macOS Monterey & iOS 15: features and recommendations
Another Apple update is upon us! Software updates macOS Monterey & iOS 15 are here! With them comes two big questions: what do they offer, and should I update my devices?
First: Is my device eligible for the upgrade?
Let’s start off with the macOS Monterey. Released on Monday, October 25th, the newest update replaces macOS Big Sur. Here’s a quick link to a support doc from Apple outlining the eligible models.
Keep in mind that some features of the new update align with only the newest Apple hardware, like the new Portrait mode in FaceTime (available only for Mac computers with the M1 chip, see our article on the new MacBook Pro).
iOS 15 was released on September 20th, and here's a handy list with the compatible phone models.
Okay, now that you know you can update, what are the benefits? Here are the major new features across both macOS Monterey and iOS 15:
FOCUS
Essentially Do Not Disturb 2.0, Focus allows you to choose from different Focus modes (Personal, Work, Custom, etc.) that allow you to fine-tune your notification settings to your needs.
Focus uses data from your previous user habits to suggest which people and apps can send you notifications. It will sync these settings across your Apple devices.
FACETIME
SharePlay is a new feature that allows you to create experiences with friends: “including listening to songs together with Apple Music, watching a TV show or movie from Apple TV+ and other streaming services in sync, or sharing their screen to view apps together”
Spatial Audio: distinguishes your voice from background noise for added clarity
Portrait mode: allows you to be seen at your best! With Portrait Mode, you can also blur your background for all your e-meeting needs.
Links: allow you to send people a link to join a Facetime call, giving you and your coworkers or friends the flexibility to join from the internet, Android, and Windows devices.
iCLOUD+
iCloud Private Relay: browse Safari with privacy encryption, ensuring that no one can exploit your IP address or activity
Hide My Email: hides your real email address, allowing you to protect your email information “when filling out a form on the web or signing up for a newsletter”
LIVE TEXT, VISUAL LOOK UP
Both features rely on M1 technology (limited to M1 Macs) to recognize text in a photo to allow you to easily take an action.
For example, you can search the text in a photo on Safari, or place a phone call to the number in a given photo.
SAFARI 15
Compact tab bar on Mac improves user interface by streamlining your browsing experience, Bottom tab bar on iPhone similarly declutters your viewer experience.
Tab Groups: allows you to group and organize your tabs (bonus: it syncs across your Apple devices!)
These core features of Apple’s macOS Monterey and iOS 15 software updates are bolstered by subtler additions. For example, Maps now provides “significantly enhanced details in cities for neighborhoods, commercial districts, elevation, and buildings” that adds a 3D element to your navigation, alongside “a new night-time mode with a moonlit glow”. Memojis get a boost with nine new stickers, new outfit options, and more for all of your texting needs.
Does it cost me?
Not at all! The best part is that macOS Monterey and iOS 15 are both free to download and install on compatible Apple devices.
The bottom line:
There are some great new features across Apple’s latest software updates that allow for streamlined usage across Apple products, like syncing Focus settings across your devices so you’re never interrupted when it matters most. But keep in mind that some of these features are only applicable to M1 Macs, so users with the newest Apple devices will reap the maximum benefits of the updates.
Alright, how soon can I update?
Both software updates are now available! We do recommend upgrading your phone to iOS 15 now, however we suggest you wait a few months to update your computer to macOS Monterey when the release is more stable. If you haven’t already updated to macOS Big Sur, though, now would be a great time to do so!
If you need any assistance installing or navigating the new updates, please reach out to us. We’re here for all of your Apple tech needs!