macOS Monterey Beta 6 is now available for Developers.
UPDATED 8/31/21
Apple just dropped macOS Monterey Beta 6. This release comes almost 3 weeks after Beta 5 and one week after iOS 15 Beta 7. It looks like Apple has now moved to a weekly beta release schedule for iOS. It will be interesting to see if Apple will do the same for macOS Monterey. Let’s jump in and find out what’s new in this update.
- Beta 6 is now available as a Delta update & M1 IPSW Restore File
- Full Installer & Public Beta now available
- Universal Control = NOT ENABLED
- SideCar Preference pane is MISSING! (Still works through display pane)
- New Kernel Panic Feedback Assistant Report Message
- Change in Safari Tabs Layout (auto collapse tabs & show color moved)
macOS Monterey Beta Patch Notes Summary
- 1. Enterprise – 1
- 2. New Features – 4
- 3. Known Issues – 12
- 4. Resolved Issues – 10
- 5. Deprecations – 6
Table of Contents
- 1. Apple Links
- 2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Monterey
- 3. Undocumented macOS Monterey Beta Update changes & fixes
- 4. Monterey Release History
- 5. macOS Monterey Full Installer.app
- 6. Apple Silicon IPSW Restore file Update
- 7. macOS Monterey Update sizes for Intel and M1
- 8. Apple Silicon M1 Firmware Update
- 9. Intel T2 BridgeOS Update
- 10. Safari Update
- 11. What’s new for enterprise in macOS Monterey
- 12. Security Content of macOS Monterey
- 13. macOS Monterey Release Notes / Patch Notes / Changes
Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.
1. Apple Links
AppleSeed Notes Link = appleseed.apple.com/
Developer Public Link = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes
macOS Deployment References Changes – https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment-reference-macos/document-revision-history-apd04dff7069/web
2. Articles of interest & info related to macOS Monterey Beta
- 1. SharePlay has been delayed until after public launch.
3. Undocumented macOS Monterey changes & fixes
- 1. SideCar Preference pane is MISSING! (Still works through display pane)
- 2. New Kernel Panic Feedback Assistant Report Message
- 3. Change in Safari Tabs Layout (auto collapse tabs & show color moved)
4. Monterey Beta Release History
- 6. Monterey Beta 6 (21A5506j) – 8/30/21 – Current Release
- 5. Monterey Beta 5 (21A5304g) – 8/09/21 – My Release Notes
- 4. Monterey Beta 4 (21A5294g) – 7/27/21 – My Release Notes
- 3. Monterey Beta 3 (21A5284e) – 7/14/21 – My Release Notes
- 2. Monterey Beta 2 (21A5268h) – 6/28/21 – My Release Notes
- 1. Monterey Beta 1 (21A5248p) – 6/07/21 – My Release Notes
5. macOS Monterey Full Installer.app
I list all the the Beta versions of the macOS Monterey Full installer in the link below. The full installer is usually released alongside the Public Beta. The public beta is usually released a day or 2 after the developer update.
NOTE: Apple is only keeping the current version of the Monterey Beta Full installer available. When a new one is released, the previous version is pulled.
https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-12-monterey-full-installer-database-download-directly-from-apple/
- 6. Monterey Beta 6 = Not available yet
- 5. Monterey Beta 5 = 8/10/21
- 4. Monterey Beta 4 = 7/27/21
- 3. Monterey Beta 3 = 7/14/21
- 2. Monterey Beta 2 = 6/29/21
- 1. Monterey Beta 1 = 6/15/21
InstallAssistant.pkg = Full download. Installing this package will add the full “Install macOS Monterey.app” to your applications folder.
