All good things come to an end – including operating systems. The latest macOS, Monterey, was released back in October of 2021, but do you really have to say goodbye to Big Sur – or El Capitan, Catalina, Sierra, etc. – just quite yet?
From the good to the bad to the ugly, here’s what you need to know about updating your mac to Monterey and beyond:
macOS Monterey might be what’s on our mind today, but before we delve into the ins and outs of Apple’s latest release, let’s go over the basics.
Software updates do more than just provide shiny new features, especially when we’re talking about operating systems. In addition to high-powered add-ons and improvements, many of these updates also offer security improvements, bug fixes, increased data storage or speed, and a whole host of other benefits, too. The little notification that pops up on the corner of your screen announcing that it’s time to update isn’t just an advertisement for cool new stuff – it’s a recommendation for the health and safety of your device.
Of course, there are downsides to updating your operating system as well. A new OS may not be compatible with other software on your device (like older plugins and programs) making it difficult to transfer work and data. The same is true for your current hardware, which could ultimately make updating impossible. Unforeseen bugs are also relatively common in new releases; Those that aren’t discovered until the update is made public are likely to cause stress and concern. What’s more, many of us much prefer to work with UX designs we are already familiar with, and any OS that offers revolutionary experiences might chafe with user’s expectation.
With all this in mind, it’s understandable that you’d pause to weigh your options when a new OS is released – it’s good practice, even! But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should forego updating. It’s imperative to keep in mind that Apple’s developers clearly see room for improvement in their previous operating systems, so, the question becomes: are those changes helpful and/or necessary for the efficacy of your machine? Let’s find out.
Monterey is the 18th version of macOS and, as such, comes with some nifty new features. As an entity, Apple has always paid special attention to the style, feel, and quality of user experience in addition to general functionality; This latest iteration of their operating system is no different.
Some of the biggest changes you can expect when updating to Monterey include:
Other updates include:
Before you get too excited, it should be noted that not all of these features are available to every Monterey user. Some more advanced options – like FaceTime’s new portrait mode – are only accessible on devices that use an M1 processor, meaning those devices released in 2020 or after. Older devices that use Intel processors should still be able to access the majority of the features, however.
Apple devices that are compatible with macOS Monterey include:
Now that Monterey has been out for a few months, the reviews are pouring in! In total, many users seem pleased with the quality of the updates and overall functionality. For most, Monterey feels like a natural progression from its predecessor, Big Sur, which included major changes to the user interface.
If you haven’t updated to Big Sur, then, updating to Monterey might come with some major changes to the overall experience of your device. For what it’s worth, Apple has made it clear that more is coming to Monterey. If you do choose to update, be on the lookout for patch fixes and releases along the way.
If we’ve said it once we’ve said it a thousand times: updating your software is crucial to your device’s health, your efficacy, and your overall security.
Now that Monterey has been out on the market for a few months and most of the bugs have been sussed out, we can say with relative confidence that you should likely go ahead and update your OS. Caveats, of course, include machines that use incompatible hardware or software and any device that lacks disk space, as Monterey is a fairly large download.
A bit overwhelmed? We don’t blame you!
When it comes to your business’s technology, keeping track of what changes should and shouldn’t be implemented can easily start to pile up. EMPIST’s IT Managed Services works diligently to ensure that your entire tech ecosystem stays current, compatible, and competitive for you, leaving your team time to focus on the big stuff.
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