Three weeks after launching the first macOS Monterey beta, Apple has seeded developers with the second. Hopefully, we’ll see the new Universal Control and SharePlay go live in this beta release alongside other new Monterey features that we’ve been able to try out since the first beta like the Shortcuts app, all-new Safari, Focus mode, Quick Notes, AirPlay to Mac, and more.
Update: Universal Control doesn’t appear to be available in the second Monterey beta but there are new wallpapers, Safari updates, and more. Check out our hands-on with beta 2 for all the changes and fixes:
- What’s new in macOS Monterey beta 2? Safari tweaks, new screensavers + wallpapers, more
The second macOS Monterey beta is showing up now via OTA for developers already enrolled. You can also download it from Apple’s Developer website if you’re not running the beta yet (full guide here).
New features and changes that come with macOS 12 Monterey include a totally redesigned Safari, Shortcuts app arriving on the Mac, FaceTime’s new SharePlay feature, Universal Control to seamlessly work across multiple Apple devices, a new Focus mode, Quick Notes, AirPlay to Mac, and more.
macOS Monterey beta 2 for developers
However, with the first Monterey beta, Universal Control wasn’t available. It’s possible the exciting Universal Control feature could arrive with the second macOS Monterey beta.
- Understanding how Universal Control works (and how it doesn’t)
As always, it’s a bad idea to install early betas like this on your primary machine with bugs and performance issues being common, so use a secondary Mac if at all possible.
The macOS Monterey beta 2 comes in at 3GB in size (after updating from the first beta) with build number 21A5268h.
Beta 2 fixes a long list of issues found in the first release including bugs with Bluetooth, Mail, Messages, Maps, FaceTime, Find My, Focus, iCloud, Music, Networking, Notes, Photos, Safari, Shortcuts, and more.
