Apple’s latest operating system, macOS 12 Monterey, only arrived in October 2021 but is already in its fourth beta. In this article, we will give you everything you need to know about the latest version, gather all the news about the latest version of Apple’s latest desktop operating system, and discuss the issues people are having with the new operating system, including reports. that macOS Monterey is blocking some Intel-based Macs, and news that some users are experiencing USB connection issues after the update.

What is the latest version of macOS Monterey?

Apple made macOS Monterey (macOS 12) available for download (if you have a compatible Mac) on Monday, October 25, 2021 at around 10:00 AM PT (6:00 PM UK time). Learn all about Monterey and its features in our Monterey Super Guide. You can also read our comparison of Monterey and Big Sur.

However, since the release of Monterey, Apple has continued to update it, adding new features and fixing (and sometimes adding) bugs and vulnerabilities. The latest version is macOS 12.4, released May 16, 2022. It includes updates to the Podcasts app, the Studio Display Fireware 15.5 update, and bug fixes.

Before the release of 12.4, Apple released macOS 12.3.1, which was released on March 31, 2022. This update follows the major release of macOS 12.3 on March 14, which introduces the long-awaited Universal Control feature that lets you share your mouse and keyboard between your Mac and iPad.

Prior to that, macOS Monterey 12.2 was released on January 26, 2022. This update mainly dealt with bug fixes. Version 12.2 followed the release of macOS 12.1 on December 13, 2021, which introduced SharePlay, Apple Music Voice Plan, Digital Legacy, changes to Memories in Photos, and some bug fixes.

What is the latest beta version of macOS Monterey?

Even after the release of Monterey, the beta testing program will continue, and Apple will continue to test features not included in the final version. Apple will also try to fix bugs. Apple just released macOS 12.4 to the public, so the beta version of the next version will be in the queue soon.

Apple has been running the Apple Monterey Software Beta Program since it was first announced in June 2021. The beta program allows developers and public beta testers to try out new software before it is released to the public. If you want to access beta versions of macOS, read how to install macOS beta. Be aware, however, that beta software may contain bugs and cause problems with your Mac.

Beta versions usually improve and fix features, and sometimes introduce issues that are fixed in subsequent updates, so Apple doesn’t recommend installing the beta version on the Mac you use as your primary computer. The biggest changes in the beta so far have included changes to the layout of the address bar and tabs in Safari.

Which Macs run macOS Monterey?

Here’s an overview of Macs that Monterey can run on:

• MacBook models 2016 or newer
• MacBook Air models from 2015 or newer
• 2015 or newer MacBook Pro models
• Mac mini models released in Fall 2014 or later
• iMac models released in Fall 2015 or later
• iMac Pro (all models)
• Mac Pro models 2013 or newer
• Mac Studio (all models)

However, just because your Mac can run Monterey doesn’t mean you’ll get all the features. For example, some features require a Mac with an M1 processor. Read: Which Monterey features work on my Mac to find out which Monterey features your Mac supports.

We cover all Monterey-compatible Macs here: macOS Monterey Compatibility.

What are the known issues with Monterey?

This is usually the case when Apple launches a new version of macOS, we see various complaints from people suffering from problems after the update.

For this reason, it might be worth waiting until Apple releases the first update for Monterey – probably macOS 12.1 – after which the biggest issues will hopefully be fixed.

If this warning is too late for you, please review the information below to see if others have experienced your issue and what is the best way to resolve it.

Monterey won’t download or install

If you’re having trouble installing or downloading Monterey, take a look at macOS Monterey won’t install: fixes for help.

Battery life issues

Unfortunately, there have been reports of users seeing their MacBook battery levels drop after upgrading to macOS 12.2. It appears to be related to a Bluetooth issue in macOS 12.2.

According to reports, the battery level of affected MacBook devices drops rapidly after several hours of sleep. Details here: macOS 12.2 “Bluetooth Issue” drains battery while sleeping. Version 12.2.1 seems to have fixed the battery drain issue, so if you’re still running macOS 12.2, that might be the cause of your battery life issue.

