CleanMyMac X 2024 Update: Is It Still Worth Using?
Tips • Updated on Jan. 7, 2024
macOS is way better than Windows and Linux in many aspects. You get smooth performance and an intuitive User Interface. Some may even say that macOS devices are relatively faster than Windows PCs.
However, it does not mean that Macs do not generate junk. They do, and an increasing amount of junk elements on your Mac can slow it down.
That is why we still have to rely on effective macOS performance optimization suites like MacPaw CleanMyMac X.
Sonoma: do you still need CleanMyMac?
Sonoma is one of the most crucial releases of macOS version that we have seen in the past. It brought so many features and UI overhauls to the design.
We have done a couple of articles on Sonoma if you want to check them out. Sonoma also meant performance improvement to a great extent.
Here is the question: do you still need CleanMyMac X on a device running macOS Sonoma?
The short answer is YES, you need it.
Sure, so much has changed on the inside and outside of macOS since the release of Sonoma. However, some things have not. For instance, when you use your Mac and the apps you have installed, the system will still generate junk files.
When you use browsers like Google Chrome, it will create cache files and store web cookies on your system. When you uninstall some programs from your Mac, some files may remain on your system. Together, these issues can take up the storage space and performance of your Mac.
Related: How to Fix Slow Mac After macOS Sonoma Update
Because all these things happen without fail, you do not have a reason not to use CleanMyMac X on a Mac running Sonoma. And the developers at MacPaw have come up with some changes and updates that make CleanMyMac X an awesome companion for Sonoma devices in 2024.
CleanMyMac X 2024: what’s new?
Like every other update that CleanMyMac developers roll out, the latest one also packs so many features. You can, however, split the entire thing into two major sections.
Native Support for Apple M1/M2-based Macs
Though it is not the first app to do so, CleanMyMac X now natively supports the Apple silicon (M1, M2) and Intel platforms. If you have a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or a new iMac that is based on Apple M1/M2, the CleanMyMac X will make your Mac experience even faster. We already know that M1/M2-based Macs perform better than all Intel-based counterparts.
Now, the performance-boosting and maintenance features from CleanMyMac X are like the icing on the cake. In a practical sense, you would not have to see your M1/M2-based Mac slowing down over the course of time. Instead, regular cleaning and maintenance sessions from CleanMyMac X will keep the shiny machines equally smooth and powerful.
It goes without saying, people who own Intel-based Macs can still use the standard version of CleanMyMac X. However, if you have an M1/M2-powered Mac, you can enjoy the super-fast performance.
A New Look
On both the Intel and M1-based versions, CleanMyMac X has introduced a new look. Even though the single changes are small, the overall design looks more classy. As you know, CleanMyMac X has provided a smooth and interactive cleaning experience from the very beginning. The new design builds on that, offering more control over the cleaning process.
As for the design, the developers have added a few enhancements. For instance, the icons are now looking more glass-like, a departure from the normal design. You will also notice the sidebar menu that pushes a bit to the outside and some powerful micro animations. As we said, these changes may not seem big when looked at individually. In the end, however, they can change how you use CleanMyMac X.
Better Junk Cleaning
Junk cleaning is one thing that CleanMyMac X does exceptionally. In the 2024 update, the developers have added an amazing feature to the bunch. In the System Junk module, you can spot an entry called Universal Binaries. These refer to the extra files macOS needs to run both Intel-based and Silicon-based apps on your Mac. However, if you have a non-Silicon Mac, you do not need them.
CleanMyMac X 4.15 now allows you to remove these Universal Binaries from your system without any safety concerns. You can understand the size of Universal Binaries on your system when you load CleanMyMac X the next time. We believe this addition would help a lot of Mac users to save space, especially if you noticed a shorter storage space after the Big Sur update.
CleanMyMac X Menu
CleanMyMac X 4.12.1 has introduced an interactive system information menu. It helps you understand how your Mac is performing at the given point. It quietly stays in the menu bar and shows a variety of data about your Mac’s performance. You can also access utilities such as junk remover and Smart Scan from the menu. The menu widget also gives you smart suggestions.
