macOS Monterey Beta 8 is now available for Developers.
UPDATED 9/30
Apple just dropped macOS Monterey Beta 8. The update comes only one week after beta 7! Let’s jump in and find out what’s new in this update.
Quick Summary
- Beta 8 is now available as a Delta update, Full Installer & M1 IPSW Restore File
Public Beta & Full Installer (tomorrow)Full installer & Public Beta now available!- Universal Control = nothing noted in the Beta 8 patch notes.
- Does Beta 8 fix scrolling and
trackpad issues?UPDATE: trackpad issues look to be fixed! - Enterprise fixes – Revolve around MDM Erase & Proxy Server settings.
- The Beta 8 Full installer fixes Beta 7’s createinstallmedia & stub file issues!
- Some users are reporting issues with thunderbolt 5k monitors in beta 8
macOS Monterey Beta Patch Notes Summary
- 1. Enterprise – 2
- 2. New Features – 0
- 3. Known Issues – 0
- 4. Resolved Issues – 4
- 5. Deprecations – 0
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. Waiting
4. Monterey Beta Release History
- 8. Monterey Beta 8 (21A5534d) – 9/28/21 – Current Release
- 7. Monterey Beta 7 (21A5522h) – 9/21/21 – My Release Notes
- 6. Monterey Beta 6 (21A5506j) – 8/30/21 – My Release Notes
- 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/
- 8. Monterey Beta 8 = 9/29/21
- 7. Monterey Beta 7 = 9/22/21
- 6. Monterey Beta 6 = 8/31/21
- 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
- 8. macOS Monterey Beta 8 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5534d_Restore.ipsw
- 7. macOS Monterey Beta 7 = UniversalMac_12.0_21A5522h_Restore.ipsw
- 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 7 > Beta 8
1. Update from macOS Monterey 12 Beta 7 = 2.0 GB
2. Update from macOS Monterey 12 Beta 6 = 2.5 GB
3. Update from macOS Monterey 12 Beta 5 = 2.7 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 – Update = 7429.40.84.181.1
Previous M1 Apple Silicon Firmware Updates
- 8. macOS Monterey Beta 8 = 7429.40.84.181.1
- 7. macOS Monterey Beta 7 = 7429.40.68
- 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 – Update = 19.16.10534.5.4
Previous T2 Bridge Updates
- 8. macOS Monterey Beta 8 = 19.16.10534.5.4
- 7. macOS Monterey Beta 7 = 19.16.10522.5.4
- 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 – Update = 15.1 = (17612.2.6.1.1)
- 8. macOS Monterey Beta 8 = Safari 15.1 = (17612.2.6.1.1)
- 7. macOS Monterey Beta 7 = Safari 15.0 (17612.2.4.2.2)
- 6. macOS Monterey Beta 6 = Safari 15.0 (17612.1.28.5)
- 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 8
- MDM erase fix
- Proxy fix
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 8.
This will help you see only the new changes each update.
Monterey Beta 8 Update
Overview
The macOS 12 SDK provides support to develop apps for Mac computers running macOS Monterey 12 beta 8. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 13 beta 5, available from Beta Software Downloads. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 13, see Xcode 13 Release Notes.
AppKit
App Store
Known Issues
- The
unfinished
property might returnVerification
for transactions that have already finished. (81346114, 83248217)Result<Transaction>
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.
Focus
Known Issues
- The system doesn’t allow notifications to break through a Focus, even if “Allow time sensitive notifications” is selected. (80998661)
iCloud
Known Issues
- Legacy Contacts has been removed from macOS Monterey 12 beta 5 and will return in a future release. (81292890)
- Custom Email Domain addresses with delimiters like “+” or “-” can’t be configured. (82425376)
- Custom Email Domain addresses that are associated with a separate iTunes account can’t be configured. (82358431)
- Some accounts may not yet be eligible for Custom Email Domain. (82421769)
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)
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)
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)
Swift
Known Issues
- Applications linking to RealityKit with the iOS 15 or macOS 12 SDKs will fail to launch on a previous OS. (79584511)Workaround: Add
OTHER
to your Xcode Project settings to allow running RealityKit apps on an older OS._LD _FLAGS = -weak _framework Reality Foundation
SwiftUI
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)
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.
Virtualization
Resolved in macOS Monterey 12 beta 8
- Attempts to install macOS Monterey into a VM no longer fail sporadically. (83125778, 83156912)
Xcode
Known Issues
- Xcode 12.5.1 won’t launch on macOS Monterey. (81520413)Workaround: Update to Xcode 13 to continue developing on macOS Monterey.
Hey Mr Macintosh, all is not Rosy here in the future.
