How to Upgrade to macOS Monterey from macOS Catalina

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Apple has launched the public beta version of its amazing operating system. The macOS Monterey is the next big thing coming to Mac computers but you’ll have to wait till ending of the year for the release of its stable version. Of course, you should expect many amazing updates and intriguing features from the American-based tech giant.

One of the most interesting demos Apple unveiled at the WWDC 2021 is the release of the macOS Monterey public beta. While the stable version won’t be available until towards the end of the year, you might want to consider getting your hands on the macOS Monterey beta version before its final release.

Apple occasionally offers software updates to its Mac, iPhone, and iPad users and they all start with public beta versions. However, why they may contain new features, there might be some bugs that’ll prevent the normal running of your device. Meanwhile, you should know that updating your Mac is very easy but a bit time-consuming. Fortunately, there are few things you should do before upgrading to macOS Monterey which is listed in this article.

What’s new about the new update? Should you upgrade from macOS Catalina to macOS Monterey? Is your Mac compatible with the latest operating system? In this article, we’ll guide you in all these questions and get ready to enjoy the next big thing coming up for Mac users.

What’s new about macOS Monterey (macOS 12)?

As usual, we’re expecting some upgrades from Apple on this macOS Monterey software. Undoubtedly, it’s the first major update after Big Sur. A major upgrade in Safari, a new feature in FaceTime, etc are just what Apple is known for. Fortunately, we’ll share some of the major updates about the next big gen software update – the macOS Monterey (macOS 12).

Universal Control

With the revamped universal control, your Mac and MacBook keyboard and mouse are now compatible with the iPad. This is one of the interesting features of the macOS Monterey software and also allows you to drag files simultaneously between your devices. Amazingly, you no longer need Airdrop to transfer files rather you can easily do it using the mouse.

For a wireless connection, the universal control makes use of wi-fi or USB for wired fans. To connect your iPad to your Mac computer, all you need to do is to keep the two devices together and their Bluetooth modules will automatically synchronize with each other. Fortunately, the universal control wonders don’t stop here as you can also navigate between three devices – Mac, MacBook, and iPad.

New Shortcuts

Similar to iPadOS and iOS, Apple has introduced new shortcuts with the macOS Monterey. Instead of stressing yourself trying to locate frequently used apps, it’s now possible to customize shortcuts and easily access them. Also, this paves way for easy sync with your iPad or iPhone once they’re compatible.

AirPlay to Mac

Fortunately, you can now share files from your iPad and iPhone to your Mac computer’s screen, thanks to the new AirPlay. For instance, if you want to listen to podcasts from another Apple device on your Mac, you can now easily turn on AirPlay and enjoy the podcast. Another captivating feature of this AirPlay is how you can draw something on your iPad and view them using your Mac.

SharePlay

Welcome to the world of technological advancements. Facetime lovers can now share media in real-time with the SharePlay new feature. While on FaceTime call, users can easily share the music they listen to or videos they watch without disconnecting from the call.

Safari Browser Improvements

With Big Sur software bringing major improvements to the Safari browser, Apple seems to continue with that improvement on the latest macOS Monterey. On the Safari browser, you can now group tabs in different categories depending on the task, theme, or daily visits. This is similar to the Chrome browser on Android 11, but with more features. Fortunately, the Tab Groups can now sync with other Apple devices, meaning you can start a project on your Mac computer and finish it up using your iPhone.

Focus

This feature will be much appreciated by users who are always busy and won’t like to have any distractions. With the focus feature, you can tweak the settings to stop receiving any notifications during work. Also, it allows you to set the type of feature you want to receive. With a default mode already, you can tweak it to suit your taste.

Going Beta

While most users prefer waiting till the final update before updating their Mac, some would like to be the early users of the OS. Meanwhile, Apple has been releasing beta versions for several years now which allow users to check and enjoy what’s coming to Mac ahead of time. However, it has been a long time story that beta versions don’t come without a problem.

If you do want to wait till the final release, then that’s good as it’s coming out towards the end of the year.

Upgrade Now, or Later

While you already know there’s likely to be few bugs, fast battery drain, and compatibility issues, the choice is now left for you. A lot of users have given their feedback about this with some not experiencing any issues rather a smooth running of their computers.

However, most users prefer waiting for the final release or few weeks after the beta version rollout. Meanwhile, some Mac owners enjoy being early users to get the cutting-edge technology and will like to update immediately.

Notwithstanding your category, this article is the perfect guide for you. Make sure you go through every guide carefully to leap into the benefits of Apple’s next-generation macOS Monterey operating system.

How to Upgrade to macOS Monterey from macOS Catalina

If you’ve got macOS Catalina installed on your Mac, the update is pretty much easy. If your computer is compatible, you’ll receive an update or may even see a pop-up notification that an update is available.

However, you need to back up your computer via Time Machine. This will easily allow you to reverse back to Catalina in case things didn’t go well with the macOS Monterey. Alternatively, you can backup your pictures, contacts, passwords, etc via iCloud. However, you should keep in mind you might experience some bugs on the new update beta version. Also, you need to have at least 20GB of free space available on your computer before the installation.

However, the fastest way to clean up your Mac is by using MacCleaner Pro which thoroughly cleans all junk files and speeds up your computer.

  1. On your Mac menu, click on the Apple icon to open System Preferences
  2. Select Software Update
  3. Your Mac will automatically check for any available updates and show one if it’s available.
  4. Click on Upgrade Now to download the latest macOS Monterey operating system.
  5. Once the download is done, click Install to switch to the new macOS 12 OS.

Note: You can continue using your Mac while the update is being downloaded, but beware that you’ll be unable to use your computer while the software installs.

How long will the macOS Monterey Update take?

This depends on how strong your Mac’s internet connection is. For those downloading via a weak wi-fi connection, it might take close to 3 hours to download the 12GB file. Meanwhile, you may wait and download the macOS Monterey software update overnight as the network tends to be more strong during that period.

Meanwhile, after you’re done downloading, the installation process may take up to an hour. During that period, you won’t be able to make use of your computer and try not to switch it on to avoid abnormality.

Which Mac is Compatible with the macOS Monterey Software

As normal with Apple, when a new macOS version is released, some older Macs won’t be able to run the software. However, you might be interested to know whether your Mac computer supports the new operating system. So which Macs support macOS Monterey? Here is the list.

  1. Mac Pro: Late 2013 and later
  2. Mac mini: Late 2014 and later
  3. iMac: Late 2015 and later
  4. MacBook Air/Pro: Early 2015 and later
  5. MacBook: Early 2016 and later
  6. iMac Pro: 2017 and later

Unfortunately, other Mac computers won’t be able to install the macOS Monterey or receive new updates. However, if you’re not sure of the model of your Mac. You can go to Apple Menu, select About This Mac, you’ll see its model and year.

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Conclusion

Apple has always been a big name when it comes to software and shows its technological prowess on the macOS Monterey operating system. Of course, you must love to take part in this exciting experience and that’s why we’ve thoroughly researched and written down how you can successfully upgrade to macOS Monterey from your macOS Catalina.

Once your Mac computer is compatible, you’re one step done. Interestingly, we’ve also written down the Macs that’ll run the macOS Monterey OS and how to easily install them. You can subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to get our tech updates.

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