Apple releases the official version of macOS Monterey 12.0.1 and macOS Big Sur 11.6

It is understood that on October 26, Apple pushed the official version of macOS Monterey 12.0.1 update.

macOS Monterey is released today as a free software update for download on Macs equipped with Apple chips and Intel chips.

macOS Monterey allows you to connect, share and create in a completely new way. Experience the new and enhanced FaceTime audio and video calling features, including portrait mode. Use powerful productivity tools such as focus mode, quick memos, and "tab groups" in the Safari browser to increase efficiency. Work smoothly between devices through airplay to Mac.

Main update content​:

FaceTime call

• Voice highlighting can shield background noise, making your voice clearer
• Broad spectrum mode can record all the sounds around you into the call
• Use portrait mode on Mac computers equipped with M1 chip to blur the background and let the focus fall on you
• Invite friends to make calls on Apple, Android or Windows devices through the FaceTime call link

Information

• The content shared through "Information" is displayed in the "Shared with You" of the corresponding App on the Mac
• Added "Shared with You" column in "Photos", Safari browser, "Podcasts" and "Videos" apps
• "Info" can display multiple photos in collage or stacked form

Safari browser

• "Tab Group" helps you store and organize tabs and synchronize them between devices
• "Smart Anti-Tracking" prevents trackers from seeing your IP address
• The "Compact" tab bar option allows you to view more content of the webpage on the screen

Focus mode

• Focus mode can automatically filter notifications based on your current tasks
• You can choose to customize the focus mode for tasks such as work, games, reading, etc.
• The focus mode setting will take effect on all Apple devices
• Status lets contacts know that you have muted notifications

Quick Memo and Memo

• Quick Memo allows you to take notes on any App or website, and easily access them again later
• Tags can help you quickly organize your memos by topic and find them easily
• "Mentions" allow you to notify others of important updates in shared notes
• The "Activity" view shows who made recent changes in shared notes

air-play to Mac

• AirPlay to Mac allows you to share content from iPhone or iPad directly to Mac
• The air-playing speaker supports playing music through the Mac sound system

Live text

• Live text allows you to interact with the text in the photo system-wide
• Support copying, translating and querying the text displayed in the photo

shortcut instructions

• This new App can help you automate daily tasks to help you complete various tasks faster
• "Quick Command Center" contains pre-built shortcut commands that you can add and run in the entire system
• The shortcut editor can help you design custom shortcuts for specific workflows
• Support automatic conversion of "automatic operation" workflow into shortcut instructions

map

• Explore more detailed details of mountains, oceans and other topography through an interactive 3D globe on a Mac computer equipped with an M1 chip
• Detailed city maps on Mac computers equipped with M1 chips can display altitude, trees, buildings, landmarks, etc.

Privacy

• "Mail Privacy Protection" prevents senders from tracking your "Mail" activities
• The recording indicator in the "Control Center" lets you know which App is accessing the microphone

iCloud+

• "Hide email address" can create a unique and random email address and forward the email to your inbox

In addition, users can choose to update to macOSMonterey 12.0.1 or macOS Big Sur 11.6, the latter will only include some security updates.

However, Apple said that using AirPods 3 requires an Apple device running iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, tvOS 15.1 or macOS Monterey.