Will macOS Sonoma handle a mac mini 2018?

We have Sonoma running on a 2018 mini now. It runs great.

However, 8 GB of RAM is going to be tight. Fine for general use such as email, messages, surfing the web, word processing, etc. But if try running RAM intensive apps like Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve - especially all open at the same time - expect your Mac to lag.

But that will happen under any OS version with only 8 GB of RAM.

looks like it

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

Yes, beautifully.

Yes, and also Sequoia is supported. Money well spent six years ago.

Absolutely!

i made the jump with my 2018 about 2 months ago

i always wait for late stage versions. Will do the same when Sequoia comes…

lanstrad1 wrote:

i always wait for late stage versions. Will do the same when Sequoia comes…

I install major upgrades to an external volume and make sure my mission critical apps work before backupping and upgrading the internal disk.

The 2018 Mac mini has two RAM sockets, and can take as much as 64 GB of RAM (2 x 32 GB).

If you decide to get more RAM, I would suggest getting it from Other World Computing or from Crucial. Macs can be picky about RAM.

Other World Computing – OWC Memory Upgrades For Mac mini (2018)

Crucial – Apple Mac mini (2018) RAM Upgrades

My understanding is that installing RAM is a bit tricky – certainly not as easy as on Late 2012 Mac minis (which had a RAM access hatch). You can find installation videos and tool kits on OWC's site, but Apple's recommendation is to have a service center do it.

Upgrade or install memory in your Mac mini - Apple Support

does it struggle with that little RAM? I browse a lot, 20-30 tabs, and I’m used to opening multiple applications at the same time, What now?

You did not say what macOS you use now but you do not notice any difference in Sonoma either. But backup before upgrading as usual.

+1. The 2018 is an all time classic, no doubt about it, Apple’s answer to the 1965 Ford Mustang.