Developers can now get their hands on the second macOS 12 Monterey beta. The update brings new wallpapers, Safari improvements, and a new Apple Maps icon. It also packs a long list of bug fixes.
It’s been three weeks since Apple gave Mac users their first glimpse at macOS Monterey at WWDC 2021. During that time, beta testers have gotten to try out the host of changes and improvements it brings to Mac.
There’s more to come before macOS Monterey makes its public debut this fall, however. The second beta, rolled out on Monday afternoon, makes further changes and brings much-needed bug fixes.
What’s new in macOS Monterey beta 2
The “Hello” wallpapers and screen savers, previously available only on machines powered by an M1 chip, are available to everyone in macOS Monterey beta 2. The Maps icon is also updated, just like on iPhone.
Inside Safari, users will now see a refresh button in the address bar again — but only when they hover their mouse pointer over its right edge. The trick to bring back Safari’s old tab design no longer works in beta 2.
The update also brings Memoji outfits — also new to iPhone and iPad — as well as a long list of bug fixes for Bluetooth, FaceTime, Find My, Focus, iCloud, Mail, Messages, and lots more.
macOS Monterey rolls out this fall
Despite all the improvements and fixes, the macOS Monterey beta should still be avoided by those who do not have a spare Mac they can try it out on. It’s not yet stable enough to use on a primary machine.
If you’re already running Monterey beta 1, you can download the newest release via Software Update. New testers will need to first install the macOS Monterey beta profile from Apple’s developer website.
Apple is expected to offer a much more stable public beta in the coming weeks, while macOS Monterey is scheduled to make its public debut this fall. It will be a free update for all compatible devices.
