Apple offers users major releases to the same operating system annually. The tradition has been in place since 2001 or the release of the Mac OS X Cheetah. If you follow the Mac OS versions in order, you will see three terms used regarding Apple’s OS. Namely, Mac OS X (from 2001 to 2011), OS X (2011 onwards and before 2016) and macOS (since 2016).
In Apple’s list of OS versions, the latest release is called Monterey or macOS 12. The OS version has significantly improved Big Sur’s features and introduced some of its own. Here’s a list of all the important features of macOS 12 that makes it compelling for users to update their operating system right away.
- FaceTime
Monterey includes several exciting FaceTime features, such as spatial audio support. Thanks to this feature, wherever an individual is sitting during a FaceTime call, it would seem the audio is coming from their specific position.
The application also brings a Voice Isolation feature, which utilizes machine learning to get rid of background noises and make voices much clearer. For boosting ambient sounds, the app brings the Wide Spectrum feature.
Furthermore, SharePlay is added to FaceTime, and this feature allows users to watch streaming content or listen to music with others during a FaceTime call. If your Mac uses Apple’s M1 chip, you can blur backgrounds using the Neural Engine.
Last but not least, the biggest update comes in the form of Mac users being able to invite their friends using Windows PC and Android to join a FaceTime call. In addition, Windows and Android users can use FaceTime on the web, and calls will be end-to-end encrypted.
- Safari
After myriad iterations in the beta version, Apple has redesigned the tabs experience on the Safari browser. Users can now see more of a webpage. The primary confusion and focus have been on the new tab bar that takes on the page’s color. The new bar combines the toolbar, tabs and the search field into a compact view. Moreover, with the Tab Groups feature, users can easily manage and save tabs and sync them across their Apple devices. The feature is particularly handy for people who work with lots of open tabs.
- AirPlay
Mac users must rejoice because Apple has finally brought AirPlay to macOS. Thanks to AirPlay, your MacBook or Mac can now be used as video output or speaker. You can present, play and share anything on your iPad or iPhone directly to a Mac display. The speakers on your Mac will be used as an AirPlay speaker.
- Notes
Taking notes on macOS Monterey has become easier than ever before. There are incredible new features in the Notes application, such as Quick Note. The feature lets you quickly jot down notes on any website or application system-wide. You can even add links from Maps or Safari.
Thanks to adding an Activity View and mentions, collaborative notes have a lot more features. You can now easily collaborate with your team working remotely. To grab someone’s attention in the group, you can mention that individual’s name by adding @ and followed by the name. The person will be notified, ensuring that important topics are not overlooked.
Also, you can find all the edits done by the people who are working on notes in the Activity View. Tags can also be added so you can find them later without fuss.
- Focus
The Focus feature in iOS 15 has been added to macOS 12. It is a great feature that lets users focus on their tasks while filtering out unnecessary notifications. For example, if people are trying to contact you, they will be informed of what you are focusing on, and you’re not available to answer their calls.
Moreover, if you set up Focus on your Mac, the same mode can be synced across your Apple devices.
- Low power mode
Like iPad and iPhone, Mac has a low power mode, too, thanks to the macOS 12 update. The feature aims to extend your Mac’s battery life and help those resource-intensive applications and programs take a back seat until you find a power socket to recharge your device. The feature is available on MacBook and MacBook Pro (early 2016 and later models).
- Universal Control
Universal Control helps to connect a Mac to an iPad seamlessly. Users can work with a single keyboard and mouse or trackpad with this feature. You can even drag your macOS mouse or trackpad to your iPad and drag and drop content back and forth on various Apple devices. You don’t need any kind of setup to use this feature.
So, update to macOS 12 if you haven’t already and take advantage of all the wonderful features mentioned above. The features are aimed at giving users a seamless and enjoyable Mac experience.
