Developers just got their hands on macOS 12.1, the initial major update to Monterey. It’s Apple’s first opportunity to test features missing from macOS 12, like SharePlay and Universal Control.
But the beta is so new it’s not yet clear whether these features are in it yet.
What’s in macOS 12.1 Monterey beta 1?
The release notes given to developers for this beta don’t mention anything about SharePlay or Universal Control. It’ll be up to devs to install it and see what it has to offer.
But we know both these much-antipated features are in development. When the first version of macOS Monterey launched, Apple said both SharePlay and Universal Control will debut “later this fall.” macOS 12.1 would seem to be the best — perhaps the only — option. Especially as the build number for beta 1 ends in “h” in a countdown to “a,” which means Apple made room for seven more 8 betas before the release.
SharePlay launched for iPhone and iPad on Monday. It allows users to enjoy music, movies, TV shows, etc. together during a FaceTime call. Universal Control enables a single keyboard to control both a Mac and an iPad, allowing users to easily jump between them.
In a related move, Apple also seeded Xcode 13.2 beta to developers on Wednesday.
Developers, start testing
Currently, macOS 12.1 is only for developers. But if Apple follows its previous habits, public beta versions will be along.
In the mean time, getting access to these pre-release editions requires joining the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 a year.