For instance, you can see storage information, including the available storage. Similarly, the CleanMyMac X menu shows the available RAM and the load on the CPU. You can also understand how much battery is left on the system. You can expand all these sections. For instance, if you expand the CPU section, you’d get to know the system temperature and which apps are consuming the most amount of resources.
Other Noteworthy Changes
The Malware Monitor system on CleanMyMac X has become more effective with this update. Now, the macOS cleaner app will launch the scan of processes before Malware Monitor. It means virtually no threat will miss the eyes of the maintenance tool.
CleanMyMac X has also improved its process for detecting and killing malicious processes. Of course, you can rely on the Smart Scan and Malware Removal modules for these features. You can now find a noticeable difference while opening up these modules as well.
As you can see, the latest version of CleanMyMac X does more than we expected it to. And it can easily stay as the best maintenance solution for your Intel or Silicon-based Mac devices.
Future Enhancements
CleanMyMac X is constantly evolving based on user feedback, with new features in development to make the app even more powerful. Some exciting updates on the horizon include:
- New Junk Locations: Expanding the scope of what the app can detect and remove.
- Advanced Malware Detection: Keeping up with the latest malware threats to ensure comprehensive security.
- Improved Accessibility: Addressing accessibility issues to make the app more user-friendly for everyone.
- More Speedup Tools: Introducing additional tools to further optimize your Mac’s performance.
CleanMyMac X isn’t just a static program—it’s continuously refined to meet the ever-changing needs of Mac users. Have a specific issue you want the app to address? The developers are actively listening and welcome user suggestions.
Is CleanMyMac X still worth it?
As we always do at TheSweetBits, we tested and reviewed the latest version of CleanMyMac X. We could test the latest version on both Intel and M1-based Macs. Here is what we think in light of our testing:
CleanMyMac X still remains the best way to clean your Mac and take care of its maintenance regularly. The changes the app has brought through the new update make the process only easier. At the end of the day, you can spend less time with CleanMyMac X and enjoy more storage space and better speed. We really loved the option to remove Universal Binaries from the Mac, as well.
As always, it did not take us long to be fans of the new design. The new design makes CleanMyMac X look a lot better and perform well. So, if you ask us, we will say you should still check out CleanMyMac X in 2024. I mean, the improvement of performance offered by the new upgrade is quite worth noting.
There are some differences in the M1/M2-optimized and Intel variants, though.
On old, Intel-based Macs, the effect of CleanMyMac X feels like a breath of fresh air. You can perform tasks better, thanks to the lack of junk files and other unnecessary elements. In other words, you can tell the difference apart really quickly.
On M1/M2-based Macs, though, you have to look carefully to see the differences. Sure, the speed gets better, but M1/M2 devices were quite fast in the first place. Even then, the benefits of extra storage and additional RAM are quite noticeable.
Considering that upgrading an M2 Mac is cumbersome, if not impossible, CleanMyMac X is the best way to give your Mac a boost.
CleanMyMac X pricing
Now, when it comes to pricing, you do not have to pay anything extra for CleanMyMac X. You can get its free version from the website and use it for standard cleaning options. However, if the additional options seem important to you, you can always pay $34.95 per license. Considering that the tool can address issues unique to the macOS system, we believe it is a worthy investment.
On any day, CleanMyMac X is a better investment than upgrading your RAM and SSD, you know.
Time to try it today
So, if you own any Mac, it is the right time to try out CleanMyMac X. The app offers a free 7-day trial period. During trial, you can use all CleanMyMac X modules and features for free and without limitation.
If you have an older Intel-based Mac, it will help you improve the performance and save more storage space. If you have an M1/M2-based Mac, it would be the icing on the cake.
Altogether, you do not lose anything while trying out CleanMyMac X. So, what are you waiting for?
