The simplicity of Apple macOS platform is unmatchable. Long-term software support, an easy-to-use interface and seamless iOS integration make it different from its rivals. This year’s macOS Monterey is no exception to their drive to improve the platform. It was unveiled at Apple’s WWDC 2021 event and after months of beta testing, the polished final release is here. Apple says the new OS is no incremental update. There are a host of new features to explore, along with visual improvements aimed to make computing even simpler and faster.
Focus Mode
Focus Mode was introduced on iPhones, and now, it is here on Macs. As the name suggests, it lets you focus on your current tasks by limiting notifications and alerts. For example, if you turn on the Work Focus mode, your Mac will show notifications only from work-related apps like Skype, Microsoft Teams and Outlook. Other pre-loaded modes include Do Not Disturb, Commuting, Driving, Personal, and Sleep. There is also an option to create a personalised Focus Mode. If you turn on Focus on one device, the notification suppression can be setup to sync with all your Apple devices.
Quick Notes
With the new Quick Note feature, jotting down notes is now even easier. Just move your cursor to the bottom-right corner of the screen or hold down the Globe + Q keys to open a Quick Note. You can write down thoughts, save links, and even add photos without minimising apps. Quick Notes are saved in a dedicated section of the Notes app. All notes are synced across devices, which means you can even view them on your iPhone or any other Apple device. macOS Monterey is also compatible with the new Collaborative Notes feature. It allows you to add people to a specific note, where they can collaborate.
Safari – Group Tabs
Safari on macOS Monterey introduces a new feature called the Group Tabs. It lets you save a cluster of tabs together so you can revisit them later just by a single click. It also organises your tabs for a cleaner-looking Safari experience. You can even drag groups to an email to quickly share a list of links. The feature syncs across all your Apple devices, which means you can access your Group Tabs even on your iPhone and iPad.
Universal Control
Universal Control is one of the most interesting features coming to macOS Monterey. It allows you to control multiple iPads or Macs using your primary Mac’s keyboard, trackpad, and mouse. Unlike Apple’s Sidecar feature that turns iPads into a secondary display, Universal Control allows devices to run on their operating system. This means, you can open apps, photos, and even drag-drop content between devices from your primary Mac. The feature does not require any setup and it works automatically when compatible devices are placed next to each other.
FaceTime
macOS Monterey takes the FaceTime experience to a whole new level. It introduces Portrait Mode in video calls to blur out messy backgrounds. The new Grid View lets you have better conversations with large groups. It also automatically highlights the speaker, so you always know who’s talking. Friends using Android and Windows devices can now also join Facetime by tapping your shared link. They can connect to a FaceTime call using browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
FaceTime also offers a new Voice Isolation feature that blocks out background noise for clearer conversations. The Wide Spectrum feature is exactly the opposite. It picks up environmental noise, something which can be helpful when you are celebrating your birthday over FaceTime.
Users with M1-powered Macs and newer generation of AirPods can also take advantage of Spatial Audio. It lets you hear people’s voice based on their position on the grid, so you can have a more natural sounding video calling experience.
SharePlay
SharePlay lets you watch movies and listen to music with your friend using the FaceTime app. The app also automatically adjusts volume, so you can keep talking while you watch. Members can listen to Apple Music songs and can even add additional ones to a shared queue. You can also use this feature to share your Mac’s screen with your co-workers or while planning your next trip with your friends and family.
AirPlay
With the macOS Monterey, you can also use your Mac’s screen as an external display. The feature lets you mirror content from an iPhone, iPad and even Macs. You can use this feature wirelessly or even by using a Type-C cable if you want to reduce latency. You can also connect your AirPlay-supported speaker to your Mac to have a multi-speaker setup.
Live Text
Live Text recognises text in photos and lets you select, copy, and paste them. It supports URLs, phone numbers, addresses, and even handwritten text. For example, if you tap on a recognised address, you can copy it and paste it in your Notes or WhatsApp chat. Similarly, you can tap on recognised phone numbers to quickly make calls. Apple says all text detection is processed on the device, so no personal information leaves your Mac.
Privacy Updates
macOS Monterey significantly improves privacy. The new Hide My Email feature instantly generate random email addresses that forwards to your inbox. You can use it to avoid sharing your real email address while filling up forms or signing up for newsletters. Apple has also introduced a Mail Privacy Protection feature that hides your IP address, so senders can’t link it to your other online activities or determine your location.
The new updated has a Password Section to manage your passwords. It also gives you the option to import passwords from third-party password managers. The OS also brings a built-in two-factor authentication feature so you can generate two-factor verification codes without using third-party apps.
Devices compatible with the new macOS Monterey
Model |
Year |
| MacBook Pro | Early 2015 and later |
| MacBook Air | Early 2015 and later |
| MacBook | Early 2016 and later |
| iMac | Late 2015 and later |
| Mac Mini | Late 2014 and later |
To download macOS Monterey, click on the Apple logo on the left-hand corner of your display. Then click on System Preferences> Software update> Update Now. Apple recommends backing up the device using the Time Machine feature before upgrading. So, if anything goes sideways, you will have all your important data intact.
The macOS Monterey takes the macOS experience to a whole new level. Apple is ready to introduce many new features in the coming months, and we simply can’t wait to see them. To keep knowing about such updates and all the happening things in the tech space, keep following us on www.reliancedigital.in
