macOS 12.2.1 update ends nasty Bluetooth bug

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macOS 11.2, the latest version of Big Sur, includes a range of bug fixes.
macOS 12.2.1 will help a lot of Mac users who’ve been hassled by a Bluetooth bug.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Intel-based Mac users can stop worrying about a frustrating Bluetooth bug that causes excessive battery drain. macOS Monterey 12.2.1, released Thursday, fixes the problem.

Apple also introduced iOS 15.3.1 and iPadOS 15.3.1 to fix a bug with Braille screens. And watchOS 8.4.2 is out, too.

What’s new in macOS Monterey 12.2.1

Apple’s release notes for the Mac software update state, “macOS 12.2.1 provides important security updates and fixes an issue for Intel-based Mac computers that may cause the battery to drain during sleep when connected to Bluetooth peripherals.”

The Bluetooth bug was introduced by macOS 12.2 in late January. It continually wakes up a Mac when it’s supposed to be asleep if Bluetooth is on.

Also in macOS Monterey 12.2.1 is a fix for a WebKit security hole that would let a hacker create a web page to run code the user is unaware of, according to Apple. This is severe enough that it was listed before the Bluetooth bug in the release notes.

How to install the macOS update

Anyone with a compatible Mac can download macOS Monterey 12.2.1 now. Go to Apple menu  > About This Mac. Then click Software Update. Alternatively, you can install the new version from the App Store. (Note: At the time of this writing, Apple had not yet updated the version of macOS Monterey in the App Store. But it should happen soon.)

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