On a 2018 Mac mini, 16G ram, 160G free internal SSD space, could not get Monterey Public Beta 8 to finish updating from Beta 7. Tried normal update method and it seemed ok, rebooted about 4 or 5 times, then froze on black screen with the white apple and progress bar reaching approximately 25% point. Waited several hours and it never moved. Restarted and it froze same spot again, this time I took a photo of log where it stopped. Last line says, 000041.517212 wLan0.A[31 ] handleAdjustBusy@1537:AdjustBusy timeout in 4000 ms! busy state 0
Booted into recovery mode, installed Big Sur, didn’t have any other other choice. Retried updating to Monterey public Beta 8 full install, and again it looked normal, rebooted several times and froze at exact same place as before. I am now back on Big Sur 11.6, and thinking I am going to have to stay here permanently. Fun fact, Big Sur Photos app won’t open my photos library from Monterey, says cannot open due to a newer version of Photos was used. So that sucks.
Bill
Bill, both beta 7 and 8 are kind of a mess right now. Beta 6 is stable if you wanted to go back to monterey and wait for a more stable release.
To go to beta 6, I would download it from your site and update using that installer correct? I’ve also removed the beta program parameter, would I need to reinstall that prior?
Bill
Couldn’t download beta 6 after many attempts, beta 7 downloaded without issue the first time though. I attempted a complete install of beta 7, thinking it was working also before, and it failed exactly in the same manner as beta 8 had. Once again I had to use recovery mode to install Big Sur 11.6. So the computer was happily running beta 7 before, and will successfully install Big Sur 11.6 every time, but for some unknown reason can’t install Monterey Beta 7 (any longer) or 8 without stopping at the same point described above. I have not read where anyone else has had the same issue, so must assume my Mac mini now suffers from a unique issue which has no other symptoms where it has started preventing Monterey from completing installation after seven successful beta installations prior. Not being in the beta program any longer I don’t even know how I would notify Apple of the anomaly, as I don’t believe they actually monitor their own support forums for such things. Thanks Mr Macintosh I appreciate your response and website. Bill
I also have an Mac mini 2018 (i7, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD) and I struggle with the same issues – freeze on black screen with the white apple and progress bar reaching approximately 25% when I try to update at Monterey Public Beta 8. I used recovery mode, I wiped everything and I have installed Big Sur, but when I tried to update again to Monterey Public Beta 8, in order to import the backup content, the update process got stuck in the same place. I can use my Mac mini with Big Sur, but the Time Machine backup (done under Monterey) cannot be imported. And for now I can’t find any solution to install Monterey. It’s not the main computer, but that makes it no less frustrating…
George, I think the next step is to use the Monterey Full installer to update. Did you try that ?
Fortunately I had no issue using a Time Machine back up I made in Monterey, had to use the built in data transfer app. The time machine app itself wouldn’t do it.
I did attempt a full Monterey Bata install, unfortunately with the same result. Keenly interested in whether George has any better luck though.
I’m seriously thinking of just staying on Big Sur, having an Intel Mac. I don’t recall much about Monterey that makes me overly miss it. Maybe the being able to copy text from images.
I have tried the Monterey Public Beta 8 Full Installer but I have encountered the same issue. Unfortunately I couldn’t download Monterey Public Beta 6. I have no other choice but to wait a new beta release.
Have you tried beta 9? I’m fearing there may be something physically wrong with our two minis. I haven’t seen where anyone else is having the issue, but you and me. Are you by chance using a 4K tv and HDMI?
George and Bill Smith: Have you tried rebooting to recovery, erasing the system partition, then rebooting to recovery and then selecting the install bootable USB connected to the M1 Mac mini and trying the install that way. I would recommend Public Beta 9, as I had a successful install on my M1 Mac mini with it. Disconnecting any peripherals other than that which is essential (monitor and pointing device and the USB installer only) will help, also. If successful, you can migrate your data when the macOS Initial Setup runs. An alternative would be to restore the M1 Mac mini using Configurator 2 and the Monterey Beta 9 IPSW restore file if you have access to another Mac with a USB C port and cable. Doing a restore in this way will also preserve your data. Let us know if any of these suggestions work for you. Good luck!
Mine is an Intel mini. I haven’t tried using a usb drive to install as I have not had any issues with downloading the install image, or beginning the install process. Have erased the drive twice while in recovery mode.
I have installed Monterey Beta 9 and everything worked fine. I have updated also to the new releases without issues.
Wanted to update you and George, I was able to successfully install beta 10 today, and then it updated to the RC1 immediately after. So whatever it was, it was resolved in beta 10. Yeah!
Is it possible to upgrade using OCL coming from Ben Sova’s Monterey mini patcher, without losing data ? I was trying to uprade to the latest beta 8 but keep getting firmware error while installing it on recovery so that’s why am considering moving to OCL. Appreciate your help. Regards
Ed, you can upgrade but normally a clean erase, pram reset and install is usually recommended.
You could try it and see how it goes, I did it and worked fine.
Well, the same thing happened as with Beta 7. For 2 days after I received a email from Mr. Macintosh saying that Beta 8 was available, System Preferences > Software Update kept telling me that I was “up to date” with the latest Monterey Beta. So, today I restarted as recommended by Mr. Macintosh, and instantly System Preferences told me the truth, that Beta 8 was available. So it looks like I’m staying subscribed to Mr. Macintosh as a workaround for Apple’s broken Software Update.