The annual update for macOS will be exciting this time: Apple dares to tackle an important component, window management. Users should be able to work more concentrated with the new Stage Manager. In addition, the iPhone is becoming a webcam and Apple is trying to make passwords superfluous. These are the most exciting new features in macOS 13 Ventura.
Microsoft is now doing the same thing as Apple: once a year there is a major update for the operating system, free of charge, of course. The new macOS Ventura will be available in autumn and will then be available in version 13.
According to Apple, the new version focuses on two things: increasing productivity and improving collaboration with other Apple devices.
The very brave can try out the current developer beta in advance. However, it is not yet intended for productive work, rather for all those who absolutely want to take a look at the new features.
Stage Manager: Clear the stage for the new window manager
The new Stage Manager function automatically organizes open programs and windows on the left edge of the screen. Purpose of the exercise: Users should be able to concentrate on the currently open work and still be able to keep an overview of everything else.
The window you are working in is prominently displayed in the middle, and other open windows appear on the left. With the mouse, users can then quickly and easily switch between the tasks, including a nice animation, of course.
However, windows can also be specifically organized together, for example if you are working on a project that requires different programs. Stage Manager also works with other macOS window tools like Mission Control and Spaces.
iPhone as a webcam
The Camera Handoff feature allows Mac users to use an iPhone as a webcam. Macs automatically detect and mount the camera on the iPhone when the iPhone is nearby. The mobile phone does not even have to be woken up for this.
You can then take advantage of the camera’s iPhone features on the Mac, such as Portrait mode and the new Studio Light – an effect that perfectly illuminates a person’s face and darkens the background. Additionally, when collaborating, the camera leverages the iPhone’s ultra-wide-angle camera to activate Desk View, which simultaneously shows the face and a top view of the desk.
Other new features in macOS Ventura
- Safari: Shared tab groups let you share your favorite pages in the browser with friends and family.
- Mail: The e-mail program gets a revised search. E-mails, contacts, documents, photos and more should be able to be tracked down more quickly. Mails can be scheduled and even retrieved a few seconds after they have been sent.
- Spotlight: The search has been given a revised design that simplifies navigation. Users can now find their photos in the photo library across systems and on the web. You can even search photos by location, people, scenes or objects, and with Live Text, you can search for text within photos. In addition, the search now starts actions, such as setting a timer, opening a new document or firing shortcuts.
- Passwords: With Passkey, Apple wants to make passwords superfluous. Logins then run with Touch ID or Face ID and are synchronized between Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV via the iCloud keychain.
- live text: The live text function should now also work in videos.
- Weather & Clock: The programs for weather and clock apps now also have all the functions of iOS on the Mac.
- System settings: Apple has simplified the design and navigation to match the layout of iOS.
- updates: Between the regular updates, Rapid Security Response is said to also provide smaller updates that ensure up-to-date protection even without restarting the computer.
macOS Ventura Release: These Macs and MacBooks get the update
Apple continues to be two-pronged and uses macOS Ventura to serve the new devices with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The following models are supported:
- iMac from 2017
- Mac Pro from 2019
- iMac Pro from 2017
- Mac Studio from 2022
- Mac mini from 2018
- MacBook Air 2018 and later
- MacBook from 2017
- MacBook Pro 2017 and later