Skip to main content

Apple’s MacOS Monterey brings the next big update for Macs

On stage at the WWDC 2021, Apple announced MacOS Monterey, the newest version of the Macintosh operating system for MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Mini devices.

Available as a free update on the Apple App Store on most Macs later this fall, the release builds on the redesign introduced in 2020 with MacOS Big Sur. Last year’s update was all about new visuals and support for the new M1 architecture, and this one adds some more productivity refinements to the overall MacOS experience.

Some examples of these new productivity features include support for SharePlay, a new Focus Mode that will sync across devices, and support for Quick Note, all as seen on iPad OS 15.

More importantly, though, Apple is also introducing more continuity experiences to better sync up Mac machines with iPad and iPhones. The first is called Universal Control. With this, you can use one mouse and keyboard across multiple MacOS and iPadOS devices as a single experience. You can even drag and drop files across devices.

The other new feature is AirPlay to Mac. With the feature, you can cast audio or video from an iPhone or an iPad to a Mac without the need for an AirPlay server.

The latest MacOS release also brings a new Safari release with a new tab design and Tab Groups feature. Both are designed to better clean up your tab bar and sync up your tabs for later across devices. Apple also says that Safari is “the world’s fastest browser” and promises that users can see up to 17 hours of browsing on M1 Macbooks.

Other new features coming in MacOS Monterey include an enhanced Shortcuts experience. Shortcuts will have a rich library of prebuilt shortcuts just for Macs. Apple says it is the start of a “multiyear transition” designed to move users away from the classic Automater app, though it will continue to be supported.

Developers can preview MacOS Monterey through the Apple Developer Program today. Everyone else can expect a public beta program in July, and then an official public launch in the fall after beta testing has been completed.

This story is breaking and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Editors' Recommendations

MacGPT: how to use ChatGPT on your Mac
The MacGPT app for macOS Monterey and Ventura.

Apple might not officially be in the AI space, but a developer has created a legitimate way to bring ChatGPT to macOS and make the chatbot accessible from your menu bar.

The aptly named MacGPT is an application developed by Jordi Bruin that allows you to install ChatGPT as a remote browser on your Mac desktop. The application has been available since the 2022 holiday season and has garnered over 370 ratings, many of which are five stars. MacGPT is currently free, however, Bruin accepts donations. Once out of beta, he will make MacGPT available at the App Store, where it will sell for $5.

Read more
Grammarly’s new ChatGPT-like AI generator can do a lot more than proofread your writing
GrammarlyGO's Rewrite for Length feature is shown.

Grammarly, one of the biggest names in writing tools, is adding AI-generated text to its repertoire on the heels of the wild popularity of ChatGPT. Known as GrammarlyGO, this new tool is focused on improving writing rather than replacing the writer.

GrammarlyGO will roll out in beta form to existing users in April. All tiers, including developers, business, education, and premium users, will have access. You can even use GrammarlyGO with a free account.

Read more
Windows 10 Home vs. Pro vs. S mode: What’s the difference?
dell xps 15 2 in 1 review version 1522861390 front display

Windows 10 still holds its own, despite Windows 11 being worth the upgrade. It has many of the same features as its younger sibling, and with some applications, it still performs better. But if you plan to install Windows 10 on a new computer, you'll need to pick from one of the many options of Windows 10 to install.

Should you install Windows 10 Home? Windows 10 Pro? What about S Mode? In this guide to Windows 10, we'll break down the most popular versions and why one or the other might be best for you.
Windows 10 Home vs. Pro vs. S mode features
It can be challenging to work through all the Windows 10 versions to decide which one is right for your needs. All three mainstream versions are on this list and should give you the best choices for general computing or school. 

Read more