Should I upgrade from Safari to Monterey?

Answered by John Hunt

Should you upgrade from Safari to Monterey? Well, that depends on your specific needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at what Monterey has to offer and what factors you should consider before making the decision.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that Safari 15 is available for macOS Big Sur as well. So, if you’re primarily interested in getting the new features and improvements introduced in Safari 15, you don’t necessarily need to upgrade to Monterey to enjoy them. You can simply update your current macOS version to Big Sur and get Safari 15.

Now, let’s dive into what Monterey brings to the table. Monterey is the latest version of macOS, and it includes a range of new features and enhancements across various aspects of the operating system. Some notable additions include:

1. Universal Control: This feature allows you to seamlessly use a single mouse and keyboard to control multiple Macs and iPads. It can be quite convenient if you frequently work with multiple devices side by side.

2. Focus Mode: Monterey introduces a new Focus Mode, which lets you filter out notifications and distractions based on your current activity or location. This can help you stay focused and be more productive.

3. Live Text: With Live Text, you can extract text from images and use it for various purposes. This can be handy when you need to capture information from photos or screenshots.

4. AirPlay to Mac: You can now stream content from your iPhone or iPad directly to your Mac using AirPlay. This can be useful for sharing videos, presentations, or other media.

5. Privacy Enhancements: Monterey includes several privacy-focused improvements, such as Mail Privacy Protection, which prevents email senders from tracking your activity, and App Privacy Reports, which give you insights into how apps are using your data.

These are just a few examples of the new features and improvements in Monterey. However, it’s worth noting that Apple has scaled back some of the more significant changes that were initially announced. For example, the redesigned Safari interface, which was showcased at WWDC, has been modified based on user feedback.

So, if you’re primarily interested in Safari 15, you don’t necessarily need to upgrade to Monterey. However, if the other features and enhancements in Monterey appeal to you, it might be worth considering the upgrade. Keep in mind that upgrading to a new operating system can come with its own set of challenges, such as potential compatibility issues with certain applications or hardware.

Before making a decision, it’s always a good idea to research and consider the specific requirements of your workflow and the potential impact of the upgrade. You may also want to check for feedback from other users who have already upgraded to Monterey to get a sense of their experiences and any potential issues they may have encountered.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade from Safari to Monterey should be based on your individual needs, preferences, and the specific benefits you expect to gain from the upgrade.