Apple has finally released its long-awaited macOS Monterey operating system. The update, which includes a list of powerful new features, is already available for download. But should you upgrade to macOS Monterey right now or wait?
While it’s tempting to update immediately to take advantage of Monterey’s shiny new features, it’s best to err on the side of caution here. New operating system releases always come with some kinks, and Monterey is no exception.
Thinking of upgrading your Mac devices to Monterey? Here’s what you should consider.
Software Bugs
An operating system (OS) is the most important software that runs on a computer–it manages the machine’s memory, processes, hardware, and software. When a new OS becomes available, there are always bugs and compatibility issues that need to be resolved.
In Monterey’s case, users have already reported several bugs, including:
- Memory leaks: many Monterey users have reported abnormally high RAM (Random Access Memory) usage by certain applications, including Apple’s Control Center, Firefox, and Safari. These applications keep running in the background while occupying increasingly high amounts of RAM to the point of freezing or crashing the computer.
- Emails not loading in the Mail app.
- USB ports not recognizing external devices.
- Bricked computers: some users reported that the Monterey update “bricked” their MacBooks, rendering the machines unusable and unable to even turn on. Thankfully, Apple has already resolved this serious issue with the newest Monterey 12.1 release.
If you don’t want to risk dealing with these new bugs, wait until the first few bug fix releases are made available before upgrading.
App Compatibility
Before upgrading, it’s crucial that you confirm your line-of-business applications are compatible with the new macOS. Keep in mind that Monterey does not support 32-bit apps, so if your workflow relies on running 32-bit software or plug-ins, you should hold off on upgrading your computer. Though Apple warned customers and developers that support for 32-bit apps would be coming to an end, many applications still do not offer an alternative 64-bit version.
Our Recommendation
At Digital Industry, we recommend Mac users, especially business users, postpone upgrading to Monterey until Apple has patched all major performance bugs. If you’re thinking of upgrading, you should also ensure your line-of-business software is fully compatible with Monterey before making the jump.
If you need assistance planning your systems’ OS upgrades, give us a call. Our team of experts is ready to help!
