The successor to macOS Big Sur, it was announced at WWDC 2021 on June 7, 2021,[3][4][5][6] and released on October 25, 2021.

[18] Apple Maps adds a 3D globe, with increased mountain, desert, and forest detail.

[19] Messages supports new features, also introduced in iOS 15, such as "Shared with You" which provides shortcut links to content shared via Messages in other Apple apps such as Safari, Photos, Music, and News.

By using patch tools, macOS Monterey can be unofficially installed on earlier computers that are officially unsupported, such as the 2014 iMac and the 2013 MacBook Pro.

[30] Using these methods, it is possible to install macOS Monterey on computers as old as a 2008 MacBook Pro and iMac and 2009 Mac Mini.