Release Candidates for macOS Monterey, iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1 Available for Testing

Apple has issued Release Candidates for macOS Monterey for Mac, iOS 15.1 for iPhone, and iPadOS 15.1 for iPad.

The RC builds are available now, and the final versions of these system software releases are set to be launched next Monday, October 25, when the newly redesigned MacBook Pro is available.

MacOS Monterey includes new Safari tab grouping capabilities, an updated Safari interface (the more controversial changes have been reversed in the RC build), Live Text for text selection within images, FaceTime screen sharing with SharePlay, FaceTime grid view, Quick Notes, Low Power Mode, the introduction of Shortcuts app for Mac, updates to Photos, Music, Podcasts, and other built-in apps, and more. Universal Control, a feature which allows users to control multiple Macs or iPads from a single keyboard and mouse, is expected to launch later in the fall.

MacOS Monterey RC can be downloaded now by any user enrolled in the beta system software programs by going to the  Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Meanwhile, iOS 15.1 RC and iPadOS 15.1 RC include FaceTime screen sharing with SharePlay, while iOS 15.1 also includes support for some iPhone 13 Pro specific features like toggling Macro Mode camera on/off, and the introduction of Covid-19 injection history into the Health app as a vaccine card. Of course sme bugs and problems with iOS 15 are also being addressed.

The RC builds fo iOS 15.1/iPadOS 15.1 are available now through Settings > General > Software Update.

Additionally, new watchOS and tvOS RC builds are available to users beta testing those system software versions for Apple Watch and Apple TV.

The final versions of MacOS Monterey, iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, and tvOS 15.1 will be released on October 25.