Apple macOS Monterey 12.1 RC preview release

One week after providing macOS 12.1 Beta 4 to developers and public testers, Apple released the macOS 12.1 RC preview before the public release, the specific version number is 21C51. It is worth noting that the macOS 12.1 RC release candidate does not include support for the highly anticipated general control functions.

In the first macOS 12.1 beta, Apple brought back SharePlay support. However, general control did not appear in any macOS 12.1 beta or this RC version.

Apple previously said that universal control will appear "later this fall," but this deadline may be delayed.

In addition to SharePlay, Apple Music’s voice control program, and various other changes and improvements, macOS 12.1 RC also fixes MagSafe charging on the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, trackpad click issues, YouTube HDR causing kernel crashes and other issues.

Apple macOS 12.1 RC preview version update content

macOS Monterey 12.1 adds SharePlay, which is a brand new way to share experiences with family and friends in FaceTime. This update also includes the Apple Music voice control program, new safety features for children and parents in the message, redesigned memories in photos, and other Mac features and bug fixes.

SharePlay

• SharePlay is a new way to share the synchronization experience in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music and other supported apps.
• Shared controls allow everyone to pause, play, rewind or fast forward.
• When you or your friends speak, Smart Volume will automatically lower the audio of movies, TV shows or songs.
• Screen sharing allows everyone in a FaceTime call to view photos, browse the web, or help each other.

Apple Music Voice Control Solution

• The Apple Music Voice Control Plan is a new subscription level that allows you to use Siri to access all songs, playlists, and radio stations in Apple Music.
• Just ask Siri to make recommendations based on your listening history and music you like or dislike.
• Play again allows you to access the list of your recently played music.

Photo

• Memory has been redesigned, with a new interactive interface, new animation and transition styles, and a variety of image collages.
• New memory types include additional international festivals, child-centered memories, trends over time, and improved pet memories.

Information 

• Communication security settings enable parents to enable warnings when children receive or send photos containing nudity.
• When children receive photos containing nudity, the safety warning contains useful information.

Siri and search

• The scope of guidance has been expanded in Siri, Spotlight, and Safari searches to help children and parents stay safe online and get help in unsafe situations.

Apple ID

• Digital heritage allows you to designate certain people as heritage contacts so that they can access your iCloud account and personal information after your death.

TV application

• The store tab lets you browse, buy and rent movies and TV shows in one place.
• This version also includes the following enhancements for Mac.
• Hide my email, you can create a unique, random email address for iCloud + users in the Mail app
• Stock allows you to view the currency of the stock and view its year-to-date performance when viewing the chart
• Reminders and notes now allow you to delete or rename tags

This version also includes bug fixes for Mac.

• After selecting a photo from the photo library, the desktop and screen saver may appear blank
• The trackpad may become unresponsive to taps or clicks
• When using Thunderbolt or USB-C connection, the external monitor may not be able to charge some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air computers
• HDR video playback on YouTube.com may cause 2021 MacBook Pro computers to crash
• On MacBook Pro computers in 2021, the extra content of the menu bar may be obscured by the camera housing
• On 16-inch MacBook Pro computers in 2021, MagSafe may stop charging when the lid is closed and the system is closed