6. Apple Silicon IPSW Restore file Update
Apple has released the full IPSW restore file of macOS Monterey Beta for Apple Silicon Macs. I keep track of all of them in my Apple Silicon Firmware Database
- 6. macOS Monterey Beta 6 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5506j_Restore.ipsw
- 5. macOS Monterey Beta 5 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5304g_Restore.ipsw
- 4. macOS Monterey Beta 4 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5294g_Restore.ipsw
- 3. macOS Monterey Beta 3 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5284e_Restore.ipsw
- 2. macOS Monterey Beta 2 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5268h_Restore.ipsw
- 1. macOS Monterey Beta 1 = Not released
Get them here –> https://mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/
7. macOS Monterey Update sizes for Intel and M1
Monterey Delta Update
This is the update is for updating from Beta 5 > Beta 6
1. Delta from macOS Monterey 12 Beta 5 (21A5304g) with size = 2.2 GB
2. Delta from macOS Monterey 12 Beta 4 (21A5294g) with size = 2.5 GB
3. Delta from macOS Monterey 12 Beta 3 (21A5284e) with size = 2.8 GB
Thank you DhinakG
Monterey Combo Update
The “Combo Update” has been replaced by an automatic sized update. This means if you are updating from an older beta (example Beta 2) you will get an update that includes only what you need.
Monterey Full Update
This is update is for if your volume is having issues or is not sealed.
Size = 11.0GB
8. Apple Silicon M1 Firmware Update
This update has a new firmware update. The version number is reported in System Information under “System Firmware Version“
Apple Silicon M1 Firmware – Updated = 7429.40.38
Previous M1 Apple Silicon Firmware Updates
- 6. macOS Monterey Beta 6 = 7429.40.38
- 5. macOS Monterey Beta 5 = 7429.30.8.0.4
- 4. macOS Monterey Beta 4 = 7429.0.207.141.1
- 3. macOS Monterey Beta 3 = 7429.0.181.131.1
- 2. macOS Monterey Beta 2 = 7429.0.133.121.1
- 1. macOS Monterey Beta 1 = 7429.0.72.0.3
9. Intel T2 BridgeOS Update
The Version of BridgeOS for your T2 Security Chip (2018-2020 Intel Macs) was updated.
BridgeOS version – Updated = 19.16.10506.5.1
Previous T2 Bridge Updates
- 6. macOS Monterey Beta 6 = 19.16.10506.5.1
- 5. macOS Monterey Beta 5 = 19.16.10321.5.5
- 4. macOS Monterey Beta 4 = 19.16.10310.5.5
- 3. macOS Monterey Beta 3 = 19.16.10300.5.4
- 2. macOS Monterey Beta 2 = 19.16.10284.5.7
- 1. macOS Monterey Beta 1 = 19.16.10264.5.14
10. Safari Update
The new version of Safar 15 is included in the macOS Monterey Beta update.
Safari – Updated = 15.0 (176.121.28.5)
- 6. macOS Monterey Beta 6 = Safari 15.0 (176121.28.5)
- 5. macOS Monterey Beta 5 = Safari 15.0 (17612.1.26.1.3)
- 4. macOS Monterey Beta 4 = Safari 15.0 (17612.1.24.1.4)
- 3. macOS Monterey Beta 3 = Safari 15.0 = (17612.1.22.1.4)
- 2. macOS Monterey Beta 2 = Safari 15.0 (17612.1.18.1.3)
- 1. macOS Monterey Beta 1 = Safari 15.0 (17612.1.15.1.14)
11. What’s new for Enterprise in macOS Monterey Beta
Enterprise changes in macOS Monterey Beta 6
- Apps and services that require the installation of Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) now require user authorization, or use of a Privacy Preferences Policy Control (PPPC) profile from MDM that authorizes modifying system administrator files or full disk access. (71821457)
12. Security Content of macOS Monterey
macOS Monterey Security Document
- 1. None
13. macOS Monterey Beta Release Notes
https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-12-beta-release-notes
NOTE! I remove all the release note parts that do NOT pertain to Beta 5.
This will help you see only the new changes each update.
