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macOS Monterey Public Beta Now Available

July 1, 2021
Topics:ApplemacosMedia & Entertainment
macOS Monterey Public Beta Now Available

Apple Releases macOS 12 Monterey Public Beta

Apple has recently made available a series of public betas, including iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8. Now, the company is extending access to another significant software component unveiled at WWDC in June.

Public Beta Now Available

The public beta version of macOS 12.0 Monterey is now available for download, following three weeks of developer beta testing. The rollout may take some time to reach all users.

As with any beta operating system, caution is advised against installing it on a primary machine. However, this release should offer improved stability compared to the initial developer versions.

macos monterey’s public beta is liveSystem Compatibility

Compatibility is a key consideration for Monterey, particularly as it’s the first full OS release since the introduction of Apple silicon Macs. It will function on all systems equipped with a first-party Apple processor.

Intel-based Macs also have support, extending back several years. Here’s a list of compatible models:

  • iMac‌ — Late 2015 and later
  • ‌iMac‌ Pro — 2017 and later
  • ‌MacBook Air‌ — Early 2015 and later
  • MacBook Pro — Early 2015 and later
  • Mac Pro — Late 2013 and later
  • Mac mini — Late 2014 and later
  • MacBook — Early 2016 and later

The compatibility dates are slightly newer than those for Big Sur.

Key Features in macOS Monterey

The most substantial changes in Monterey are focused on Safari, FaceTime, and the introduction of Universal Control. Shortcuts, a feature originating on iOS, will replace the macOS Automater application.

macos monterey’s public beta is liveSafari Updates

Safari receives significant updates with each macOS release, and this version represents one of the most substantial in recent memory. Some users may find the changes disruptive to their workflow, which is a common reason for resisting browser switches. However, change is essential for evolution.

The browser’s interface has been radically redesigned:

Image Credits: Brian Heater

The tab bar is now integrated with the address bar, a significant departure from previous designs. Tab Groups allow users to organize tabs into collections for different purposes.

These groups synchronize across devices via your Apple ID, offering enhanced organization.

macos monterey’s public beta is liveFaceTime Enhancements

FaceTime gains features that became popular during the pandemic, including the ability to stream movies and TV shows with friends. This functionality extends to Apple products like TV+ and Music, as well as third-party services like Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Apple is also opening its API to developers, with the hope of adding support for platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

macos monterey’s public beta is liveFocus Mode

Focus builds upon Do Not Disturb, allowing users to customize notification settings for different activities. Apple provides pre-set options like Work and Sleep, or users can create custom profiles.

macos monterey’s public beta is liveUniversal Control and AirPlay

Universal Control enables the use of a single keyboard and mouse/trackpad across compatible Macs and iPads. It differs from Sidecar, which turns an iPad into a second screen, by maintaining the iPad’s standard functionality.

AirPlay to Mac allows users to share content from iPhones and other Apple devices directly to their Mac’s display. The Mac can also function as an AirPlay speaker.

macos monterey’s public beta is liveShortcuts Replace Automater

The introduction of the Mac version of Shortcuts signals the eventual replacement of Automater. Apple will retain Automater for a period to gather user feedback. Automater was powerful but complex; Shortcuts aims for greater accessibility. A gallery of pre-built shortcuts is available to help users get started.

These shortcuts can automate a range of tasks, potentially rendering some third-party Mac applications unnecessary.