Display not working

Some Mac users, including at least one Macworld editor, have found that external displays no longer work after installing macOS 12.3.

Apple’s macOS 12.3.1 update fixes an issue where “an external USB-C or Thunderbolt display won’t turn on when connected to a Mac mini (2018) as a second display.” So it looks like the problem is now fixed.

Problems with the game controller

Apparently there is also an issue with the game controllers introduced in macOS 12.3, this issue could also be related to Bluetooth.

brick poppies

Since the introduction of Monterey in 2021, there have been disturbing reports of some Macs getting locked up when installing Monterey. The issue appears to be affecting older Intel-based models – there is speculation that it affects T1 and T2 Macs, with T1 appearing to be more affected than T2. (T1 and T2 are the chips that control the System Management Controller (SMC) and Touch ID sensors in some Intel Macs.)

The reason for the failure after the update may be the new firmware that comes with the update. If something goes wrong during installation, such as the Mac being unplugged from power or another process interfering with the firmware update, it can lead to a complete failure of the operating system.

One fix was to restore the Mac firmware, Apple explains how to do it here. The recovery procedure for T2 Macs, as outlined in this Apple document, requires a second Intel Mac, from which you can update damaged computers with new firmware for the T2 processor through Apple Configurator 2. All data on internal storage (hard drive or SSD) must be backed up .

Luckily, Apple has released an updated bridgeOS firmware to address this issue—at least for T2 Mac owners.

AT
statement Apple said: “We have identified and fixed an issue with the Apple T2 security chip firmware that was preventing a very small number of users from booting their Mac after updating macOS. The updated firmware is now included in existing macOS updates. Any users affected by this issue can contact Apple Support for assistance.” Read more here: Apple Releases Important Monterey Patch for Macs with T2 Chip.

However, if you want to update the firmware on your Mac T1, you may need to visit the Apple Store. Any user who encounters the error before the update is available is advised to contact Apple Customer Service.

The T2 chip is a feature of the following Macs that may be affected:

• iMac 27″ (Retina 5K, 2020)
• iMac Pro
• Mac Pro (2019)
• Mac Pro (rack model, 2019)
• Mac mini (2018)
• MacBook Air 13-inch (Retina, 2020)
• MacBook Air 13-inch (Retina, 2019)
• MacBook Air 13-inch (Retina, 2018)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020 2x Thunderbolt 3)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro 16″ (2019)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2019 2x Thunderbolt 3)
• MacBook Pro 15″ (2019)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2019 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro 15″ (2018)
• MacBook Pro 13-inch (2018 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)

Memory management problem

A memory management error appears to be causing some Macs to run out of free memory. You may see a warning: “Your system has run out of application memory.”

Not sure why I keep getting these warnings on my M1 Max. I don’t do anything crazy with it
pic.twitter.com/B0o7t2jtN0— Tyler Stalman (@stalman)
October 28, 2021

Twitter

The error has appeared on both new and old Macs, so it looks like it’s not limited to just Apple Silicon or Intel computers.

If you encounter an error, it is recommended that you force close applications or restart your Mac.

There has been speculation that Monterey’s memory error is related to the curse. Monterey introduced the ability to change the color of the mouse pointer (via System Preferences > Accessibility > Display > Pointer). As noted on the Apple support forums, if users return the default colors to the cursor, the problem can be solved.

However, this fix did not solve the problem for everyone. Read more here: Cursor is to blame for macOS Monterey memory leak.

USB issues

There have also been reports of a problem with USB hubs. It seems that some USB hubs and some USB peripherals do not work properly after the update.

It appears that some USB 3.0 ports no longer work after the Monterey update.

The issue appears to be most common on computers with the Apple M1 chip, but also affects Intel Macs. In some cases, some ports work and others don’t. For some users, hubs do not work at all.

Some beta testers reported USB issues earlier in the beta process. Hopefully the issue will be fixed in macOS Monterey 12.1.

Wondering what’s in store for macOS in 2022? Read our guide to macOS 13. To see what the company has in store for its hardware in the coming year, check out our guide to new products Apple is announcing in 2022.