Apple macOS 12 Monterey

November 23, 2021

Apple Monterey (macOS 12.0)

University Systems has a responsibility to provide secure and reliable technology to our community and as such keeps up with the ever-changing technology environment. This includes the deployment of additional technologies and supporting our community to work and learn remotely, while also adapting to changes such as the introduction of new technologies that are not immediately compatible with our environment.

Apple introduced a new operating system (Monterey/macOS 12) on October 25 and University Systems started testing as soon as it was available so we could ensure that the new macOS would work with the software our community relies on for teaching and research.

A thorough test and review of the current version of Monterey has been performed.

While most core software used at UVic has versions available that are compatible with Monterey, other software may not yet be compatible and either won’t install or run, or is not officially supported by the vendor. Each software vendor has offered different timelines for compatibility and we are testing new versions as they are released. All of this information is documented in this bulletin, which we published in November and will keep updated.

UVic specific applications and services have been tested with Monterey, and their compatibility with this new operating system has been itemized below. 

Monterey, macOS version 12

Monterey (macOS version 12, hereafter referred to as Monterey) is the latest release of the Apple operating system for Macintosh computers such as iMacs, MacBooks and Mac Pros. For more details on Monterey see https://www.apple.com/macos/monterey/.

Monterey continues to use Apple File System (APFS) as the default file system, as introduced in macOS High Sierra (10.13)

If you are buying a new Macintosh it may come with Monterey pre-installed. We recommend that you run Software Update to ensure you have any updates both for macOS but also for any Apple applications that may require an update to run under Monterey.

You may rely on software that is not compatible with Monterey. This will include any 32bit-only applications, which will be reliant on updates from vendors to 64-bit. This could include hardware drivers (printers, scanners, lab equipment, etc). If you're considering purchasing a new Apple Computer or upgrading to Monterey, please take care to ensure the software you require can run on Monterey.

The following website is a crowdsourced library of programs that reports on compatibility with Monterey, it may help inform whether a program you rely on is compatible with Monterey: https://roaringapps.com/apps?platform=osx

UVic-specific applications in the list below have been reviewed and tested for compatibility with Monterey. It is always important to update to the latest version available from the vendors for best compatibility.

This list will be updated as we test any new versions that vendors release.

Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client (VPN)

Cisco AnyConnect is compatible according to the vendor, has been tested and is functioning correctly.

IBM Spectrum Protect (Backup)

IBM Spectrum Protect (TSM) has been tested and is functioning correctly.

iClicker (In-class polling)

iClicker has been tested and and is functioning correctly.