App Store
New Features in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- A new
on
is available in StoreKit 2. You can use this purchase option to determine whether the transaction continues if the App Store storefront changes during a transaction. The default isStorefront Change(should Continue Purchase:) true
if this option isn’t added. (70757789) Verification
is nowResult .unverified(Signed Type) Verification
to provide a reason for unverified signed values.Result .unverified(Signed Type, Verification Error) json
is available onRepresentation Transaction
andjson
is available onRepresentation renewal
; both properties provide the payload JSON asInfo Data
.payload
andValue unsafe
properties are available onPayload Value Verification
as a convenience to access the signed value. (80701792)Result
Known Issues
- The
unfinished
property might returnVerification
for transactions that have already finished. (81346114)Result<Transaction>
- Purchases performed in the Sandbox environment return
Verification
. (71949674)Result .unverified(_: _:) jws
and other validation related properties are not available onRepresentation Verification
. (81517650)Workaround: UseResult signed
and device verification properties that are available onDate Transaction
andrenewal
.Info
Resolved in iOS & iPadOS 15 beta 6
- All
Async
conforming types are now value types. (80982924)Iterator Protocol - In-app purchases are now successful in TestFlight apps. (77332175)
Displays Preferences
Known Issues
- There might be issues with wakeup when dual monitors are connected. (79839446)Workaround: Connect the power adapter that came with the Mac.
Endpoint Security
New Features in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- The
copyfile
system call now produces dedicated event typesES
and_EVENT _TYPE _AUTH _COPYFILE ES
. (72990017)_EVENT _TYPE _NOTIFY _COPYFILE
Enterprise
New Features in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- Apps and services that require the installation of Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) now require user authorization, or use of a Privacy Preferences Policy Control (PPPC) profile from MDM that authorizes modifying system administrator files or full disk access. (71821457)
Focus
Known Issues
- The system doesn’t allow notifications to break through a Focus, even if “Allow time sensitive notifications” is selected. (80998661)
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- You can now switch to a Focus other than Do Not Disturb using Siri. (78263540)
iCloud
Known Issues
- Legacy Contacts has been removed from macOS Monterey 12 beta 5 and will return in a future release. (81292890)
Language & Region
Known Issues
- Certain languages might display unlocalized text. (78476984)
- Certain languages might exhibit clipped or misaligned layout. (78477103)
Mac Catalyst
Known Issues
- Setting the title color of a
UIButton
doesn’t work regardless of whether you usebase
orForeground Color title
. (76566253)Color For State: - System buttons have a black background color if no color is set. (76910619)Workaround: Set a color, or if you want the system default color, request a button using the iOS 14 and Mac Catalyst 15 or earlier API:
button
.With Type:
macOS Recovery
Deprecations
MKPin
andAnnotation View Map
are deprecated in this beta. (78536295)Pin
Maps
Known Issues
- Rounded building corners might disappear. (80468151)
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- The Bay Bridge now scales correctly at high zoom levels. (79217316)
Messages
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- Reminders triggered by messaging a contact now correctly produce a notification. (81118121)
Music
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- You can now play Lossless or Spatial Audio tracks via Siri. (78277808)
Networking
Deprecations
- Support for cleartext HTTP URL schemes for Proxy Automatic Configuration (PAC) is now deprecated. Use only HTTPS URL schemes for PAC. This affects all PAC configurations, including, but not limited to, configurations set via Settings, System Preferences, profiles, and
URLSession
APIs such asconnection
andProxy Dictionary CFNetwork
. If you configure a cleartext HTTP PAC URL, the system may upgrade it to HTTPS during PAC file loads. Web Proxy Auto-Discovery (WPAD) Protocol via DNS isn’t affected. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Option 252 WPAD may attempt to upgrade cleartext HTTP URLs to HTTPS during PAC file loads. (61981845)Execute Proxy Auto Configuration URL(_: _: _: _:)
Python
Deprecations
- If an app uses Python 2.7, macOS now triggers an alert indicating that the developer must update the app to ensure it will work in future versions of macOS. (80221011)
RealityKit
Known Issues
- The
Streaming
init onInput Photogrammetry
isn’t supported. (78838906)Session
Safari
Known Issues
