The subsequent model of macOS is model 12, and it’s known as Monterey. It has new options for FaceTime, Messages, Safari, Notifications, and much more. The official model of macOS Monterey will likely be out there within the fall. A public beta is available for folk prepared to offer the working system a try to assume the dangers related to utilizing beta software program.
Whether or not you put in the general public beta of resolve to attend for the official launch, you can also make the transition to the brand new OS smoother by getting your Mac prepared. These duties are simple to do and shouldn’t get in the best way of utilizing your Mac. And naturally, you don’t must replace to Monterey as quickly because it turns into out there. You’ll be able to wait to verify the software program you utilize gained’t be affected.
In the event you’re not aware of macOS Monterey, our FAQ is an efficient place to begin to be taught extra.
Right here’s get your Mac prepared for Monterey.
{Hardware} compatibility listing
Listed below are the Macs that may run Monterey.
- MacBook (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (Early 2015 and later)
- MacBook Professional (Early 2015 and later)
- Mac mini (Late 2014 and later)
- iMac (Late 2015 and later)
- iMac Professional (Late 2017 and later)
- Mac Professional (Late 2013 and later)
Usually, Monterey requires a 64-bit Intel processor or an Apple System on a Chip (such because the M1). Some options, reminiscent of Stay Textual content and FaceTime Portrait Mode require an M1 or later and won’t work on Intel-based Macs. Options reminiscent of Common Management and AirPlay to Mac have their very own necessities and our Monterey FAQ lists the necessities for these options particularly.
To make use of macOS Monterey’s Common Management, you must have a Mac with Apple silicon. It is not going to work on Intel Macs.
Apple
With macOS Large Sur (the model that precedes Monterey), the minimal RAM requirement was 4GB. That can in all probability be the identical with Monterey, however it’s finest to have not less than 8GB of RAM. In the event you can, it is a good alternative so as to add extra RAM to your Mac.
As for space for storing, Apple additionally recommends 36GB of free house in your Mac’s storage system in case you are upgrading from macOS Sierra or later. If you’re upgrading from OS X Mavericks, Yosemite, or El Capitan, Apple recommends 45GB of free space for storing.
Older variations of macOS that may improve to Monterey
If you’re operating macOS Sierra or later, you possibly can improve to macOS Monterey, so long as your {hardware} additionally meets the necessities. If you’re operating OS X Mavericks or Yosemite it’s possible you’ll must improve to OS X El Capitan first earlier than you possibly can improve to macOS Monterey.
In the event you occur to be utilizing OS X Mountain Lion on a Mac that meets the {hardware} necessities, you must improve to OS X El Capitan first, after which you possibly can improve to macOS Monterey.
Confirm your Mac’s storage
It’s a good suggestion to test on the well being of your Mac’s inner storage earlier than you improve the working system. You are able to do this utilizing Disk Utility, an app that comes with each Mac.
Now we have a separate article with particulars on use Disk Utility to confirm your storage. It is advisable do the test together with your Mac in Restoration Mode. On Intel-based Macs, restart your Mac and maintain down Command-R on the keyboard. On M1 Macs, shut down the Mac, then press and maintain down the facility button because it boots.
Clear up your Mac’s storage
Apple recommends having 36GB of free house in your Mac in case you are upgrading from macOS Sierra or later. So it is a good alternative to do away with information that you simply don’t want which might be taking over space for storing. There are several ways to test how a lot out there house your Mac has, and as soon as you identify that you must clear some house, there are a few approaches you possibly can take.
macOS has a Storage Administration app you should use to liberate space for storing.
IDG
You should use macOS’s Storage Mangement app that will help you delete pointless information. Click on on Apple menu > About This Mac, click on the Storage tab, after which click on the Handle button. This opens the Storage Administration app that a number of choices for liberating up space for storing. The Retailer in iCloud perform helps transfer information to the cloud; Optimize Storage eliminated TV and films that you simply use by way of Apple TV; and Reducer Litter lets you undergo your information and delete ones you now not want.
It’s also possible to use a third-party utility to assist delete information. These utilities, reminiscent of CCleaner, CleanMyMac,Daisy Disk, and OnyX, present extra choices to sorting information than macOS’s Storage Administration, provide you with extra perception on the standing of your storage system, and have extra instruments to carry out duties reminiscent of eradicating troublesome information.
Test for updates to your third-party apps
Third-party software program updates are sometimes launched previous to the discharge of the brand new OS to verify these apps work wonderful. In the event you purchase your software program by way of Apple’s App Retailer, you possibly can test for updates there by launching the App Retailer app and clicking on Updates. For apps you didn’t purchase within the App Retailer, you’ll must test every developer’s web site by yourself. It’s also possible to strive checking RoaringApp’s software compatibility list.
Prioritize the apps you utilize most frequently, after which x replace the opposite apps when you may have the time. If an replace isn’t out there earlier than macOS Monterey ships, test with the developer quickly afterwards.
Test for updates within the Mac App Retailer.
IDG
Again up your knowledge
Everytime you do one thing main to your Mac—like upgrading the OS—you must again up your knowledge. You should use Time Machine or a third-party backup app, or you possibly can clone your storage system utilizing a utility like SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner.
A clone is what it feels like, a precise copy of your drive, so you should use it as a boot drive if the state of affairs warrants it. Time Machine is good as a result of it retains a number of variations of your paperwork, however it takes longer to revive from a Time Machine backup.
Flip off third-party encryption
If you’re utilizing third-party encryption in your Mac, disable it while you improve to macOS Monterey. If an issue happens in the course of the improve with the third-party encryption, you won’t have the ability to entry your knowledge. After your Monterey improve is full, test with the software program developer about Monterey compatibility earlier than you re-activate the encryption.
Learn how to set up macOS Monterey
While you’re prepared to put in macOS Monterey, make sure to put aside a while. You gained’t have the ability to use your Mac for an prolonged interval. You may get Monterey thought the App Retailer, or in case you’re operating macOS Large Sur, you are able to do a Software program Replace.
Roman has lined know-how because the early Nineties. His profession began at MacUser, and he is labored for MacAddict, Mac|Life, and TechTV.