macOS Monterey

Basic Information

Apple macOS Monterey (version 12) is the eighteenth major release of Apple's desktop operating system for Macintosh computers. It succeeded macOS Big Sur and was later succeeded by macOS Ventura.

• Model: macOS Monterey (version 12)
• Version: 12.x
• Release Date: October 25, 2021
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
  • Storage: 26GB of available space (if upgrading from macOS Sierra or later), up to 44GB (if upgrading from earlier versions).
  • Processor: 64-bit Intel processor or Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.)
  • Supported Macs: iMac (Late 2015 or later), iMac Pro (2017), MacBook (Early 2016 or later), MacBook Air (Early 2015 or later), MacBook Pro (Early 2015 or later), Mac mini (Late 2014 or later), Mac Pro (Late 2013 or later), Mac Studio (2022).
• Supported Operative Systems: macOS Monterey runs on compatible Mac hardware.
• Latest Stable Version: 12.7.6 (as of July 29, 2024).
• End of Support Date: Officially, support ended with the release of macOS Sequoia on September 16, 2024. Many organizations are phasing out support by November 30, 2024. Security updates may continue for a limited period after official support ends.
• End of Life Date: Effectively, November 2024 for many institutions, as security updates are expected to cease around this time.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not a fixed date, but tied to the cessation of security updates following the end of support.
• License Type: Proprietary software with open-source components, governed by the Apple Software License Agreement (ASLA).
• Deployment Model: Available via the Mac App Store, automatic downloads, or volume licensing for enterprise environments.

Technical Requirements

macOS Monterey requires specific hardware configurations for optimal performance and feature access.

• RAM: A minimum of 4GB RAM is required, with 8GB recommended for a smoother user experience.
• Processor: Compatible with 64-bit Intel processors and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.) chips.
• Storage: An upgrade from macOS Sierra or later requires 26GB of free disk space. Upgrades from earlier macOS versions may require up to 44GB.
• Display: Supports various internal and external display configurations. Features like flexible HiDPI scaling may require macOS Monterey 12.4 or newer and natively connected displays.
• Ports: Standard Mac ports (e.g., USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI) are supported. Specific legacy features like Target Display Mode may require Thunderbolt 2 ports and cables.
• Operating System: An existing compatible macOS version is required for upgrade.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: macOS Monterey is designed to run on a wide range of Macs, including both Intel-based and Apple Silicon models. While the minimum 4GB RAM is technically sufficient, 8GB significantly enhances performance, especially for multitasking and demanding applications. Storage requirements vary based on the previous macOS version, emphasizing the need for adequate free space before upgrading. Certain advanced features are exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs or newer Intel models, indicating a gradual shift towards Apple's proprietary chip architecture.

Support & Compatibility

macOS Monterey offers broad compatibility with a range of Mac devices, but its support lifecycle is concluding.

• Latest Version: 12.7.6.
• OS Support: Compatible with various Mac models from Late 2013 to 2022, including specific generations of iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio.
• End of Support Date: Official support from Apple ended with the release of macOS Sequoia on September 16, 2024. Many organizations will cease providing software support for macOS Monterey by November 30, 2024.
• Localization: macOS Monterey supports numerous languages and regional formats.
• Available Drivers: macOS includes a comprehensive set of built-in drivers. The Finder can download driver updates for newer devices. Third-party hardware may require specific drivers provided by their manufacturers.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: macOS Monterey has reached its end-of-life phase, meaning official security updates from Apple have ceased. While it remains compatible with a broad range of older and newer Macs, continued use is not recommended due to the lack of ongoing security patches. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to a currently supported macOS version for security and access to the latest features and application compatibility.

Security Status

macOS Monterey incorporates Apple's robust security architecture, but its security posture is diminishing due to the end of official support.

