Mac users can now upgrade to macOS Monterey. This new version offers improvements to Safari and FaceTime, and new Focus mode. But two of its biggest features — Universal Control and SharePlay — won’t debut until later.
It’s free to download and install on all compatible computers.
macOS Monterey available now
The just-released macOS upgrade offers Quick Note, allowing users to quickly jot a note. And FaceTime calls get better with new audio modes and Portrait support. Focus mode helps users concentrate by holding back notifications while users are working, playing or sleeping.
Shared with You, which makes it easier to find things like links, images and other multimedia you’ve received from others, is also available in macOS Monterey — alongside the brilliant new Live Text feature inside the Photos app. Monterey also brings Shortcuts to the Mac for the first time.
Photo: Apple
Other improvements in this year’s big macOS upgrade include system-wide text translation, iCloud+ with Private Relay and Hide My Email, an all-new Apple Maps experience, and the ability to stream content to your Mac from another device over AirPlay.
Some macOS features remain on hold
Photo: Apple
Universal Control is a major new feature for Mac and iPad, but it’s not debuting today. Apple said recently it will come out “later this fall.” The feature will enable a single keyboard to control both a Mac and an iPad, allowing users to easily jump between them.
Mac users also will wait until “later this fall” for SharePlay. This will allow users to enjoy music, movies, TV shows, etc., together during FaceTime call. It’s a feature also expected in future versions of iOS, iPadOS and tvOS.
So many compatible Macs
macOS Monterey is completely free to download and install on all compatible machines, including:
- iMac: Late 2015 and later
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later
- Mac Pro: Late 2013 and later
- MacBook: Early 2016 and later
- MacBook Air: Early 2015 and later
- MacBook Pro: Early 2015 and later
How to install macOS Monterey
Anyone with of one of the compatible Macs can download macOS Monterey now. Go to Apple menu > About This Mac. Then click Software Update. Alternatively, you can install the new version from the App Store.
Source: Apple
