Apple released macOS Monterey in October 2021, but the brand continues to fix bugs and add new features, with some even announced in June.
On January 27, it released the first beta version of macOS 12.3, at the same time as that of iOS 15.4, which finally supports Universal Control. This addition indicates that Apple should be able to introduce it officially soon.
The fifth beta of macOS 12.3 then arrived on February 28. It's likely that the update will be released soon, possibly during Apple's spring event on March 8.
However, the firm warned macOS Catalina users that this update could cause a boot loop issue, in case you perform it on an APFS volume with FileVault enabled.
If this is not your case, then macOS 12.3 still in the test phase is available for download.
macOS 12.3 release date
Regarding iOS 15.4, we predicted that it would not be officially released until April 2022. This prediction is based on the time Apple spent developing iOS 14.5 beta in 2021.
However, we now know that Apple is planning its Spring Keynote for March 8. The launch of Universal Control could well be mentioned during this event, and therefore be available at the same time.
It seems likely that macOS 12.3 will arrive in tandem with the latest version of iOS 14.5.
Install macOS 12.3
In addition to developers, the macOS 12.3 beta is now available for public beta testers. For this, you will simply need to join Apple's beta software program.
What we advise you before downloading and installing it: back up the contents of your machine upstream.
What to expect from macOS 12.3?
The macOS 12.2 update was rather boring, as it mostly contained security fixes.
This year, things look more exciting with macOS 12.3 set to bring a long-awaited feature that Apple announced last year but never included before: Universal Control.
This is not the only novelty...
universal control
One of the most anticipated features, and still unavailable, is Universal Control. It will allow you to use the same mouse or trackpad to switch your screen from Mac to iPad, with a simple movement of the pointer. Also, you would more easily copy content using drag and drop.
Apple originally said it would arrive in fall 2021, but then officially delayed its launch to spring 2022.
Today it is present in the beta version of macOS 12.3. However, not all Macs will be able to take advantage of this feature when it is released.
Support UWB (ultra large bande)
9to5mac reportedly discovered several system elements in the macOS 12.3 beta that indicate UWB compatibility is coming to Macs.
However, before it's possible for its computers to support this ultra-wideband technology, Apple will need to install U1 chips, similar to those found in the latest iPhones and AirTags.
It was introduced with the iPhone 11 in 2019, and it allows users to more accurately detect and locate your compatible devices via high-frequency radio waves.
The presence of the technology in the macOS beta is a sure sign that the brand is preparing, or at least testing, support for it.
New emojis
New emoji are planned in macOS 12.3. These include a face that melts, one that greets, that bites its lip, a jar, beans, X-rays or even bubbles.
The emojipedia blog offers a first look at these new emoji.
Login without password
In this beta version, you will find Passkey Preview, an authentication system for apps and websites that does not require a password.
Basically, you will be able to create an account or connect to apps directly using biometrics rather than a password to be inserted each time.
Support for Dropbox and OneDrive
Apple is removing kernel extensions that were responsible for synchronizing Dropbox and OneDrive.
It looks like both Dropbox and Microsoft are testing a newer alternative to make the user experience easier.
Screen recordings
Apple has planned a new interface for videoconferencing programs.
ScreenCaptureKit, aimed at app developers, will simplify the distribution and control of content displayed on the screen.
AirPods updates through the Mac
Previously, to keep your AirPods up to date, they had to be connected to an iPhone or iPad, as firmware updates were provided by the developer through iOS and iPadOS.
It now looks like it will be possible to update Apple headphones through macOS 12.3.
