MacOS Monterey Beta 3 Available to Download
Apple has released MacOS Monterey beta 3 to users enrolled in the beta testing program for macOS. The latest beta build arrives as 21A5284e, and is typically released as a developer beta first and is soon followed by public beta of the same build number.
MacOS Monterey beta includes an early look at new features that will be in the upcoming major operating system release, including new FaceTime capabilities like screen sharing, the ability to select text in images with Live Text, the ability to share a mouse and keyboard across a Mac and iPad with Universal Control, changes to Safari tabs, a Quick Notes feature for app-specific notes, the arrival of Shortcuts app on Mac, Low Power Mode for Mac laptops, along with many smaller changes and improvements to apps like Messages, Maps, Photos, and more.
Beta system software is intended for advanced users, but technically speaking anyone can install MacOS Monterey public beta (or developer beta) onto their Mac. You must have a compatible Mac with MacOS Monterey, and a tolerance for a buggier experience than you’re accustomed to. It is recommended to only install beta system software onto secondary devices. Always backup a Mac before installing any software update, especially beta versions.
How to Download MacOS Monterey Beta 3
Macs must be enrolled in the beta program to have access to beta system software. Remember to back up the Mac with Time Machine or your backup method of choice before beginning.
- Go to Apple menu and select “System Preferences”
- Choose “Software Update” preference panel, then choose to download and install the macOS Monterey beta 3 update
Installing the latest beta requires the Mac to reboot. Installation can take a while so be patient.
Separately, Apple also released iOS 15 beta 3, iPadOS 15 beta 3, tvOS 15 beta 3, and watchOS 8 beta 3.
The final versions of MacOS Monterey are set to be released in the fall, along with finalized versions of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.
The only Monterey feature I care about is Universal Control, and that is not implemented in any betas yet. Maybe they won’t release it at all, sometimes they pull features like that and delay them. That would be disappointing.
This and iOS 15 are pretty boring if you ask me, more like a dot release. I guess this is what we get when all Apple employees spent the year working remotely from Montana and Joshua Tree, and every other small western town the work remote and tech crowd is ruining. I read recently that Apple is trying to call them back to their big giant mothership to get work done, and the kids are having a mutiny about it.