macOS Monterey has finally arrived as the next big update for the Mac. Here's a closer look at why you should (and shouldn't) update right now.
After months of being stuck in beta, Apple just released macOS Monterey as its big software update for the Mac. 2021 has been a hectic year for Apple computers. In April, Apple launched the M1 iMac as a complete overhaul of its all-in-one desktop. The iMac was treated to a much-needed performance boost, a larger display, and a gorgeous design that's still turning heads all these months later. Earlier this month, Apple kept the momentum going with its new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros — delivering incredible new screens, ridiculous performance, and the return of much-needed ports.
While there's no denying 2021's been an excellent year for Mac hardware, the software situation hasn't been as strong. Apple revealed macOS Monterey back in June as a fairly exciting update. The company showcased FaceTime improvements, new sharing capabilities, drastic Safari upgrades, and more. Unfortunately, the software's remained in beta testing since then. Even with the public releases of iOS 15 and watchOS 8, a public build of macOS Monterey was still nowhere to be found.
Thankfully, this is finally changing. On October 25, Apple announced it's begun rolling out the macOS Monterey update to all eligible Macs. It's 100 percent free to download — just like all macOS updates — and is compatible with a wide array of machines. iMacs from late 2015 and newer are supported, as are MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros from at least early 2015. Mac Pros from late 2013 and newer are also supported, as are iMac Pros from at least 2017 and Mac minis from late 2014 and beyond. For anyone with the now-discontinued MacBook, models from early 2016 and up work with macOS Monterey.
Apple's certainly done a good job with macOS Monterey's availability, but it raises an interesting question: Just because someone can download macOS Monterey on their Mac, should they? For most people, that answer is a resounding yes. Every macOS update makes the Mac experience better than the last one, and macOS Monterey is no exception to that rule. Use FaceTime a lot? macOS Monterey adds spatial audio for more natural-sounding calls, new microphone modes, and (finally) a grid view for less chaotic group calls. Safari received a few significant improvements as well. It has a sleeker design, an optional compact tab view, and supports tab groups for more organized browsing. Other notable features include Focus modes to help minimize distractions throughout the day, easier access to the Notes app, and the ability to AirPlay content from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac. Regardless of someone's workflow, chances are there's something in macOS Monterey to make your day-to-day just a little bit easier.
That said, the macOS Monterey available today isn't exactly the macOS Apple promised a few months ago. Universal Control — one of the most exciting things about the update — isn't available. This is the feature that allows someone to work across their Mac and iPad with a single mouse and keyboard. It has the potential to be a productivity game-changer, but for now, it isn't anywhere to be found. The same is true of SharePlay. While in a FaceTime call, SharePlay allows you to simultaneously experience a song, movie, or TV show with everyone in the call. Apple says the features will be available "later this fall" and doesn't offer a more specific release date beyond that.
macOS Monterey isn't a dramatic update over macOS Big Sur. The improvements it does provide, however, are all worth using. FaceTime calls are made better than ever, Safari is more powerful, Focus modes are genuinely useful, and so on. There are really just two situations where someone should consider holding off and updating at a later date. If Universal Control is the main reason you're looking forward to macOS Monterey, this initial build may be a bit disappointing. There's also the chance of lingering bugs that didn't get squashed during the betas. This is a risk that comes with any major software update. For someone who can't risk any potential downtime for their computer, waiting for the second or third build doesn't hurt. Outside of those two outliers, macOS Monterey is a solid update. Want to check it out for yourself? Click the Apple icon at the top of your screen, click 'About this Mac,' click 'Software Update,' and have fun.
Source: Apple
