The history of macOS, Apple’s current Mac operating system formerly named Mac OS X until 2012 and then OS X until 2016, began with the company’s project to replace its “classic” Mac OS. That system, up to and including its final release Mac OS 9, was a direct descendant of the operating system Apple had used in its Macintosh computers since their introduction in 1984. However, the current macOS is a Unix operating system built on technology that had been developed at NeXT from the 1980s until Apple purchased the company in early 1997.
Although it was originally marketed as simply “version 10” of the Mac OS (indicated by the Roman numeral “X”), it has a completely different codebase from Mac OS 9, as well as substantial changes to its user interface. The transition was a technologically and strategically significant one. To ease the transition, versions through 10.4 were able to run Mac OS 9 and its applications in a compatibility layer.
After releasing several beta versions, Apple has finally released the final version of the Mac OS Monterey with minor changes.
The Mac OS Monterey, the latest version of the Mac OS, has been released to the public after months. Like all Apple operating system updates, Mac OS Monterey is a completely free version, and users can download Mac OS Monterey updates from the Update Software tab in the System Preferences section OTA. The update brings a host of new and useful features to macOS.
It should be noted that the tech giant has also made the MacOS Big Sur 11.6.1 update available for those who do not want to download the new Mac, which actually includes some security issues.
Which Macs support Mac OS Monterey?
Overall, Apple has dropped several Macs that received the Big Head version last year from the list of PCs that support MacWave Monterey. The mentioned Macs are: MacBook 2015, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro late 2013 and iMac 2014. Therefore, the list of Macs receiving the new update is as follows:
- iMac (late 2015 onwards)
- iMac Pro (all generations)
- MacPro (late 2013 onwards)
- Mac Mini (late 2014 onwards)
- MacBook Pro (early 2015 onwards)
- AirMacBook (early 2015 onwards)
- MacBook (Early 2016 onwards)
The new Mac OS has features that have already been introduced in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. In the new operating system, the Safari browser has an updated tab for tabs that also supports group tabs. FaceTime also supports surround sound and portrait mode (M1 Macs only) and Voice Isolation to reduce background noise. Another feature called SharePlay FaceTime lets Apple TV users watch TV content, listen to music, and share their screens.
The new Shared With You feature
The new Shared With You feature tracks music, links, news, and photos of people sent in messages and highlights them in related apps. Notes have a new Quick Note feature for capturing thoughts, and Shortcuts is now available on the Mac.
A dedicated focus mode helps people stay on task by eliminating background noise based on what is being done. And there is an updated router program with a set of new features. Using the Live Text feature, Macs can display text in photographs or provide details about animals, art, historical and cultural sites, plants, and more in images. The new beta also supports instant messaging on Intel-based Macs.
Mail Privacy Protection
A feature called Mail Privacy Protection hides the IP of Mac users and prevents anonymous tracking. Apple has introduced a set of privacy features for Mac OS Monterey, one of which can hide users’ web browsing activities from ISPs and anyone else. This feature is known as Private relay and is part of a set of features that is available to users as iCloud Plus at no extra cost; Of course, it is said that the technology world giant does not support this ability to encrypt users’ web activities due to the laws of some countries.
Apple’s private relay feature sends traffic to the server the company maintains and removes the IP address. This traffic is then routed to a second server with independent management. That assigns temporary IP address traffic, and this is what the destination website can see. This feature can be useful in preventing the activities of actors and advertisers and other people from being tracked; But its implementation is limited and part of the monetary package that will be offered only if you use Safari.
Unfortunately, some important new features, such as Universal Control and Shipley, are not available at launch; Of course, Apple notes that both “late fall” features will be available. Universal Control lets users use the same mouse and trackpad or keyboard on multiple Macs or iPads. And even drag and drop files between them.
Conclusion
As we said, this update is available through OTA worldwide; However, it is recommended that you do not download or install it for at least a few days; Because in the early days, it becomes clear what the problems are. In general, it is very important to keep your Mac up-to-date; But even minor updates can cause problems that affect the user experience.