Apple will make macOS Monterey available to users of systems that support the operating system starting next Monday. Monterey is the code name for macOS 12, the successor to macOS 11 also known as Big Sur.
Mac users who are eligible for the macOS 12 Monterey update can download this From October 25 to install. The OS was in public beta as early as July, and developers can try out the OS as early as June, right from the start of the WWDC event.
Not every Mac capable of installing Big Sur version 11 can upgrade to version 12 Monterey. For example, a MacBook Air from 2015 or later is required, as well as a MacBook Pro from that year or later. Not all mini Macs can be ported either: they have to be from at least the end of 2014.
Among other things, the update brings the Safari browser to version 15. This gives the browser a simpler design and support for tab grouping. Moreover, FaceTime now supports blurred backgrounds. SharePlay will be released later this fall, allowing you to watch or listen to content with others via FaceTime on your Mac. Universal Control provides the ability to use your Mac’s keyboard and mouse or touchpad on another Apple device a few feet away. There is also Airplay, to display content from Apple devices on the screens of your Mac with Monterey.
Read more about macOS 12 features in our previously posted preview: Apple macOS Monterey, especially for M1 user.
| Still on macOS 11 Big Sur | Getting the update to macOS 12 Monterey | |
|---|---|---|
| Macbook 12 inch | 2015 model | Model 2016 and newer |
| MacBook Air | 2013/2014 models | Model 2015 and newer |
| MacBook Pro | 2013/2014 models | Model 2015 and newer |
| Mac mini | early 2014 model | late 2014 and newer model |
| iMac | 2014/2015 models (except late 2015) | late Model 2015 and newer |
| iMac Pro | – | everybody |
| Mac Pro | – | 2013 and newer |
