Apple releases macOS Monterey 12.1 update

Apple on Monday released its macOS Monterey 12.1 update, and offers the following new features, fixes, and changes:

• Fix for desktop and screen saver appearing blank after selecting photos from the Photos library
• Fix for trackpad issue in which the device could become unresponsive to taps or clicks
• Fix for external displays possibly not charging on some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers when connected using Thunderbolt or USB-C
• Fix for HDR video playback on YouTube.com that could cause 2021 MacBook Pro computers to panic
• Fix for menu bar extras becoming obscured by the camera housing on 2021 MacBook Pro computers
• Fix for MagSafe stopping its charging on 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro computers when lid is closed and system is shut down

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SharePlay

• SharePlay is a new way to share synchronized experiences in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music, and other supported apps
• Shared controls give everyone the ability to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
• Smart volume automatically lowers the audio of a movie, TV show or song when you or your friends speak
• Screen sharing lets everyone on a FaceTime call look at photos, browse the web, or help each other out

Apple Music Voice Plan

• Apple Music Voice Plan is a new subscription tier that gives you access to all songs, playlists, and stations in Apple Music using Siri
• Just Ask Siri suggests music based on your listening history and likes or dislikes
• Play it Again lets you access a list of your recently played music

Photos

• Memories has been redesigned with a new interactive interface, new animation and transition styles, and multiple image collages
• New Memory types include additional international holidays, child-focused memories, trends over time, and improved pet memories

Messages

• Communication safety setting gives parents the ability to enable warnings for children when they receive or send photos that contain nudity
• Safety warnings contain helpful resources for children when they receive photos that contain nudity

Siri and Search

• Expanded guidance in Siri, Spotlight and Safari Search to help children and parents stay safe online and get help with unsafe situations

Apple ID

• Digital Legacy allows you to designate people as Legacy Contacts so they can access your iCloud account and personal information in the event of your death

TV App

• Store tab lets you browse, buy, and rent movies and TV Shows all in one place

This release also includes the following enhancements for your Mac:

• Hide My Email is available in the Mail app for iCloud+ subscribers to create unique, random email addresses
• Stocks allows you to view the currency for a ticker and see year-to-date performance when viewing charts
• Reminders and Notes now allow you to delete or rename tags

As usual, you can snag the update by navigating to  > About This Mac > Software Update.

If you’ve tried the macOS Monterey 12.1 update and have and feedback to offer, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

Via 9to5Mac