MacOS Monterey RC 2 Released for Testing

Apple has issued a second release candidate build for macOS Monterey, just days before the final version is to be available to all Mac users with a macOS Monterey compatible Mac.

The macOS Monterey RC 2 build is 21A559, and it’s reasonable to expect this will match the final version available next week for all users.

Separately, a new RC 2 build for iPadOS 15.1 is also available, but only for iPad Mini 6 users are this time.

It’s not entirely clear what has changed in RC 2, but presumably it’s some last minute bug resolutions or changes. The most controversial changes to Safari have been rolled back in the prior RC build, perhaps due to the influence of DaringFireball and this takedown which addressed the confusing elements to the new tab design experiment.

MacOS Monterey features updates to the Safari interface, Safari tab grouping functionality, Live Text for selecting text within images, FaceTime screen sharing, FaceTime video sharing with SharePlay, FaceTime grid view, Shortcuts app for Mac, Quick Notes, and many updates and changes to various built-in Mac apps including Photos, Podcasts, Music, Finder, and more. Perhaps the most anticipated feature in macOS Monterey for some users is Universal Control, which allows for controlling multiple Macs and iPads with the same keyboard and mouse, has been delayed until a later version of macOS Monterey later in the fall.

MacOS Monterey RC 2 is available to downloaded now by users participating in the beta system software testing programs.

Go to  Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update to find the macOS Monterey RC 2 update.

Apple has said that macOS Monterey will be available to download for all users on Monday, October 25.