While the complete list of enhancements is long, this small sample of useful macOS Monterey features could be the tools you reach for every day. Select the Create Link feature in FaceTime and choose how to share the invite (through Messages or email, for example). Invitees who don’t have an Apple device can join from the Chrome or Edge browser link. You can also invite others to join mid-call using the side panel; select + (Plus) > add the person’s name or contact details > Add.
Pinned links from Messages appear in the Safari or News apps.View photos shared with you in the Photos app. Find shared movies or shows in the Watch Now section of the Apple TV app.Listen to shared podcasts in a Listen Now area of the Podcasts app.
If you’d rather not receive all notifications except the critical alerts, you can specify that you only want to receive time-sensitive notices. Select the Control Center in the Menu bar > Focus > Focus Preferences > Allow Notifications From > Options > Allow time sensitive notifications. Rather than opening the Notes app, move your cursor to the bottom-right corner (or the hot corner you choose) of your display. Then click the box that appears to open a new note without minimizing any other windows or applications. You can also use the Fn+Q keyboard combination to launch a new one. To create a quick note from a Safari link, select Share > New Quick Note or choose an existing one to add to or edit. You can also highlight text from a Safari web page > right-click > and click Add to Quick Note. Highlight text in a photo from the Photos app, Finder, or your desktop, and right-click the selected text to view your options. Choose Copy text to paste the text in a different app, such as Notes. Alternatively, use Look Up to search for the meaning. If you highlight contact information in a photograph, you have the option to email or call directly from the image.
Universal Control: Control all your devices with one keyboard and mouse. AirPlay to Mac: AirPlay your iPhone or iPad to your Mac to share media or collaborate easier. SharePlay through FaceTime: Watch movies or listen to playlists with friends in real-time (available in macOS 12.1 and later).Safari tabs and syncing: Organize bookmarks and tabs more easily and sync them to your other Apple devices. Shortcuts for macOS: Add and edit shortcuts designed for Mac.
Will macOS Monterey Work on Intel?
Yes, certain Intel-based Macs are eligible for the macOS Monterey upgrade. Compatible models include:
MacBook Pro: 2015 and laterMacBook Air: 2015 and laterMacBook: Early 2016 and lateriMac Pro: 2017 modelsiMacs: Late 2015 and afterMac mini: Late 2014 and 2018 modelsMac Pro: Late 2013 and 2019 models
For exact compatibility, check Apple’s list of macOS Monterey-compatible Macs. However, your Intel Mac might not have access to all of the most exciting macOS Monterey features that are exclusive to M1 Macs. And some features require newer Intel Macs with specific hardware requirements and exclude models before 2018. For example:
FaceTime Portrait Mode: The Portrait Mode feature, which keeps you focused and blurs your surroundings, requires an M1 Mac. FaceTime audio upgrades: Other features like Spatial Audio and Voice Isolation mode require Intel Macs 2018 and later. AirPlay to Mac: This feature also requires newer devices such as MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models from 2018 and after. Object Capture or augmented reality: M1 Macs and Intel Macs with the necessary memory (RAM) and video RAM (VRAM) can use this 2D-to-3D creation tool.
