macOS 12 Monterey can now be downloaded. It brings many new features to Macs and MacBooks. This includes the new models that run Pro and Max . These models were revealed at Apple’s Oct 2021 event.

This release brings features you already have in iOS such as Shortcuts, the redesigned Safari and more. Other features, such as Universal Control or SharePlay, were announced at . This will disappoint many who had hoped to test them.

We evaluated Monterey, and found it to provide a significant update for the Apple Silicon era. It seems like it’s helping to lay the foundation for future Macs running on M1 chips.

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The new MacBook Pro 16″ (2021), and MacBook Pro 15″ (2021) will come with Monterey preinstalled upon launch (again on October 25).

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Here’s what macOS 12 Monterey looks like.

• Three iPhone, Mac, and iPad developers share their WWDC wishes
• How to Download MacOS 12 Monterey on your Mac
• Learn about the new features in iPadOS 15.

Let’s get to the point

• What’s it all about? macOS12 Monterey is the successor to macOS11 Big Sur
• When will it be available? October 25,
• What is the cost of this upgrade? This is a free upgrade

macOS 12 Monterey system requirements

Apple has announced the list of Macs that can run macOS 12 Monterey. Apple promises that macOS Monterey will “support the broadest range of Macs in history, including the newest iMac, MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro as well as Apple’s Intel-based Macs.”

These are the devices that run macOS 12 Monterey.

• iMacs from late 2015 onwards
• iMac Pro 2017 or later
• MacBook Air, early 2015 and later
• MacBook Pro 2015 and later
• Mac Pro 2013 and later
• Mac mini, late 2014 or later
• MacBooks from 2016 and later

macOS 12 name: Monterey

Apple has named macOS 12 Monterey after its Californian coastal location.

MacOS 12 Monterey release date

Apple announced at its recent Unleashed event that macOS 12 Monterey would be launched on Monday, October 25, which it did.

This update is free for all users of compatible systems. Check out the system requirements to determine if your Mac is compatible.

When will macOS 12 Monterey become available for download?

You can either download the macOS 12 Monterey upgrade through your Mac’s System Preferences menu or through the Mac App Store app.

We have a guide that will help you download macOS 12 Monterey if you are unsure how to update your Mac.

macOS 12 features

Apple claims that “macOS Monterey” offers new ways for users of Apple devices to connect, get more done and work more efficiently.

This update is for people who own multiple Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

Some features will not be available on M1 Pro or M1 Max Macs. This suggests that Apple is already moving to Apple Silicon, leaving Intel Macs behind.

Universal Control

You can switch between iPad and Mac with one mouse and keyboard. You can slide your iPad seamlessly over to your MacBook using a trackpad.

Drag and drop files can be done between iPads, MacBooks and iMacs. You don’t need to set up anything. All you have to do is place your devices next each other and drag your cursor to move between them. This is one of the most important new features in macOS 12 Monterey.

Apple confirmed the feature and SharePlay would be available in an upcoming update to Monterey. SharePlay is available on iOS devices, and has been restored in iOS 15.1.

FaceTime

The way we communicate and work has changed dramatically over the past year. Video calls are more important than ever. It’s great to see Apple adding new FaceTime calling features in macOS 12 Monterey.

This includes spatial audio support, which is a major theme of Apple’s WWDC 2020 keynote. The person’s audio should feel as if it’s coming from their location.

Voice Isolation uses machine learning to remove background noise and make voices clearer.

Wide Spectrum is the opposite. It boosts all ambient sounds, as well as voices, which can prove useful in certain situations where it’s necessary to hear people.

Apple MacBooks and Macs with the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips will be able to blur user background using the Neural Engine. This is a feature that’s been available in other video calling applications for some time and does not require any special hardware.

It is more useful to invite anyone to join a FaceTime conversation, even if they are using Android or Windows devices. They will also be able to benefit from the end to end encryption.

Airplay

AirPlay can be used on Macs and your Mac or MacBook can act as a speaker or output device.

Shortcuts

The Mac now has shortcuts. These shortcuts allow you to automate daily tasks. These can be set up by you or used from pre-made templates.

These can be activated via Siri, without the need to use your hands. You can also import Automator workflows using Shortcuts.

Shortcuts can be found throughout macOS 12 Monterey including the menu bar and Spotlight.

Safari 15

Safari, Apple’s web browser on macOS 12, has been redesigned. The tabs are smaller, the toolbar is more refined, and you can now use tab groups.

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This allows you to save and group tabs together for quick access. This is useful for those who have many tabs open at once.

The groups can be named and accessible from all devices. You can make a change on a Mac and the groups will change on iPad or iPhone.

To find specific websites, you can use the search box. The Tabs bar will change color depending on which website you are on.

Notes

The Notes app has been updated to make it easier to manage and collaborate notes. The Quick Notification allows you to take notes from any website or app, and you can also add links from Safari and Maps.

Notes can be shared by multiple people. They can also be edited together. You can find edits of people in the Activity View. Tags can also be added to make it easier to find them later.

Focus

The new Focus feature, a powerful “do not disturb” setting for Macs and MacBooks running macOS 12 Monterey, is now available. Notifications can be filter out depending on what you are doing right now.

You can set your status to let others know that you are not being interrupted. Focus will also be mirrored across all of your Apple devices if it is set up on one device.

This release is more like the Snow Leopard for macOS releases. Apple was keen to emphasize the fact that this release was a refined (opens new tab), with no new features.