macOS Ventura is out: All the cool features to know

October 24: Update day for iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS

Apple announced back in June, at WWDC 2022, that it will be rolling out macOS Ventura on Monday, October 24, 2022. It is a significant date for Apple fans as not only Mac, but iPad and iPhone operating systems are getting updated.

While the iOS 16 update was released on September 12, iPadOS 16 and macOS 13 releases were pushed to October. However, on October 24th, iOS 16.1 became available, and the company is already working on 16.2.

However, we’re all about the latest macOS update now, called macOS Ventura or simply macOS 13. Expectant Mac users are looking forward to the new unique features such as Stage Manager, Handoff for FaceTime and Continuity Camera. Furthermore, do not get confused, since System Preferences app now has a slightly different name: System Settings.

What are the new features found in macOS Ventura?

As already stated, macOS Ventura (also written as macOS 13) is built with several new features that make it unique from earlier editions. The operating system of the latest version is an enhancement to the continuity features between iPhone and Mac. For example, it now allows users to use an iPhone as a computer webcam. Another continuity feature enables the user to transfer calls on FaceTime from a Mac to an iPhone and vice versa.

In mirroring the iOS, iMessage users can now un-send and edit messages on their macOS. Likewise, mail has equally been updated with features that allow for unsend emails, while Safari is now able to support passkeys. This emergent method can be used to authenticate apps and websites even without having a password (which used to be a prerequisite in the past).

There are several other latest features such as New Gaming APIs, Stage Manager, Desk View, and redesigned Game Center, as well as a Weather app which is just making a debut on Mac.

The idea behind macOS Ventura is to enhance activities on the device and make them more user-friendly. Therefore, the users can now get more things done easily, including sharing and collaborating when using their favorite apps and enjoying new-age games while equally taking full advantage of any other device.

Therefore, we have installed MacOS 13 and tried its features. Below, you can find a list of our favourites.

Top features of macOS Ventura

Stage Manager

Stage Manager is one of the top new features in macOS and iPadOS, and its function is to automatically organize windows and open apps by arranging them in a single-view format. The idea is to allow the user to focus on any particular app they’re working on without being distracted.

Thus, the current window is displayed prominently in the middle while open while thumbnails of other pen programs are shown in a column on the left side, allowing the user to access them quickly. This feature also integrates with Spaces and Mission Control, so you can return to desktop in a click.

Continuity Camera

Over the years, there have been many complaints about the quality of webcams available on MacBooks. Granted that there have been notable improvements in recent times, they are still lagging behind compared to iPhone selfie qualities.

Due to such inadequacies, Apple added a new feature in Ventura that enables users to leverage their iPhone device as a webcam. It is very simple to set up – you need Mac computer and iPhone to be connected to WiFi and have the Bluetooth feature enabled. Of course, both devices should be using the same Apple ID. Then, just bring your iPhone close to the computer and allow the computer to access the iPhone’s camera. Afterward, this connection will be established automatically.

You can also leverage features such as Desk View, Portrait mode, Center Stage, and Studio Light to provide the footage during meetings as needed – whether you want to focus on you, your desk, or a demo you’re trying to present.

Passkeys

macOS 13, iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and tvOS 16 now has a new Passkeys feature. This feature allows replacing traditional passwords used to sign in to websites and apps. According to Apple, Passkeys are created using WebAuthn standard and use individual cryptographic key pairs for each account or website.

These passkeys are way more secure than typical passwords, therefore they’re more resistant to phishing or malware attacks.

Edit, unsend Messages and more

New features added to Messages app make it easy to correct mistakes: now Apple users can Edit a recently sent message (up to 15 minutes after sending it) and the Unsend feature allows deleting a for up to 2 minutes after sending it. Users can edit a message as many as 5 times, however, the recipient will be able to see the record of edits made.

Improvements in Mail

Mail app now allows Mac Ventura users to schedule emails, cancel email delivery within 30 seconds of pressing send, or change the duration the message stays in Outbox. Moreover, users can now add rich links to make the content previews even better. On top of that, the app can detect missing attachments or cc’d recipient and show a reminder to add them. To avoid piles of unread or forgotten emails, the app now allows setting reminders to come back to email later and automatic suggestions to review emails waiting for a response.

There are also improvements to Mail’s search function. The latest technologies allow delivering more accurate search results and suggest appropriate results even before the user starts typing the search query.

Clock and Weather apps are now available on Macs

Clock app used to be available on Apple phones and tablets previously; now, desktop OS X users have the ability to use a native clock app as well. The app provides timer and alarm functions, both enjoyed and frequently used by iPad and iPhone users.

Therefore, if you’re working on something and need to set up an alarm before a specific task, meeting or appointment, you can do it directly on your Mac or MacBook rather than picking up your phone.

However, it is worth pointing out that alarms set on your other iOS devices won’t sync with Mac Clock app.

The Weather app is also now available on Mac. It doesn’t differ from the app previously available on iOS devices – but it has been optimized for a larger screen, of course.

iCloud Shared Photo Library allows sharing photos with family

Love sharing special moments with your family? Then you’re going to love this update – iCloud Shared Photo Library allows creating a separate photo library that can be shared with up to 6 family members. Therefore, all of the members can see the images in the library, like them, comment on them, or add new ones. It kind of gives a feeling of a little and private social network for your closest circle.

Another useful feature added to Photos app is finding and merging duplicates. Furthermore, you can significantly reduce the time spent on photo editing, as the app now allows copying and pasting edits.

Updates to Safari: collaborate more and easier

The default browser has also been enhanced and now comes with Shared Tab Groups that enable users to share websites with their family members, friends or co-workers. This allows them to observe what others are experiencing in real time. On top of that, users can create a shared Start Page and put a list of bookmarks so that others could access relevant pages quickly.

macOS 13 users also have the opportunity to commence a FaceTime call or Message conversation with group members right from Safari. These new updates are extremely beneficial for group projects, such as working on a research paper, planning a vacation or organising something, for example, searching for supplies for a party or similar event.

Spotlight

Spotlight also experienced some updates to its design that now make navigation a lot easier. Users can now easily find images within their photo library, on the web, or across the system. To make it even more convenient and easy, users can search for their photos using location, people, or even objects when using Live Text (it functions by allowing them to conduct a search via scanning of text within images).

System requirements of macOS Ventura

It is important to note that macOS 13 has system requirements that has to be met. Older Macs, even when they’re still functional, can’t necessarily handle macOS 13. However, if you are still using an older Mac version, you can still update it by downloading the new macOS.

Here is a list of Macs that are compatible with macOS Ventura:

• Mac Pro models of 2019 or later;
• Mac mini models of 2018 or later;
• MacBook Air models of 2018 or later;
• MacBook Pro models of 2017 or later;
• MacBook models of 2017 or later;
• iMac models of 2017 or later;
• iMac Pro (all models);
• Mac Studio (all models).

You may also want to read every detail about the new OS directly on Apple.com.