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About macOS 12 "Monterey"

macOS 12 ("Monterey") became available from the Mac App Store on October 25th, 2021.

All macOS versions below 12 are now unsupported. If your Mac still runs a macOS version below 12 you should upgrade to a supported version of macOS as soon as possible!

For an overview of new features in macOS 12 see https://www.apple.com/macos/monterey/features

There are some important actions to take before you install it:

  • Take note of the information on https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212735

  • Ensure that all the software you are using is compatible with macos 12. See below for a list of known issues (be aware that the list is far from complete).

  • Make sure to update all third party software you are using BEFORE upgrading to macOS 12. We expect that many updaters of older software will NOT WORK any more under macOS 12.

  • Uninstall outdated software and all software you don't use any more BEFORE upgrading to macOS 12. We expect that most uninstallers for outdated software will NOT WORK any more under macOS 12.

  • Verify your hard-disk or SSD before doing the install.

  • Make sure you have a recent backup, allowing you to recover your data in case of problems. We recommnd to store all your data in cernbox.

  • and re-check your backups!

  • Make sure you have enough free disk space for the install image AND the installation process. The installer will start even if you don't have enough free space, it will fail and stubbornly try again after a restart. You will need to re-install your OS if this happens, data loss is quite likely...

  • In case you migrate from a macOS version older than 10.15:

  • You should also read the 'About macOS ...' articles concerning ALL intermediate versions of macOS, in particular the warnings about 32bit applications!
  • Note that the upgrade will most likely convert the filesystem on your Mac, carefully read https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208018

Known Issues:

BlueGriffon

BlueGriffon does not work with macOS 12. It is not possible to save a new document.

Brew

Brew users should check the news on ??? before upgrading to macOS 12. Please note that we do not support brew or any tools installed through it.

CERNBox

CERNBox version 2.7 is required for macOS 12.

Canon Printer Drivers

Fixed on Nov, 3rd: We didn't have a package with Canon Printer Drivers that installs on macOS 12. If the Canon Printer Drivers pkg has been installed before the upgrade to macOS 12, these printer drivers should work. If no Canon Printer Drivers pkg is installed installing Canon printers via the printservice webpage or via the Self-Service will fail.

Deny / Allow

macOS 12 has become very restrictive. You will get plenty of dialogs "Application X wants to access Y" and "Application X wants to do Y". If you don't allow this some features of the app in question might not work - and you will not be asked again...

ESET Antivirus

Version 6.10.900.1 of ESET is required for macOS 12. It is available in the Self-Service.

Fink

Fink users should check the news on https://www.finkproject.org

before upgrading to macOS 12. Please note that we do not support fink or any tools installed through it.

GPG Tools

GPG Suite 2021.2 with GPGMail 6 is required for macOS 12.

MacPorts

It is not clear which version of MacPorts is compatible with macOS 12. Please note that we do not support MacPorts or any tools installed through it.

Parallels Desktop

Parallels version 16.1 is required for macOS 12 on Intel Macs, M1 Macs require 17.1. It is available in the Self-Service.

Preview

macOS 12.0.1 can not open some (?) of its screenshots.

Printing

macOS 12.0.1 was not able to print certain PDF files (generated by Tex?).

Safari

Users report that Safari blocks after continued usage with many open tabs.

USB Hubs

Many users report problems with their USB hubs. If you rely on a USB hub you might want to postpone upgrading to macOS 12.