macOS Monterey is now available for download

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The latest version of macOS, Monterey, is now available for download according to Apple. The software has been available in public beta for several months, but today’s release means Apple thinks the software is ready for everyday use.

As per tradition, Apple announced its latest version of macOS at WWDC in June. New features include the ability to set Macs as an AirPlay destination to play content from iPhones and iPads, as well as Shortcuts, Apple’s iOS automation software. Improvements have also been made to FaceTime, as well as a new Quick Note feature. For a full rundown of what’s coming, check out our July preview and feature list from Apple.

Apple’s drag-and-drop demo from WWDC 2021.

Unfortunately, some of Monterey’s biggest new features, Universal Control and SharePlay, don’t seem to be available at launch. Apple notes that both features will be available “later this fall”.

Universal Control allows you to drag and drop files between different machines, as Apple’s Craig Federighi demonstrated at WWDC. It will also allow you to control multiple Apple devices, including Macs, MacBooks, and iPads, with the same mouse and keyboard.

SharePlay will enable shared experiences of music, TV shows, movies and more while connecting via FaceTime. Once available, Apple claims you can use the feature with Apple Music, Apple TV +, and unnamed “popular third party services”.

That’s better news when it comes to Safari’s redesign, which by default now uses a more traditional interface rather than the controversial new card design introduced at WWDC. Early users complained that, among other things, the changes made it too difficult to figure out which tab was currently active.

The full list of Macs that can run Monterey is available below:

For those who keep track, there are a couple of models that got Big Sur last year that were left out of the Monterey party. These include the 2015 MacBook, 2013 MacBook Air, Late 2013 MacBook Pro, and 2014 iMac. Here’s Apple’s guide to identifying your specific model and here’s ours for updating your machine.

To install Monterey, go to System Preferences> Software Update (or search for “Software Update” in Spotlight). If Monterey shows up as an available installation, you can then click the update button to begin the installation process. If it doesn’t show, you may need to check back later as it continues to be implemented.

Update Oct 25, 1:25 pm ET: Added information on SharePlay and instructions on how to install Monterey.

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