Apple ships macOS Monterey without Universal Control Oct 25

Now you can try Apple’s new operating systems

Apple has introduced new Macs based on its powerful new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. It has also confirmed that the next version of macOS, Monterey, will ship October 25.

What’s coming in Monterey?

Apple announced Monterey at WWDC in June. The OS has been through numerous beta revisions since then, with the original Safari re-design seeing particular attention in reaction to wide criticism.

Apple’s new Mac OS will offer most of the features that have been promised, including updates to FaceTime and Messages, Focus, Quick Notes, Shortcuts, Live Text and more.

You also get improvements in Maps, spatial audio and voice and video improvements specifically developed for video collaboration through services including FaceTime. Not every feature works on every currently supported Mac.

Two of the most important improvements won’t be available.

Apple says both SharePlay and Universal Control won’t arrive until fall. The former lets you share content with others and engage in virtual listening parties.

One of the most anticipated macOS Monterey features won’t be available for a while

But perhaps the most disappointing absence is that of Universal Control, which lets Macs and iPads work together much more effectively, enabling you to control up to three machines (one of which must be a Mac) using a single keyboard and mouse.

[Also read: How to use Full Keyboard Access in macOS Monterey]

When should you install Monterey?

While the OS has been through extensive beta testing and most MDM vendors will provide zero-day support to ensure they can upgrade fleets of systems swiftly, it’s usually good practise to wait a day or two before upgrading.

This is to give any undiscovered flaws a moment in the sun to show themselves, and also because when millions attempt to upgrade simultaneously, the process does sometimes slow down.

Here is an upgrade checklist:

• Before you install take a few moments to delete any unwanted applications or files.
• You should then backup your Mac(s).
• Vet your current applications to ensure any critical ones will support the OS.
• Check the Apple news feeds to ensure no last minute snags have emerged.
• Now upgrade.

Apple’s M-series Mac range.

What Macs are compatible with Monterey?

The following Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey:

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

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