Apple revealed some of the features that will be coming to macOS later in the year. During the WWDCApple’s keynote revealed the name and version number of macOS, along with details of new innovations to Mac apps Mail and Safari.
Update 9/20 Apple has released macOS 13 Ventura’s eighth developer beta ahead of its official October release.
macOS Ventura: Name & Release Date
It might sound a little like Windows Vista to you, but Ventura is macOS 13. The name maintains Apple’s recent tradition of giving every version of macOS a name in addition to a version number. Names are usually taken from landmarks or areas in California, as it has been since Mavericks were launched in 2013. Prior to that large cats were used as names for Apple’s Mac operating systems. This time the version number will be 13 (unlucky for some, but that didn’t stop Apple from calling the 2021 iPhone the iPhone 13).
Apple announced the features that will be in the next macOS version during the WWDC-2022 keynote on June 6, 2010 at 10:01 PT. At the time, Apple promised the update will be “Coming this fall” but an update to the Ventura Preview Sitemap in September now says the update is “coming this October.”
We expect the same timeframe for macOS 13. It will likely follow the planned. October Apple Event.
macOS Ventura: Latest beta version
The first developer beta was made available shortly after Apple’s preview of the new macOS. Apple released the 8th developer beta on September 20, followed by the public beta shortly thereafter.
Public beta testers are also able to sign up to try out the beta (here’s how to take part in Apple’s beta program and how to install Ventura beta). The The public beta was launched on July 11. Version 4, which arrived on August 26, is the latest version of public beta. The next public beta is expected to be available in the week ending September 12. Check out How to install macOS Ventura beta public beta.
macOS Ventura: Compatibility
Apple has confirmed that macOS Ventura will support the following Macs:
- MacBook models starting in 2017 and later
- MacBook Air models starting in 2018 and later
- MacBook Pro models starting in 2017 and later
- Models for Mac minis starting in 2018
- iMac models starting in 2017 and later
- iMac Pro (all Models)
- Mac Pro models available from 2019 and later
- Mac Studio (all models).
Monterey has now dropped the following Macs:
- iMac (models starting in 2015)
- MacBook Air (models starting in 2015 and 2017)
- MacBook Pro (2015 & 2016 models)
- Mac mini (models 2014)
- Mac Pro (2013 model – cylinder/trash can)
- MacBook 2016 model
The 2014 Mac mini was sold until 2018, the ‘trash can’ Mac Pro until 2019, and the 2017 MacBook Air was sold until July 2019. We had thought that for Apple wouldn’t remove those Macs from the supported list, since people might have purchased the model just such a short time ago. They will be supported by macOS Monterey at least for two more macOS versions. See: This is how long Apple supports Macs. For more information on Ventura support, please visit: MacOS 13 Ventura compatibility: Is your Mac compatible with the latest version of macOS?
Ventura may not support all of the functions for some Macs. Read: MacOS features are only available for the most recent models.
Are you curious about how Ventura compares with Monterey? Read macOS Ventura vs Monterey.
macOS Ventura: New features
Apple talked in great detail about Stage Manager and the Continuity Camera, two features that are coming to macOS. The full article is available here Top 5 New Features of macOS VenturaFind out more about our latest features. Also, we have 10 macOS Ventura features that you may have forgotten about
Stage Manager
With the introduction and continued evolution of Stage Manager – a new way to manage your desktop clutter which reminds us a little bit of Spaces, because it allows you to organise working areas and hide them away, albeit at the side of your screen, rather than the top. Here’s Stage Manager: How to organize your windows.
Continuity camera
Macs will also get a continuity-related feature: You can use your iPhone as your webcam, and you can Handoff a FaceTime conversation from your iPhone or iPad to Macs. The iPhone’s superior camera is a great way for you to use the continuity camera. One really impressive feature is Desk View, which displays two views to the person you are calling – your face and your desk. Mac users have access to features such as Portrait mode, Centre Stage, and Studio Light. Read more How to use your iPhone for a webcam on your Mac
Spotlight
Apple’s method to search your Mac – Spotlight – will be getting a revamp. Quick Look allows you to view files in preview. You can search for photos by place, object, person, and many other criteria. You will also be able search within videos and images with Live Text improvements. Spotlight users will be able create new documents, set a timer and more from within the program. Find out more here. Spotlight search has been improved by Apple in Ventura.
Reminders
Apple has made Reminders easier with macOS Ventura. You’ll be able to see your reminders grouped by time and date, you will be able to pin a list and save lists to be used as templates. Learn more about Reminders’ new features here. Reminders in macOS Ventura.
System Settings
System Settings is now System Preferences. This is a name iOS users will feel at home with. Read more How Apple has redesigned System PreferencesIn macOS Ventura, read our detailed article. We believe that unfortunately Ventura’s System Settings are a bit messy.
Background noises
Ventura will allow you to play soothing white noise, which can include the sound of rain or the sound of a stream, on your Mac. Read: How to use macOS Ventura to create soothing white noise.
Gaming
Gaming on Mac is expected to really take off (well, Apple already does). Apple says that every new Mac will be able to run AAA games “with ease”. Games developers will benefit from improvements in Metal 3 MetalFX Upscaling, Fast Resource Loading API and Metal 3 MetalFX MetalFX Upscaling.
AirPods
In macOS Monterey and earlier, users didn’t get to control much of the AirPod’s settings, but that’s changing in Ventura. Ventura will allow users to access all the AirPods settings just as in iOS. Learn more: AirPods settings in full on your Mac
macOS Ventura App Updates
Apple has been updating the Mac operating system over the years. It has also made improvements to other apps that come with the Mac. This year, we can expect even more. Apple has shown some of the features that will be coming to Safari and Mail. There are also updates to Weather and Clock.
Mail will offer improved search. But the most anticipated feature of Mail is the ability to cancel an email delivery after clicking send (we assume there is a time limit) and schedule the sending of an email. Both are features offered by third parties, but it’s good to see them coming to Apple’s email software. Read How to schedule and desend email in Apple MailClick here for more information.
There is some confusion over the inclusion of the Hide My Mail feature, which should mean that it isn’t a requirement to share your email with third parties. Apple originally referred to the feature. However, this has been deleted from the webpage explaining email features in Ventura (at least in certain countries). Hide My Email isn’t new to Ventura – it arrived in Monterey in 2021, but in Ventura Apple was expected to extend it to third parties.
Messages
Messages on Mac, like its iOS counterpart will allow users edit and delete messages that have already been sent.
Safari
As a secure way to identify you, Passkeys will also be generated and associated with Touch ID/Face ID. These keys will replace passwords. Apple claims that “Passkeys are unique digital keys that stay on device and are never stored on a web server,” therefore they are more secure because it is impossible to leak one, or for anyone to phish one from you.
You might enjoy reading about What to Expect from Apple in 2022 as well the Latest information on iOS 16.
