macOS 12 Monterey: Versions, Problems and Solutions

That macOS was published on January 26, 2022, before Monterey 12.2 This update was mostly a bug fix 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 memory in photos, and some bug fixes.

What is the latest beta version of MacOS Monterey?

Even Monterey’s beta program will continue, and Apple will continue to test features that did not make it to the final version. Apple will also want to fix the bug.

Monterey’s latest beta is macOS 12.4, Apple, developers and public testers are currently testing, and the final version will probably be released in June during WWDC. Read about what’s coming in MacOS 12.4.

Apple has been running an Apple Beta software program for Monterey since it was first announced in June 2021. The beta program allows developers and public beta testers to use the new software before releasing it to the public. Read on if you want access to the beta version of macOS How to install macOS beta. Beware though, beta software can be buggy and cause problems with your Mac.

Beta usually refines and fixes features, and sometimes presents issues fixed in subsequent updates – which is why Apple does not recommend installing a beta on the Mac you use as your main machine. The biggest changes to the beta version so far include changes to Safari’s address bar and tab layout.

Which Mac runs MacOS Monterey?

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

• 2016 or later MacBook models
• 2015 or later MacBook Air models
• 2015 or later MacBook Pro models
• Mac mini models fall 2014 or later
• IMac models from autumn 2015 or later
• iMac Pro (all models)
• 2013 or later Mac Pro models
• Mac Studio (all models)

However, just because your Mac can run Monterey does not mean that you will get all the features. There are features that require an M1-powered Mac, for example. Read: Find out which Monterey features your Mac supports and which Monterey features run on my Mac.

We run through all Macs compatible with Monterey here: macOS Monterey compatibility.

What are the problems familiar with Monterey?

If it is common for Apple to launch a new version of macOS, we may see complaints from people who are having problems after the update.

For this reason it may be worthwhile to wait until the first update is released in Apple Monterey – probably MacOS 12.1, the biggest issues expected at this time will be ironed out.

If it’s too late for you to see if your problem is being noticed by others and what is the best way to deal with it, check out the information below.

Monterey will not download or install

If you are having trouble installing or downloading Monterey, check that macOS Monterey is not installed: Solution for help.

Battery life problem

Unfortunately, there have been reports that users are seeing their MacBook battery levels dwindle after MacOS 12.2. This seems to be related to a Bluetooth issue in macOS 12.2.

According to the report, the battery level of the affected MacBook devices decreases rapidly after a few hours of sleep mode. Details here: macOS 12.2 ‘Bluetooth problem’ drains battery in sleep mode. Version 12.2.1 seems to fix the battery drain problem, so if you still run MacOS 12.2 it may be causing you problems with battery life.

The display is 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 a problem where “USB-C or Thunderbolt external display does not turn on when connected to Mac mini (2018) as a second display”. So it turns out that the problem has now been fixed.

Game controller problem

Apparently there is a problem with the game controllers introduced in macOS 12.3, this problem may be related to bluetooth.

Bricked Max

Following the introduction of Monterey in 2021, there were reports that some Mac bricks were made when Monterey was installed. The problem seems to be affecting older Intel-based models – there is a suggestion that it affects T1 and T2-equipped Macs, where T1 is apparently more affected than T2. (T1 and T2 are chips that run some Intel Mac System Management Controller (SMC) and Touch ID sensors).

The reason for the failure after the update may be the new firmware that came with the update. If something goes wrong during the installation, for example because Mac disconnects from power or another process interferes with updating the firmware, it can lead to a complete failure of the operating system.

One solution was to recover Mac’s firmware, with Apple explaining how to do it here. Rescue methods for the T2 Mac described in the Apple document require a second Intel Mac, from which you can supply damaged computers with new firmware for the T2 processor via Apple Configurator 2. All data on internal storage (hard drive or SSD) should be stored.

Fortunately, Apple has released updated BridgeOS firmware to fix the problem – at least for owners of T2-equipped Macs.