macOS Monterey release time and all the best features coming your MacBook and iMac

Apple will push out its next-generation Mac operating system later tonight with Monterey finally getting a global release. This blockbuster upgrade comes packed with new features including improved FaceTime calls, easier ways to make notes and a complete overhaul of the Safari web browser.

So, if you own a MacBook, iMac or Mac mini here’s all you need to know about Apple’s new macOS Monterey release.

WHAT TIME WILL MONTEREY BE AVAILABLE?

Apple never reveals a specific time for the release of its software upgrades but, if previous years are anything to go by, the US technology giant should push things to users at around 6PM BST tonight, October 25. It’s worth remembering the Monterey will be a big file so make sure you have a fully charged MacBook and are connected to Wi-Fi if you want to be one of the first to get their hands on the new features.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD MONTEREY

Once Monterey becomes available you should find this upgrade by going to the Apple Menu, System Preferences, Software Update.

If that’s not working then Apple will probably launch a version of Monterey on its App Store which can be downloaded for free. Just make sure you have backed up your Mac before installing in case things go wrong.

IS YOUR MAC COMPATIBLE?

Most new MacBooks, Mac Minis and iMacs are compatible with macOS Monterey but not everyone will be able to download this upgrade.

Here’s a full list of machines that will work with Monterey.

iMac: Late 2015 and later

Mac Pro: Late 2013 and later

iMac Pro: 2017 and later

Mac mini: Late 2014 and later

MacBook Air: Early 2015 and later

MacBook: Early 2016 and later

MacBook Pro: Early 2015 and later

WHAT IS NEW IN MACOS MONTEREY?

One of the headline changes in Monterey is a big upgrade to FaceTime. This popular video calling software gets a complete overhaul with users able to schedule calls, add a Portrait Mode-style blur effect to the background, minimise the noise of things happening around them and share whatever happens to be on their screens.

Spatial audio is coming to this chat app which will makes it appear that voices are coming from exactly where a contact is positioned on the display.

Mac users are also getting access to the new SharePlay feature allowing them to share their favourite music, TV shows, movies, projects, and more with friends and family in real time

If you love using Safari then this web browser has been completely redesigned with a look that is more streamlined and less cluttered plus a new feature called Tab Groups will offer a new way to easily save and manage tabs and the background of the browser will automatically change to match the website you are visiting.

Anyone with multiple Apple devices will also love Universal Control. This technology basically allows Mac and iPad owners to seamlessly move across devices using one mouse and keyboard without needing to dig into any complicated settings.

If you always feel like you’re getting distracted then the new Focus mode gives you more control over what notifications will appear on the screen.

Some other bonus extras include Quick Notes to help you jot down ideas and Live Text allows you to copy and paste words from a photo right into a document or email. The new Maps upgrade that arrived in iOS 15 last month is also arriving on the Mac with improved directions, stunning 3D views of cities including London and San Francisco and an improved globe that’s much more interactive.

“macOS Monterey is packed with features that help Mac users get more done, connect with friends and family in amazing new ways, and work across Mac and iPad more seamlessly than ever before,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “We think our customers are going to love browsing the web with Safari’s new tab design, enjoying shared experiences with SharePlay in FaceTime, and using their Mac and other Apple devices together in new ways with Universal Control and AirPlay to Mac.”