Apple today released macOS 13 Ventura, the latest version of the operating system designed to run on Mac. macOS Ventura comes after months of beta testing and feature improvements, and it’s compatible with iMac 2017 and later, iMac Pro, MacBook Air 2018 and later, MacBook Pro 2017 and later, Mac Pro 2019 and later, the Mac mini 2018 and later and MacBook 2017.
The macOS Ventura update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Preferences, and it’s also available through the Mac App Store.
macOS Ventura brings Stage Manager, a whole new way to focus on one task while having other apps ready to go. Stage Manager is designed to put your main app front and center on the desktop and tuck your other apps to the side for quick access when needed. Applications and windows can be grouped together so you can configure your desktop the right way for your workflow.
A new Continuity Camera feature eliminates the need for a shoddy built-in Mac camera because it lets you use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac. The iPhone can be positioned on the Mac using a stand, and it’s designed to connect automatically. A desktop view uses an ultra-wide view to show off your desktop if you need to demo something, plus support for Center Stage and Studio Light, an effect that illuminates your face while dimming the ‘background.
Handoff has expanded to FaceTime, letting you take calls on the Mac and seamlessly forward them to the iPhone or vice versa. Messages has new undo and edit buttons to fix mistakes or recall a recently sent iMessage, and there’s an option to mark messages as unread. Accidentally deleted messages can be recovered and there are new collaboration features.
SharePlay works in Messages in addition to FaceTime in macOS Ventura, so you can watch TV shows and use apps with others while chatting with them in the Messages app.
The Mail app has been revamped in macOS Ventura, and the search feature is more relevant and accurate than ever. When you click search and start typing, you’ll see relevant emails, contacts, documents, photos, and more. Emails can be scheduled, and if you make a mistake, you can cancel an email up to 30 seconds after it was sent.
Apple is bringing new apps to the Mac in macOS Ventura, including a dedicated Weather app and a Clock app, both of which mirror their iOS counterparts. System Preferences has been renamed System Settings and is designed more like the Settings app on iPhone and iPad.
Apple plans to make Safari more secure with Passkeys, a next-generation login that replaces the password. Security keys stay on the device and are never on a web server, making them much more secure than passwords. Passkeys are easy to use, with authenticated logins via Touch ID or Face ID, and they sync across devices via iCloud Keychain and can be used on non-Apple devices with iPhone authentication.
Spotlight’s design has been updated with easier navigation and support for Quick Look to preview files with a click. Photos library integration is available to search pictures in Photos app by location, people, scenes and objects. Spotlight can even find live text in images and supports actions such as creating a document, running a shortcut, or starting a timer.
There’s a new iCloud shared photo library that allows up to six family members to share a separate photo library from their personal libraries, making it easier to enjoy family photos. Photos offers smart sharing suggestions for relevant photo moments that family members have taken part in, and each Shared Photo Library user can add, edit, delete, or favorite shared photos and videos.
To make Macs more secure, there’s a new Rapid Security Response feature to install security updates without a system update, and it doesn’t even require a reboot. Apple’s release notes for the update are below:
A more in-depth look at all the new features available in macOS Ventura can be found in our dedicated macOS Ventura roundup.
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