Apple releases macOS Ventura with FaceTime Handoff, Continuity Camera, Stage Manager, new apps and more

Apple today released macOS 13 Ventura, the latest version of the operating system designed to run on Macs. macOS Ventura comes after several months of beta testing and feature enhancements and is compatible with the 2017 and later iMac, the “iMac” Pro, the 2018 MacBook Air and later, the 2017 MacBook Pro and later, the 2019 Mac Pro and later, the 2018 and later Mac mini and the 2017 MacBook.

The macOS Ventura update is free to download to all eligible Macs through the Software Update section of System Preferences and is also available through the Mac App Store.

‌macOS Ventura‌ brings Stage Manager, a whole new way to focus on a task while other apps are busy. ‌Stage Manager‌ is designed to put your main app front and center on the desktop and tuck your other apps to the side for quick access when needed. Apps and windows can be grouped so you can properly set up your desktop for your workflow.

A new Continuity Camera feature eliminates the need for a poor-quality built-in Mac camera by allowing you to use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac. The “iPhone” can be positioned on the Mac using a stand and is designed to connect automatically. A desk view uses an ultra-wide view to show your desk when you need to demonstrate something, plus there’s center stage support and studio light, an effect that illuminates your face while dimming the background.

Handoff has been extended to FaceTime so you can take calls on Mac and seamlessly transfer calls to “iPhone” or vice versa. Messages has new undo and edit buttons to fix or recall a recently sent iMessage, and there’s an option to mark messages as unread. Accidentally deleted messages can be recovered and there are new collaboration features.

SharePlay works in Messages in addition to FaceTime in macOS Ventura, so you can watch TV shows and use apps with others while chatting with them in the Messages app.

The Mail app has been revamped in macOS Ventura, and the search feature is more relevant and accurate than ever. When you click into search and start typing, you’ll see relevant emails, contacts, documents, photos, and more. Emails can be scheduled, and if you make a mistake, you can undo an email up to 30 seconds after it’s sent.

Apple is bringing new apps to the Mac in macOS Ventura, including a dedicated Weather app and a Clock app, both of which mirror their iOS counterparts. System Preferences has been renamed System Preferences and has a design more akin to the Settings app on iPhone and iPad.

Apple plans to make Safari more secure with Passkeys, a next-generation credential that replaces the password. Passkeys stay on the device and are never on a web server, making them far more secure than passwords. Passkeys are easy to use, with logins authenticated via Touch ID or Face ID, and they sync across devices via iCloud Keychain and can be used on non-Apple devices with ‌iPhone‌ authentication.

Spotlight’s design has been updated with easier navigation and Quick Look support for one-click preview of files. Photo library integration is available for searching images in Photos app by location, people, scenes and objects. Spotlight can even find live text in images and supports actions like creating a document, running a shortcut, or starting a timer.

There’s a new ‌iCloud‌ Shared Photo Library that allows up to six family members to share a photo library that’s separate from their personal libraries for easier enjoyment of family photos. Photos provides smart sharing suggestions for relevant photo moments shared by family members, and anyone in the shared photo library can add, edit, delete, or favorite shared photos and videos.

To keep Macs more secure, there’s a new Rapid Security Response feature for installing security updates without a system update that doesn’t even require a reboot. Apple’s release notes for the update are below:

For a more in-depth look at all of the new features available in macOS Ventura, see our dedicated macOS Ventura roundup.