9+ macOS Monterey features to help enterprise users get work done

During the 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple revealed its significant new updates. The inception of macOS 12 or Monterey was one of the key announcements. The latest macOS comes packed with enterprise features that allow users to stay connected in incredible ways and engage better for a seamless work experience, including those working remotely.

The macOS 12 update supports various devices, including MacBook Air, MacBook models from 2016 and later, iMac and MacBook Pro models from 2015 and later, Mac Mini models from 2014 and later, iMac Pro models, etc.

With the release of the macOS Monterey 12.1 update, the macOS is out of beta and available for users to download. The update comes with many upgrades to SharePlay, Photos, Apple Music Voice Plan, and more.

However, it is a massive download, and those moving their Mac up for older versions of macOS must remember that the download and installation of Monterey will take some time. So, if your device is being used for office or school work, ensure that you decide on a suitable time to download the update so it doesn’t hamper your work.

Even with the latest update and Monterey moving out of the beta version, users complain of running into issues after installing macOS Monterey on their system. If you run into any performance or bugs problems, don’t hesitate to downgrade macOS Monterey to Big Sur. Unlike iPadOS and iOS, the option to downgrade macOS is always open to users.

Problems aside, the Monterey update is highly anticipated. Now that it’s here, take a look at its salient features dedicated to helping enterprise users get their work done quickly.

Universal Control

The Universal Control feature is one of the most critical features introduced in the Monterey update. Thanks to this feature, users can control several devices, such as Macs or iPads, using a single Mac’s control.

Put simply, you can use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad across multiple Apple devices to perform various functions or drag and drop files between devices without requiring any additional setup. All the devices will be synced automatically based on their proximity.

Universal Control is a boon for users who work on apps that are managed better on other devices or simultaneously work on different devices.

Account-driven user enrollment and declarative management of device

Apple introduced features in Monterey to streamline enrollment and device management procedures. The company described the present MDM protocol as imperative, and it heavily depends on the servers to perform tasks. It means that the device will wait for commands from the external service to perform an action or upgrade the status of a task.

Declarative, the new version, aims to decrease the burden on the external server, and your Mac will be more autonomous. Besides, Apple has introduced account-driven user enrollment, and it gives more options to UEM vendors to authenticate and bring a new feature known as a ‘required’ application.

Now, users can sign into school or work settings and begin the enrollment procedure. After the process is complete, the ‘required’ app will get installed. For instance, the Hexnode UEM app cannot be modified or removed by users after completing the enrollment process.

Delete or erase all settings & content

In macOS Monterey, System Preferences offers the option to remove all user-installed applications and user data from the system. Since storage is encrypted on Macs with the T2 chip or Apple silicon, the system is securely and instantly erased. All the encryption keys are also destroyed.

Erasing all content and settings is one of the most vital features for IT professionals. When it is time to decommission a device, you have to send a command to the mobile device management system and wipe user data securely without reinstalling the OS.

Split View is augmented for ease of work

Split View has always been a valuable feature when working between multiple programs and applications. But the feature hasn’t been smooth when switching between different apps in each window. Now, users can swap one window for another by clicking the green button. You need to select changing windows and choose another window from the thumbnails.

The Split View window can also be changed into a full screen by using the green button. Both windows will go into full screen, and you can swap between them.

So, if you need to work on multiple programs simultaneously, the enhanced version of the Split View feature in Monterey will help improve your overall productivity.

Focus

Focus is a feature that lets users concentrate on the tasks at hand with minimal distractions. Thanks to this feature update, Mac users can silence notifications unrelated to the work they are currently completing and show only relevant notifications.

For instance, you can set a Focus mode for your work, so you get only those notifications related to your work, and the other notifications will be silenced. What’s more, the Focus mode can be synced across your Apple devices.

Apple also has Focus modes for driving and sleep.

Increased Privacy

Apple has consistently lived up to its users’ expectations where privacy is concerned. The company steps up the privacy game with every update, and it’s no different with macOS Monterey.

MacOS 12 introduces mail privacy protection, allowing users to hide their email IP addresses. It blocks the senders from tracking users’ online activities. Additionally, the senders will not get any information about your email, such as whether you have opened and read their email.

Moreover, there are recording indicators in Macs, and these will indicate which application is using the microphone. Even the iCloud+ has seen some privacy updates. With iCloud private relay, users will enjoy encrypted and safe browsing. You can even generate random email addresses to maintain your anonymity while the important emails get directed to you.

SharePlay and FaceTime gets new updates

The FaceTime app is getting restructured with the macOS 12 update. The app has become more business-friendly to help remote workers connect and collaborate better.

FaceTime’s new interface features a grid view, and all the members are equally displayed on the screen. The earlier version was more speaker-oriented. Thanks to grid view, the experience of group meetings is enhanced.

Another notable update is FaceTime allowing non-Apple users to join calls and meetings. Windows and Android users can now join FaceTime calls by clicking on the link shared to them by the host caller.

Moreover, the introduction of SharePlay is another great feature that augments the FaceTime experience. Now, users can use SharePlay to listen to music, watch videos and share their screen within the FaceTime application. It allows for efficient and seamless collaboration between coworkers and groups.

System-wide translation

MacOS brings you the system-wide translation feature, so you never get lost in translation again. Whenever you find text in a different language, you can translate it. Did you receive a short report in German? Choose the text > right-click > select Translate.

Then, you can copy the text and change the language. Furthermore, Apple has made it possible for users to dictate the text of any length. There’s no more than the 60-second limit that used to exist.

Take Quick Notes on your Mac

Quick Notes is already available on iPads, and now it comes to macOS. Thanks to Quick Notes, taking notes is extremely easy even when working within apps. All you need to do is type Q+Globe or press the Fn key to open a new note.

You can also use a Hot Corner. Users can also add links to websites, applications and other items. These notes will pop up when the websites mentioned in your notes are opened.

The things you store in the Notes application are accessible across all your Apple devices. The app gains tags, Smart Folders and better tools for collaboration within your teams. You can even use @Mentions to notify certain people in the group. A new shared folder also allows you to monitor the shared Notes.

Admin Controls & other noteworthy updates

A new addition is the software update device ID that helps admins recognize the systems compatible with new updates available for installation. With macOS 12, the software update process is similar to the one used for iOS.

Users will get a UEM command for installation sent to their devices, and the device will provide details regarding compatibility. The software update will begin if your device is eligible.

With the new updates, the IT admins can enforce updates. Unlike the previous versions, users can defer the system updates pushed onto their devices. Also, the admins can enforce installation after they have used up several predefined deferrals.

Since Apple Silicon Macs’ increasing popularity among businesses and enterprises, the macOS 12 has introduced myriad features that are exclusive for their use. It includes the interactive 3D earth view in Maps, live text, portrait mode background blue feature for FaceTime calls, etc.

The remote lock has been augmented for organizations where admins can send a six-digit code, and users cannot unlock the device without the code. The admins can also enforce a recovery password, and it’ll be mandatory for all users to use the password to reboot to recovery mode.

To sum up

The macOS 12 is a major update, and Mac users can install it for free. It comes packed with loads of features and powerful tools for enterprises for enhanced productivity and effective device management. It is a blessing for companies looking for the ultimate solution to improve team engagement and collaboration.