Apple macOS Monterey further blurs the line between desktop and mobile, includes Universal Control, Focus, AirPlay, Shortcuts, Low Power Mode, and more

Apple introduced macOS Monterey, the next version of macOS at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) event today. macOS Monterey is the first macOS that comes on the heels of the recent M1-powered iMacs, and it brings all of the new features that were announced for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 at the event.

The highlight of macOS Monterey is the Universal Control feature that lets users share a single keyboard and mouse across Mac and iPads. Universal Control also allows users to drag and drop files and objects seamless between iPad and Mac. 

macOS Monterey also brings iOS's Shortcuts feature to the Mac that lets users easily automate routine tasks without having to do any scripting. Safari is getting a facelift with Tab Groups on the sidebar that are shared across Mac, iPad, and iPhone, cleaner toolbar, and a combined URL and search bar.

With Monterey, Macs can now act as an AirPlay target, which means iPad and iPhone users can now use the Mac's screen and speakers for multimedia playback. Mac users will also get new features shown off on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 such as Focus that helps reduce distractive notifications, Quick Note that works systemwide on any app or website, Portrait Mode, spatial audio, and SharePlay support in FaceTime, Live Text OCR, iCloud+ privacy, and the new Maps experience, login screen Memoji, and new accessibility features. Also available is a new Low Power Mode that helps extend battery life by managing energy-intensive apps and processing resources.

Monterey also brings TestFlight to the Mac. This allows developers to distribute beta builds to select group of testers easily. Xcode now offers a Cloud feature that allows compilation on Apple's servers while freeing up the developer machine for other tasks.

Apple will be seeding the developer beta of macOS today followed by a public beta in July. The full public release is expected to land this fall for the iMac (2015 and later), iMac Pro (2017 and later), MacBook Air (early 2015 and later), MacBook Pro (early 2015 and later), Mac Pro (late 2013 and later), Mac Mini (late 2014 and later), and the MacBook (early 2016 and later).

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