- Safari toolbar vibrancy and background color might adversely affect the legibility of tab buttons in the tab bar. (80417925)
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- Animations occur as expected when opening and closing the sidebar in Safari. (80441779)
SharePlay
Deprecations
- SharePlay development in macOS Monterey beta 6 and upcoming beta releases requires the installation of an updated SharePlay Development Profile. This profile enables successful creation and reception of GroupSessions via the Group Activities API in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and tvOS 15 beta 7, as well as macOS Monterey beta 6. (81900143)
SwiftUI
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
List
now correctly respects safe area insets. (78833004)- Application state and windows are now restored from persistent data on disk securely. (75240854)
Deprecations
control
is deprecated. Use the newProminence .bordered
Prominent Button
instead. (78908460)Style Fn
(Function
) shortcut modifier is deprecated and reserved for system usage. (78627099)
Translation
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 6
- System-wide translation replacement functionality now works in apps created with Mac Catalyst. (80022547)
Video Playback
Known Issues
- While watching a video in full-screen view in the Apple TV App or the Music App, you can’t exit full-screen view using the onscreen UI. (81598611, 81195781)Workaround: Press the escape key to exit full screen.
I heard you mention that people were experiencing Outlook 365 crashes under macOS Monterey Beta 5, and that now under Beta 6 this seems to be resolved.
Now, my situation may not be the same as everybody else’s, but for me it turned out that several viruses and / or malware (yes, unbelievable under macOS) were actually responsible for the crashing.
What brought this to my attention was that I got a pop-up window saying “Virtual Internet Access.app will damage your computer. You should move it to the bin.” and it was so obvious that this was not how Apple would ever handle a security threat – being a NeXTStation owner from way back, I’m aware enough of how Apple’s security system works, and effectively if you’re getting that sort of message, that ain’t Apple, that’s malware that somehow made its way onto your system – and it took me a couple of days worth of sysadmin to get the blasted things off my system.
The culprit was that Microsoft products all are effectively command interpreters, in addition to being applications that we use to modify files (data). Beyond the obvious Excel macros, there are many other automation tools in Microsoft products that interpret macro-style commands embedded within documents (which is why I referred to them as “command interpreters” above), and it doesn’t matter how secure macOS is or isn’t, if the suite of applications your employer uses (and that you therefore needs to use) is the Microsoft Office suite.
So, just a heads-up for your followers, that if they were finding that Outlook wasn’t working under Beta 5, then I strongly suggest that even if it now works under Beta 6, they still grab themselves an antivirus package (many are available for a trial period for free) and do a full system scan. The reason being that just because Outlook might now run, the problem is that this doesn’t guarantee you that the malware isn’t also running alongside it right within Outlook.
Since the malware on my system (there were 19 instances of 5 different forms of malware) was parts of ransomware, the last thing I’d want someone else to experience is to find their data files and Time Machine PGP-encrypted, and some asshole on the other side of the world demanding you pay them money or you won’t have your files back, and then if you don’t they dox you by posting all of your data they’ve managed to suck off your system.
How do I know that the viruses were the cause of my Outlook not functioning under Beta 5? Well, because once I removed all of them from my system (which was quite difficult, as the viruses kept killing off the antivirus software), suddenly Outlook started fine. Not just the Calendar, but Outlook’s Mail. And, of course, there were no longer any more viruses on the system.
I hope this helps someone out there, and if you’d like more information, please get in touch via [email protected] and I’ll explain what I found.
Oh, and thanks heaps for your excellent blog. 🙂
Cheers from Sydney, Australia
Nicole
The beta 6 IPSW file is not working for me on a MacBook Air. I get the following message in Apple Configurator 2 (v 2.14):
The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 10 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg (Protocol error)) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0xA (10)].
It’s dead repeatable and reverting to an old IPSW works fine.
Anyone else seeing this?