macOS Monterey: Subtle but exclusive changes

Apple announced during an Apple Event on October 18 that their much-awaited update to macOS would arrive on October 25. For me, the update did not launch at the expected time of 10 am PT, but I was able to upgrade later that day, bringing new features to my already capable MacBook Pro.

macOS Monterey, according to Apple, brings “groundbreaking new features that help users connect in new ways, accomplish more, and work seamlessly across their Apple devices.” The upgrade makes improvements to FaceTime and Maps. It also brings in exciting new services like Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, Focus, Spatial Audio and more.

FaceTime now sounds much clearer, and SharePlay allows you to share your screen with others in your call, much like Zoom. Also, the revolutionary new feature (first introduced in iOS 15) allowing you to share an invite link to bring Windows and Android users to your FaceTime call is now available on macOS.

Maps now offers a cool 3D globe to users along with many other visual improvements. Spatial Audio is improving AirPods users' experience by using head-tracking to make the sound feel like it’s coming directly from the screen. Universal Control allows Apple ecosystem devotees to seamlessly use their mice and keyboards between their Macs and iPads.

This is just scratching the surface of the subtle new features in Monterey. The new release does not feel much different than macOS Big Sur (the previous version). However, it comes with a sad note – many of these features are only available on Macs with the M1 chips (the name for Apple’s silicon). Thus, it is becoming apparent that Apple is slowly phasing out the older Intel equipped devices that it has only recently put on clearance. Many users that have 2 or 3 year old Macs won’t be able to enjoy many of these upgrades.

Should you update? That depends on your usage of your Mac. If you’re bent on getting the latest features and have an M1 equipped device, then you will definitely want to upgrade to the new OS. If yours is older, you may want to wait for a bit and do some research to make sure that other devices like yours run smoothly on the new OS. If you run industry-specific software, you should also check if it is compatible with the new system.

I’m looking forward to using macOS Monterey more for daily tasks, pro-level creation and more! What will be intriguing is to see how the OS runs on Intel-based devices – and how long it takes the users of those devices to upgrade to Apple silicon.

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/10/macos-monterey-is-now-available/

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By Charles Metz