Apple released macOS Ventura in October 2022 as the latest major update to the Mac operating system. Ventura introduces new features like Stage Manager multitasking, updates to apps like Mail and Messages, improvements to Continuity between Apple devices, and more. Some of the biggest changes in Ventura are focused on productivity and collaboration.
Stage Manager is a new way to stay focused on your work that automatically organizes open apps and windows. It groups app windows together on the side so you can concentrate on your main window. You can also create overlapping windows for multitasking in new ways. Messages allows you to edit or recall recently sent messages, and also adds features for collaborating via SharePlay while on FaceTime calls.
Ventura also expands Continuity tools like Handoff and Universal Control for fluid transitions between Apple devices. Other updates include enhancements to Spotlight search, Safari web browsing, and accessibility. Overall, Ventura aims to provide Mac users with new capabilities and refinements to improve their experience.
Compatibility
macOS Ventura is compatible with Macs introduced in 2017 or later, including:
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2017 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later)
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro (2019 and later)
- Mac Studio (all models)
- Mac mini (2018 and later)
- MacBook (2017 and later)
Some older Macs from 2015-2016 may be compatible but have certain limitations. For example, the 2015 MacBook Pro and iMac support Ventura but lack some newer features like Stage Manager (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212551).
In general, Macs from 2015-2016 can run Ventura but may experience slower performance and lack full support for new features. Macs older than 2015 are not compatible with Ventura.
New Features
macOS Ventura introduces several major new features for Mac users. One of the most significant is Stage Manager, which helps users stay focused on their current task while keeping other open apps and windows organized to the side. Stage Manager automatically groups open windows for each application, allows switching between apps and windows with a click, and enables resizing windows to fit the ideal workspace.
Another handy new feature is Continuity Camera, which allows Mac users to utilize the camera on their iPhone as a webcam for video conferencing. Continuity Camera enables useful capabilities like Center Stage, Portrait Mode, and Studio Light right from the Mac.
Handoff is now available for FaceTime, enabling users to transfer FaceTime calls seamlessly between iPhone, iPad, and Mac for a more integrated calling experience. iMessage and Mail also receive updates in Ventura, including edit, undo send, and schedule send for messages and mail.
Safari sees improvements as well, with shared tab groups to easily share websites with friends and family. Passkeys in Safari replace passwords for a more secure and seamless sign-in experience.
Performance Improvements
macOS Ventura introduces a number of performance improvements compared to previous versions of macOS. Two of the most notable are faster wake from sleep and better efficiency and battery life.
According to Apple’s release notes, Ventura improves wake from sleep times by up to 30% on Macs with Apple silicon like the M1 and M2 chips1. This means your Mac should resume from sleep mode much more quickly when waking the display or keyboard. Many users report near-instant wake times, allowing them to start working again without delay.
Ventura also enhances efficiency and battery life optimization on laptops. Apple says standby battery life is extended up to 6 hours longer during sleep on the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro1. Combined with the faster wake times, these optimizations help MacBooks retain charge longer when not in active use and spring back to life quicker when needed.
Real world tests show improved battery life compared to Monterey. For example, one test showed the M2 MacBook Air gaining an extra hour of battery runtime under light web browsing usage2. The optimizations appear most impactful on Apple silicon Macs, but Intel models can also benefit.
Security & Privacy
macOS Ventura introduces several new security and privacy protections according to Apple’s security overview About the security content of macOS Ventura 13.6. Two key features are Passkeys and enhanced protections in Safari.
Passkeys are a new approach to authentication designed to replace passwords. Passkeys use Touch ID or Face ID for verification and are synced across devices using end-to-end encryption. According to Apple, Passkeys are safer than traditional passwords because they cannot be leaked, phished or stolen macOS Ventura Security and Privacy Guide.
Safari has also received a number of protections in Ventura including improved Intelligent Tracking Prevention, better phishing detection, and HTTPS upgrades. According to the release notes, Rapid Security Response now delivers important security improvements to Safari outside of major releases What’s new in the updates for macOS Ventura.
Issues & Bugs
There have been several reports of bugs and issues in macOS Ventura that could impact the upgrade decision.
One major bug is abnormal battery drain. Some users have reported much faster battery drain after upgrading to Ventura, reducing battery life significantly [1]. The cause is still being investigated.
App compatibility has also been a problem for some users. Certain apps like Adobe Creative Cloud, DJ software Serato, and accounting software Quicken have exhibited crashes, lag, or other issues after upgrading to Ventura [2]. Checking app developer release notes before upgrading is highly recommended.
Other bugs that have been reported include lag/stuttering, iMessage bugs, and random crashes requiring forced restarts [3]. These types of bugs can disrupt workflows and lead to data loss.
While not every user experiences these bugs, their presence means upgrading immediately comes with some risk. Monitoring developer forums and waiting for bug fix updates is advised for most users.
Upgrade Process
Before upgrading to Ventura, it’s important to ensure your Mac meets the system requirements and has enough storage space for the OS download. The download size for Ventura is around 12GB.
Apple recommends backing up your Mac before installing any major updates to avoid data loss (1). It’s a good idea to use Time Machine or another backup service to save all your files, apps, and settings.
Once backed up, you can upgrade by going to System Preferences > Software Update and clicking “Download” for macOS Ventura. The update will download and you’ll be prompted to install after it finishes. You can also download Ventura from the Mac App Store directly. Follow the on-screen instructions and your Mac will reboot to install Ventura (2). The process usually takes under an hour.
After installation, you’ll be greeted by the setup assistant for Ventura. Go through the steps to transfer data and customize your settings. Once completed, you’ll be running the latest macOS.
(1) https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541
(2) https://support.apple.com/en-us/102662
Who Should Upgrade Now?
There are a few groups of Mac users who should consider upgrading to Ventura right away:
New Mac Buyers
If you just purchased a new Mac that comes pre-installed with Ventura, you should stick with the latest operating system. Ventura will have better optimization, compatibility, and support for the newest Mac models.[macOS 13 Ventura: Update now or wait?](https://www.macworld.com/article/1361623/macos-13-ventura-update-now-or-wait.html)
Users Needing Key Features
Upgrading to Ventura now makes the most sense if you want access to major new features like Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, passkeys, and improvements to apps like Mail, Messages, and Safari. The latest OS iteration brings meaningful updates.[MacOS Ventura review: Should you upgrade?](https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/macos-ventura)
Developers/Testers
Developers who want to test their apps against Ventura to check for compatibility issues should install the new OS. Public beta testers who want to preview new features and provide feedback to Apple will need to upgrade as well.
Who Can Wait?
Users who depend on specific apps and need to ensure compatibility may want to wait before upgrading to Ventura. According to Macworld, some apps like Adobe Photoshop have not been optimized for Ventura yet and may experience issues. If your workflow relies on certain apps, it’s best to check compatibility before upgrading.
Additionally, those who don’t urgently need Ventura’s new features can wait before upgrading. Ventura offers useful updates like Stage Manager and Continuity Camera, but none are absolutely essential. If you are satisfied with your current version of macOS and your apps are stable, there is no pressure to upgrade right away.
In general, waiting allows time for more bug fixes and compatibility updates to be released. Early adopters may experience hiccups that get resolved in later point releases. Unless you need specific Ventura features or enhancements now, waiting posed minimal disadvantage.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to upgrade your Mac to Ventura comes down to a few key factors. First, assess the compatibility to make sure your Mac model and apps are supported. Then, weigh the appeal of the major new features like Stage Manager against any potential bugs or performance hits reported in early reviews. For many, the security and privacy enhancements will make upgrading worthwhile. Ultimately, newer Macs and early adopters can likely upgrade now to take advantage of the latest features and experience Ventura as it matures. But those using older Macs or essential workflows may want to wait for more bug fixes before upgrading. Test on non-critical devices first if possible. Overall, Ventura offers helpful improvements but isn’t an urgent or critical upgrade for most.