The new macOS Monterey 12.1 beta includes SharePlay
While macOS Monterey may only be a few days old, the operating system is constantly being updated with features and fixes. Apple just released the first 12.1 beta to developers. The public beta generally follows in a day or two.
Updated 10/29/21 to include information about SharePlay.
New features in macOS Monterey 12.1
The major new feature of this beta is SharePlay, which allows people to share an experience while watching video, listening to music, or even an app window while on a FaceTime call. SharePlay was disabled in the macOS Monterey betas before the official release. SharePlay will launch to the public in a software update.
If you have a Mac Pro and you want to run an AMD Radeon 6600XT, you’ll want this update, which will fully add support for the new GPU. AMD recently released this graphics card and Mac users have been waiting for support.
The beta also includes bug fixes for the App Store and SwiftUI.
How to get the macOS Monterey 12.1 beta
Developers can go to the Apple Developer website, go to the Develop tab, and then click the Downloads button at the top of the webpage. You need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program.
For non-developers, Apple also has a Public Beta Program you can join. New public betas are released a few days after the developer betas arrive.
Roman has covered technology since the early 1990s. His career started at MacUser, and he’s worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life, and TechTV.