Apple macOS 12.1 Update Fixes Major Bugs, Adds New Features To MacBooks, Macs

Last Updated on December 14, 2021 by Asif Iqbal Shaik

Apple has rolled out a comprehensive update for its devices running on macOS Monterey. The new update with version no. 12.1 fixes major bugs and brings new features such as SharePlay, Apple Music Voice Plan subscription, new photo memories, improved Siri, TV app, and more. The firmware update is more than 2GB.

macOS 12.1 Bug Fixes

• Desktop and screen-saver going blank with some user-selected images have been fixed. 
• Erratic Trackpad has been fixed to be more responsive
• HDR video playback issue on YouTube has been resolved
• The camera notch on the 2021 MacBook Pro used to obscure the Menu bar extras. It has been realigned for perfect viewing. 
• External displays wouldn’t charge some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops when connected via Thunderbolt connector or USB-C, which has been fixed in this update. 
• MagSafe charging issue on the 2021 MacBook Pro has been resolved. 
• Hide My Email can be accessed via the Mail app. iCloud+ subscribers can create some unique email addresses
• Stocks enable you to view the currency for a ticker. You can also check year-to-date performance when viewing charts. 
• Reminders and Notes will now allow you to make changes or delete the tags

macOS 12.1 Complete Changelog:

SharePlay

• SharePlay is a new way to share synchronized experiences in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music, and other supported apps
• Shared controls give everyone the ability to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
• Smart volume automatically lowers the audio of a movie, TV show or song when you or your friends speak
• Screen sharing lets everyone on a FaceTime call look at photos, browse the web, or help each other out

Apple Music Voice Plan

• Apple Music Voice Plan is a new subscription tier that gives you access to all songs, playlists, and stations in Apple Music using Siri
• Just Ask Siri suggests music based on your listening history and likes or dislikes
• Play it Again lets you access a list of your recently played music

Photos

• Memories have been redesigned with a new interactive interface, new animation and transition styles, and multiple image collages
• New Memory types include additional international holidays, child-focused memories, trends over time, and improved pet memories

Messages

• Communication safety setting gives parents the ability to enable warnings for children when they receive or send photos that contain nudity
• Safety warnings contain helpful resources for children when they receive photos that contain nudity

Siri and Search

• Expanded guidance in Siri, Spotlight and Safari Search to help children and parents stay safe online and get help with unsafe situations

Apple ID

• Digital Legacy allows you to designate people as Legacy Contacts so they can access your iCloud account and personal information in the event of your death

TV App

• Store tab lets you browse, buy, and rent movies and TV Shows all in one place

You can update to macOS 12.1 via OTA (Over The Air). Click on the Apple menu > System Preferences> Software Update to check for the latest firmware. However, some features are region-specific and may not be available for all regions. For more information, you can visit Apple’s support website.