Apple releases a new version of the operating system once every year. These updates are available for free in the Mac App Store.
The most recent version of macOS is 13.0 or Ventura. It was released on October 24, 2022. If your Mac is compatible with this upgrade, install it by going to System Preferences > Software Update.
How to Check if You Have The Most Recent MacOS Version?
If you are unsure of the macOS version installed on your computer, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. The version number and name of the operating system will appear on the Overview tab.
If the latest version is not installed, you can go to the System Preferences app or the Mac App Store to install macOS Ventura.
Can You Install Old Versions of MacOS?
The Ventura features (discussed below) make this the best operating system, as it comes with big upgrades. The focus is on taking your productivity to the next level. However, you may want to downgrade to an older macOS version for several reasons, like programs you need to run incompatible with the latest macOS version, your computer is running slower after the update, or the apps are not functioning.
Or, you liked the older version and want to hold on to it.
How to get old versions of macOS? First, go to the Mac App Store and download the version of the OS you want. Then, ensure enough hard drive space to run the specific macOS version.
What are the Features and Improvements of Ventura?
macOS Ventura offers a slew of amazing features and enhancements to take your Mac experience to the next level. Unless you want to downgrade to an older version, you must ensure to enjoy the following Ventura features.
● Continuity Camera – Turn your iPhone into a Webcam for your Mac
Macs are upgrading their in-built camera, but they are a long way to go from iPhone’s camera quality. Therefore, if you have an iPhone 11 or later, you can skip using the in-built webcam and use iPhone’s camera as a webcam, thanks to the Continuity Camera feature.
In Ventura, this feature has expanded to let you fully use your iPhone’s camera as a webcam for your Mac. You can mount your phone to your Mac or place it nearby, and your Mac will automatically detect and connect to it. Then, you can use your phone’s camera for FaceTime or Zoom video calls on your Mac.
Furthermore, you can use other iPhone camera features like Portrait mode, Center Stage, Studio Light, Desk View, etc.
● Unsend Emails and Messages
Mail and Messages apps have gotten significant enhancements in macOS Ventura. For example, it might be that you have made a silly typo or regret sending an email/message to someone. Thanks to Ventura’s updates, you can unsend messages and emails.
In Mail, you have ten seconds to unsend emails after you have sent them. The Undo Send link will appear at the bottom of the sidebar, and you can click it to undo the sent email.
In the Messages app, right-click on the message bubble and choose Undo Send in the pop-up that appears on your screen. You will have two minutes to unsend the message after you have sent it.
● Shared iCloud Photo Library
You don’t need to use AirDrop to send photos or manually send photos to a group chat. Instead, you can share a collection of photos in a shared iCloud Photos library with up to five other people.
You can share all the videos and images in your library or personalize specific content. When you customize, the selected images will be automatically added according to the people in the pictures, the proximity, or the date they were taken. Whoever you have given access to can make changes in the Shared Library by editing, deleting, or adding photos to the Favorite list, etc. All the changes will be synced to everyone’s device.
● Passkeys
Apple’s mission of killing passwords is finally coming true with macOS Ventura. The company has teamed up with FIDO Alliance to create Passkeys, which are passwordless sign-in systems. They are much more secure than traditional passwords.
Passkeys are stored on your device, and they are not stored on a web server. Therefore, they are immune to phishing attacks. With Passkeys, you don’t need to remember complicated passwords. When entering a password in an online account, you will be prompted to pick up your iPad or iPhone to either use Face or Touch ID to verify your identity.
The Bottom Line
Ventura is the latest version of macOS with amazing features to take your productivity a notch higher. You can update your system to this macOS version or stick to the older versions if that suits your work.
