Software Update: Apple macOS 12.2

Apple has released macOS 12.2. In version 12, known as Monterey and which can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store, Apple has added several features that we already know from iOS, such as Airplay, which previously only worked limited, Quick notes, being able to group tabs in Safari, Focus and Shortcuts. In addition, Facetime can now generate a link so that others without Facetime can be added to a conversation and the background can be blurred. Since version 12.0.1, the following changes and improvements have been made to macOS:

macOS Monterey 12.2

macOS 12.2 improves the security of macOS and is recommended for all users.

macOS Monterey 12.1

New to macOS Monterey 12.1 is SharePlay, an all-new way to do things together with family and friends in FaceTime. This update also includes the Apple Music Voice subscription, new child and parent safety features in Messages, redesigned Reminders in Photos, and other features and fixes for your Mac.

SharePlay

• SharePlay is a new way to watch and listen to content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music and other supported apps together in FaceTime
• Shared controls allow anyone to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
• Smart Volume automatically lowers the volume of a movie, TV show, or song when you or someone else speaks
• Screen sharing allows any participant in a FaceTime call to view photos, surf the web, or help others

Apple Music Voice Subscription

• Apple Music Voice subscription is a new subscription form that allows you to access all Apple Music songs, playlists and stations via Siri
• Ask Siri suggests music based on your listening history and likes and dislikes
• Replay it gives access to a list of the music you’ve played recently

photos

• Memories has been redesigned, with a new interactive interface, new animation and transition styles, and multi-image collages
• There are new types of reminders, such as reminders for more international holidays, child-centric reminders, trends over time, and improved pet reminders

Messages

• The communication safety setting gives parents the option to enable warnings for children when they receive or send nude photos
• Safety Alerts contain helpful resources for children when they receive nude photos

Siri and Search

• Comprehensive guidance in Siri, Spotlight, and Safari Search to help kids and parents stay safe online and get help with unsafe situations

Apple ID

• Legacy Contact lets you designate people as Legacy Contacts so they can access your iCloud account and your personal information when you pass away

TV app

• The ‘Store’ tab allows you to search, buy and rent movies and TV shows in one place

This release also includes the following improvements for your Mac:

• Hide My Email is now available in the Mail app for iCloud+ subscribers to create unique, random email addresses
• In Stocks, you can now display the currency for a ticker and view the current year’s performance (YTD, Year to Date) when viewing charts
• In Reminders and Notes you can now remove or rename tags

This release also includes fixes for Mac issues:

• Desktop and screen savers remain blank when photos from the photo library are selected
• The trackpad may stop responding to taps or clicks
• External displays may not be able to charge some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers when connected via Thunderbolt or USB-C
• Displaying HDR video on YouTube.com could trigger a panic situation on 2021 MacBook Pro computers
• Menu bar extras may be obscured by the camera body on 2021 MacBook Pro computers
• MagSafe may stop charging on 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro computers when lid is closed and system shuts down

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices.