Apple released macOS 12.2 beta yesterday but did not share any release notes. Users have been quick to dig in and find a few changes that they might like.
macOS 12.2 beta 1 changes
While the new macOS Monterey 12.2 beta still does not include Universal Control, as expected, it has a few useful new features. So far, users have found that Apple is working on native Apple Music and Apple TV app experiences, which use AppKit instead of web views. Safari also makes full use of 120Hz ProMotion to provide smooth scrolling on 2021 MacBook Pro models.
Some users have also reported overall performance improvements when using macOS 12.2 beta on the latest MacBook Pro models, but it could just be a placebo effect of installing a new software update.
With regards to Apple Music and TV apps, the company is now using AppKit instead of web views in macOS 12.2 beta, which makes the apps ‘native’. The apps are now using JET, which turns web views into native AppKit views. Users are excited that this will improve the app performance, and resolve their complaints.
Apps like Mac App Store also use this technology, so it is wishful thinking to assume that it will significantly change and fix the app. Some differences, for now, are that search is improved, scrolling is smoother, and playback pauses and resumes correctly. But this should have always been the case, and not something that users should have waited years to be fixed.
The Music app in macOS 12.2 beta has multiple visual issues right now, which indicate that the ‘native’ changes are still a work-in-progress by Apple.
Perhaps the best news from the new beta is for 2021 MacBook Pro users. Many users were disappointed to find out that Safari does not support smooth scrolling despite the new MacBooks featuring Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion adaptive refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz. Apple seems to have fixed this aspect of its native browser in macOS 12.2 beta.
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