macOS Monterey 12.1 Brings Huge List of New Features and Security Patches

Apple released macOS Monterey 12.1, a major update to macOS, on Monday. The update is 2.36 GB and requires a system restart during installation.

The main feature of version 12.1 is SharePlay, Apple’s FaceTime feature that allows users to share media. For example, a FaceTime group call might watch an Apple TV show or listen to Apple Music together. SharePlay was revealed at WWDC last June, and Apple decided in August to postpone its release. It was made available on iPhone and iPad in iOS / iPadOS 15.1.

Other new features include the new Apple Music Voice plan, a revamped Memories section in the Photos app, security features in Messages, and the new Digital Legacy feature for Apple ID. The update also includes several bug fixes and security updates. Security updates include critical fixes for Bluetooth, Webkit, and graphics drivers.

You can find the full list of security updates on Apple’s support page. The other macOS Monterey release notes are below:

macOS Monterey 12.1 adds SharePlay, a whole new way to share experiences with family and friends in FaceTime. This update also includes the Apple Music Voice plan, new safety features for kids and parents in Messages, redesigned memories in Photos, and other features and bug fixes for your Mac.

SharePlay

• SharePlay is a new way to share experiences synced in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music and other supported apps
• Shared controls give everyone the ability to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
• Smart volume automatically reduces the sound of a movie, TV show or song when you or your friends are talking
• Screen sharing allows everyone on a FaceTime call to view photos, browse the web or help each other

Apple Music voice plan

• Apple Music Voice Plan is a new level of subscription that gives you access to all songs, playlists and stations in Apple Music using Siri
• Just Ask Siri suggests music based on your listening history and what you like or dislike
• Play it Again allows you to access a list of your recently played music

Pictures

• Memories has been redesigned with a new interactive interface, new animation and transition styles and several image collages
• New types of memories include additional international vacations, kid-focused memories, trends over time, and enhanced memories for pets

messages

• Communication security setting gives parents the option to enable warnings for children when they receive or send photos containing nudity
• Safety warnings contain useful resources for children when they receive photos that contain nudity

Siri and search

• Extensive guidance in Siri, Spotlight, and Safari Search to help kids and parents stay safe online and get help in dangerous situations

Apple ID

• Digital Legacy allows you to designate people as legacy contacts so that they can access your iCloud account and your personal information in the event of death

TV application

• Store tab allows you to browse, buy and rent movies and TV shows in one place

This release also includes the following enhancements for your Mac:

• Hide My Email is available in the Mail app for iCloud + subscribers to create unique and random email addresses
• Stocks allows you to view a ticker’s currency and see year-to-date performance when viewing charts
• Reminders and Notes now allow you to delete or rename tags

This version also includes bug fixes for your Mac:

• Desktop and screen saver may appear blank after selecting photos from photo library
• The trackpad may become unresponsive to taps or clicks
• External displays may not charge some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers when connected via Thunderbolt or USB-C
• Playing HDR Videos on YouTube.com Could Cause 2021 MacBook Pro Computers to Panic
• Menu bar extras may be hidden by the camera body on 2021 MacBook Pro computers
• MagSafe may stop charging on 2021 16 inch MacBook Pro computers when the cover is closed and the system is shut down.

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. For more information about the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

How to install the macOS Monterey 12.1 update

The update is free and you must be connected to the Internet. The installation will take several minutes (allow about 30 minutes) and your Mac should restart. Here are the steps to do the installation:

1. Go to System Preferences in the Apple menu
2. Click on Software update.
3. Your Mac will check if the update is available. when it does, an Install button will appear. Click on it and your Mac will start downloading the update. After that it will start the installation.