• Security Features: Includes standard macOS security features such as Gatekeeper, XProtect, FileVault encryption, and sandboxing.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an older operating system, macOS Monterey has accumulated known vulnerabilities that were addressed through security updates during its supported lifecycle. With the end of official support, new vulnerabilities will not be patched.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for an operating system.
• Certifications: Apple products typically adhere to various industry security certifications.
• Encryption Support: Features FileVault for full-disk encryption to protect user data.
• Authentication Methods: Supports password-based authentication, Touch ID (on compatible Macs), and Apple ID for various services.
• General Recommendations: Users should upgrade to a currently supported macOS version (Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia) to ensure continued receipt of critical security updates and protection against emerging threats.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: While macOS Monterey was secure during its active support period, its security rating is now compromised due to the cessation of official security updates. Running an unsupported operating system exposes users to unpatched vulnerabilities, making it a less secure option compared to newer macOS versions. Upgrading is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture.

Performance & Benchmarks

macOS Monterey delivers solid performance on its supported hardware, though newer macOS versions have introduced further optimizations.

• Benchmark Scores: Benchmarks comparing macOS Monterey to its successors (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia) generally show Monterey performing slower, particularly in browser and graphics-intensive tests. This is partly due to the introduction of newer graphics frameworks like Metal 3 in later macOS versions.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: On compatible and adequately equipped Macs, Monterey provides a stable and responsive user experience. Performance may degrade on machines that barely meet the minimum system requirements.
• Power Consumption: Optimized for Apple hardware, but newer macOS versions often include further power efficiency improvements that may result in better battery life on portable Macs.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data for macOS Monterey is not available. Apple provides environmental reports for its products, focusing on overall device lifecycle.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • vs. macOS Ventura: Ventura generally offers improved performance, especially in graphics, due to the Metal 3 framework. It also introduced new multitasking features like Stage Manager.
  • vs. macOS Sonoma/Sequoia: These later versions demonstrate further performance gains in benchmarks, particularly in web browsing and graphics rendering, benefiting from continuous optimization and newer Metal API versions.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: macOS Monterey offers good performance on its supported hardware, especially on Macs with Apple Silicon or more powerful Intel processors. However, it is generally outperformed by newer macOS versions in benchmarks, particularly in tasks leveraging the latest graphics technologies. For users prioritizing the absolute latest in performance and efficiency, upgrading to a newer macOS is advisable, provided their hardware supports it.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for macOS Monterey generally highlights its stability and new features, alongside some considerations for older hardware.

• Strengths: Users appreciated the introduction of features like Universal Control (allowing seamless interaction across multiple Apple devices), the Shortcuts app for automation, and SharePlay for shared experiences in FaceTime. It was generally regarded as a stable and refined operating system.
• Weaknesses: Some users noted that certain features, like Universal Control, were delayed after the initial release. Performance on Macs that only met the minimum requirements could be less than ideal. The subsequent redesign of System Settings in macOS Ventura was sometimes viewed as a step back in intuitiveness compared to Monterey's System Preferences.
• Recommended Use Cases: macOS Monterey is suitable for users with compatible Macs who value a stable and mature operating system. It is particularly relevant for those whose hardware does not support newer macOS releases. However, for security reasons, upgrading to a supported OS is strongly recommended.

Summary

Apple macOS Monterey (version 12), released on October 25, 2021, served as a significant update to the macOS ecosystem, introducing features like Universal Control, the Shortcuts app, and SharePlay. It supported a wide array of Mac models, from Late 2013 to 2022, encompassing both Intel-based and Apple Silicon architectures. Minimum requirements included 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended) and 26-44GB of storage, depending on the upgrade path.

Strengths: Monterey was praised for its stability, refined user experience, and innovative features that enhanced productivity and connectivity across Apple devices. It provided a solid foundation for both general use and more demanding tasks on well-equipped hardware.

Weaknesses: Performance on Macs barely meeting the minimum requirements could be suboptimal, and some anticipated features experienced delays. The most critical current weakness is its end-of-life status. Official support from Apple ceased with the release of macOS Sequoia in September 2024, and many institutions are ending their support by November 30, 2024. This means macOS Monterey no longer receives security updates, leaving users vulnerable to new threats.

Recommendations: While macOS Monterey was a capable operating system during its supported lifecycle, its current unsupported status makes it a security risk. Users are strongly advised to upgrade their compatible Macs to a newer, actively supported macOS version (such as Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia) to ensure continued security, access to the latest features, and ongoing application compatibility. For Macs that cannot upgrade beyond Monterey, users should consider the security implications and explore options for hardware replacement if continued security updates are paramount.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.