, things should return to normal. If the problem persists, go to the Activity Monitor and quit all the redundant processes hogging system resources. Moreover, you might hear loud fan noises for the same reason.
- Apps crashing – Apps might misbehave or crash because they’re incompatible with Ventura. Go to the App Store and check for updates. Once the apps are updated, they should function correctly. If they don’t, uninstall and reinstall the applications.
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not connecting – Once your system is updated, it may forget the previous settings. So you need to switch off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and then switch it on again. Or, you can restart your system to give it a fresh start, and the problem should be resolved.
The Bottom Line
These are some things to know before upgrading your Mac to Ventura. This guide will ensure you are prepared for everything, and there are no surprises.
