macOS Sonoma 14.4
macOS Sonoma 14.4 was released March 18, 2025 with security patches, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
Download & Install
Terminal Installation
For advanced users, you can use Terminal to download and install:
softwareupdate --list
softwareupdate --install --recommended
Release Timeline
macOS Sonoma 14.4 (Current)
Released March 18, 2025
Build: 23E214
Release Notes
What's New in macOS Sonoma 14.4
-
Enhanced Privacy Settings
Improved app privacy controls with more granular permission settings for accessing your data.
-
Messages App Updates
New message organization features with improved search capabilities.
-
Safari Performance
Safari improvements with faster page loading times and reduced memory usage.
-
Notes App Enhancements
Smart folders and improved tagging in Notes app for better organization.
Bug Fixes
- Fixes an issue where some USB devices were not properly recognized after wake from sleep
- Resolves a problem where certain Bluetooth peripherals disconnected unexpectedly
- Addresses an issue where the system could become unresponsive when connecting to certain external displays
- Fixes mail fetch issues with some mail providers
- Resolves an issue where Photos app could crash when importing large libraries
Security Updates
This update addresses several security vulnerabilities:
CVE ID | Component | Description |
---|---|---|
CVE-2025-23456 | Kernel | A memory corruption issue that could lead to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges |
CVE-2025-23457 | WebKit | A vulnerability that could allow maliciously crafted web content to execute arbitrary code |
CVE-2025-23458 | Bluetooth | An issue where a nearby attacker could intercept Bluetooth traffic |
CVE-2025-23459 | Safari | A privacy issue that could allow websites to track users across browsing sessions |
For more details on these security updates, visit Apple's security updates page.
Compatibility
macOS Sonoma 14.4 is compatible with these Mac models:
MacBook Pro
- 2018 and later models
MacBook Air
- 2018 and later models
iMac
- 2019 and later models
iMac Pro
- 2017 and later models
Mac Mini
- 2018 and later models
Mac Pro
- 2019 and later models
Mac Studio
- 2022 and later models
Not sure if your Mac is compatible? Use our Compatibility Checker to find out.
Common Issues & Fixes
This error typically occurs due to insufficient storage space or a corrupted download.
- Check your available storage space (need at least 20GB free)
- Restart your Mac and try again
- Download the update again from System Settings > Software Update
- If the problem persists, try using the Terminal commands shown above
For more detailed help, see our guide: Fixing macOS Update Installation Errors
This is a common issue that can be fixed with the following steps:
- Force restart your Mac (hold power button for 10 seconds)
- Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift key while starting up)
- Try updating from Safe Mode
- If unsuccessful, download the full installer instead
For a complete walkthrough, see: Stuck on "Preparing Update" Fix
Some users report increased battery consumption after updating. This is often temporary as the system reindexes and optimizes:
- Allow up to 48 hours for background tasks to complete
- Check which apps are using energy in System Settings > Battery
- Reset SMC if battery issues persist after 2 days
- Ensure all apps are updated to the latest version compatible with macOS 14.4
Learn more: How to Improve Battery Life in macOS
Wi-Fi connectivity issues can sometimes occur after updates. Try these fixes:
- Turn Wi-Fi off and on again
- Restart your Mac and your router
- Create a new network location in System Settings > Network
- Reset the NVRAM (restart and hold Option+Command+P+R for 20 seconds)
For more network troubleshooting: Fix Wi-Fi Issues in macOS