Apple has officially released macOS 13 with the Top New Features in macOS Ventura. Here’s how to download the latest desktop operating system on your Mac.
SAY GOODBYE TO Monterey and hello to Ventura—MacOS Ventura, that is. Also known as MacOS 13, Apple’s latest operating system is finally available for download.
The latest version packs a variety of new capabilities into desktops and laptops, including updates to Messages, Safari, the Mail app, and Continuity, among others.
Is Your Mac Compatible?
Each version of macOS is made available as a free update on supported Apple hardware. If you’re wondering whether your current Mac is compatible with macOS Ventura, here’s a list of all the models that will be able to run the new OS:
- MacBook: 2017 and later
- MacBook Air: 2018 and later
- MacBook Pro: 2017 and later
- Mac Mini: 2018 and later
- iMac: 2017 and later
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later
- Mac Pro: 2019 and later
- Mac Studio: 2022
Now, on to what’s new. We’ve compiled a list of the top new features and changes
iCloud Shared Photo Library
Instead of using AirDrop to send batches of photos or manually sending them to a group chat, you’re now able to share a collection of images in a shared iCloud library with up to five other people. You can share all the photos and videos in your library, or customize specific content that you want automatically added based on the people in the images, and the date they were taken on. Anyone in the Shared Library can edit, delete, and favorite photos, and this will all sync to everyone’s devices.
Useful Message Features
We’ve all sent regrettable texts before. With macOS Ventura, you can edit messages up to 15 minutes after sending them and delete them up to two minutes after. You can also recover deleted texts for up to 30 days. Meanwhile, those who have read receipts can mark a message as unread, which will hopefully ease the pressure to respond right away. You can now take advantage of SharePlay via Messages too. Instead of FaceTime, you can watch a movie or listen to music with friends and family in a group chat.
Live Captions
Apple is introducing Live Captions for those who are deaf and hard of hearing to Macs with an M-series chip. The feature, which is in beta, automatically transcribes audio for media, calls, and in-person conversations. When using Live Captions during a call on a Mac, you can also type what you want to say via Type to Speak and have your response spoken out loud for others in real time.
Mail Feature
If you send an email querying something with someone and you haven’t received a reply for a while, Mail will intelligently surface the message in your inbox and ask if you want to “Follow Up” the email. After sending the email, an Undo Send option will appear at the bottom of the sidebar (if you don’t have the sidebar showing, select View -> Show Sidebar in the menu bar). By default, you have 10 seconds to click it before the option disappears, after which the message cannot be unsent, but the interval can also be set to 20 or 30 seconds or turned off entirely for immediate sending.
Shared Tab Groups
Safari now includes a feature for families or workmates who do lots of planning together. You can now build a collective list of bookmarks and use it as a shared landing page, too. Others in your shared Tab Group will even be able to see what website you’re currently browsing. It is meant for group planning and research sessions. Apple also added the ability to start a FaceTime call or group Messages chat on the fly.
Strong Password Editing
Safari browser’s built-in password suggestion feature just got more convenient, as there’s now an option to edit a strong password that is suggested by Apple, which allows it to be personalized to site-specific requirements. Websites, sometimes have password creation requirements that include special characters, don’t allow for special characters, need a specific length, or ask for other customizations not met by the strong password requirements, which can now be fixed with the edit option.
Click a suggested password, then choose Other Options to access the Edit Strong Password dropdown. From here, you can change the characters that have been suggested. You can also opt for a quick-access Easy to Type or No Special Characters option.
Home App
The Home app received a long overdue redesign. You’re now able to see your entire home in one feed, making it easier to navigate and organize all of your smart home accessories. Later this year, it will also support the Matter standard, allowing you to add and connect accessories beyond the Apple ecosystem.
Continuity Camera
Apple introduced a new feature called Continuity Camera (for the iPhone XR or later). It works wirelessly. If you have a newer MacBook (with an M1 or M2 processor), it automatically recognizes your iPhone camera whenever it’s nearby. From there you can take advantage of the same features you’d find on recent Mac cameras, including Center Stage and Portrait Mode. The company also teamed up with Belkin to release a circular plastic mount that snaps onto your iPhone so the handset’s camera can be easily positioned at the top of a MacBook’s display.
Apple threw in a couple of additional features that take advantage of the iPhone’s advanced optics. With the Studio Light feature on the iPhone 12 and later, the camera will brighten your face while dimming the background. A feature called Desk View, compatible with the iPhone 11 and later, shows your face and an overhead video of your desk at the same time. It does this by utilizing the wide field of view of the ultrawide lens on the iPhone and computationally pulling apart the image to create two separate views.
Spotlight
Originally introduced in iOS 15 last year, you can use Spotlight on your Mac to search for photos, messages, notes, and images from the web. It supports Quick Look, too, allowing you to see full-size previews of files. You’re also able to create timers, set alarms, and run additional shortcuts.
FaceTime Handoff
Rather than hanging up and restarting a FaceTime call whenever you want to switch to another device, the new Handoff feature in Ventura allows you to simply transfer the call to another machine. So, if you’re on a FaceTime call on your iPhone, your Mac will recognize that you’re nearby and show a prompt asking whether you want to move the call over to your Mac.
Focus Filters
Last year, Apple introduced Focus Mode—a feature that lets you create profiles to limit certain distractions and alerts on your Mac. You can choose from preset options like Do Not Disturb, Commuting, Sleep, Personal, Driving, and Work, or create your own. Now, you can add Focus Filters within specific apps as well, including Calendar, Mail, Messages, and Safari.
Stage Manager
When using Stage Manager with multiple sets of apps, you can bring individual apps from inactive sets into the active set that’s front and center. Either drag app windows from parked sets or better, shift-click them to bring them into the active set. Switch between windows whenever you need to; Stage Manager will preserve your groupings and the arrangement of apps within the group.
Lockdown Mode
As an added layer of protection from “highly sophisticated cyberattacks,” Apple introduced Lockdown Mode. When turned on, features, apps, and websites will be limited for security to help keep spyware or malware from compromising specific data.
Additional Features
- Weather App: Apple finally brought the Weather app to Mac. You now have access to local forecasts, air quality, and precipitation intensity.
- Clock App: You also have access to the Clock app—as seen on the iPhone and iPad. You can use it to see local times in various time zones and set alarms.
- Reminders: If you rely on the Reminders app, you can create, share, and save templates to reuse. With a new Completed Smart List, you’re also able to see your completed reminders, and when they were completed, all in one place.
- Notes: Rather than creating a new password to lock notes, you can use your Mac password, eliminating the need to remember multiple passcodes. With Smart Folders comes new customizable filters too, based on checklists, attachments, creation dates, and more.
- Dictation: As you speak, Dictation will automatically add punctuation with periods, commas, and question marks. You’ll be able to use your voice to add emojis, too.
- System Settings: The System Settings menu received a full revamp, with a sidebar design that resembles the one you’d find on iPhone and iPad—making it easier to use.
- Apple News: Sports fans are now able to follow their favorite teams and leagues to stay up-to-date on the latest news from various publications, along with scores and schedules.
Coming Later This Year
- FreeForm: FreeForm is a new productivity app from Apple that allows you to collaborate with others in one space simultaneously. You can share files, as well as insert videos, web links, documents, and audio.
- Gaming: Those who use their M1- or M2-powered Mac for gaming will see a redesigned Game Center dashboard, complete with the ability to see what friends are playing, when they beat your high score, and all their achievements. You’ll also be able to play any multiplayer game in Game Center using SharePlay.
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