Universal Control removes beta tag as macOS Monterey 12.4 release nears

Apple has released the final developer beta of macOS Monterey 12.4, which includes a few smaller features, bug fixes, and security updates. We expect the public release to arrive sometime next week.

Notably, the final version removes the beta tag from Universal Control, the system that lets you drag and drop files between Mac and iPad. Previous beta versions included a warning that Universal Control in 12.4 and iPad OS 15.5 was not compatible with macOS 12.3 and iOS 15.4, so you may need to update all your devices to continue using it. It is not clear if there is anything new, although the settings and options remain the same.

macOS 12.4 also includes a firmware update for the new Studio Display that brings “refinements to the Studio Display camera tuning, including improved noise reduction, contrast, and framing.” However, Apple offers Studio Display Firmware 15.5 as a separate update to macOS.

Other new features include an update to the Podcast app and an issue with StoreKit 2 subscription offers. Apple didn’t provide any other details about the content of version 12.4. The 12.4 beta build follows the public release of macOS Monterey 12.3 on March 14 and the release of update 12.3.1 on March 31. Version 12.3 introduced Universal Control, which allows users to connect a Mac to an iPad or another Mac and control them both. using the same keyboard and mouse.

Developers can get the update through Apple’s developer website or, if you’re running the beta, by performing a software update. To install the public beta, you must be enrolled in the Public Beta program. Then go to the Guide section, click the “macOS” tab, and then “Enroll your Mac” in the Get Started section.