iOS 15.2 and macOS 12.1 add several previously delayed features

As usual, today Apple rolled out new OS updates for almost all of its devices in one giant gulp. Releases include iOS 15.2 and iPadOS 15.2, macOS Monterey 12.1, watchOS 8.3, and tvOS 15.2.

Depending on the OS, these features may include SharePlay, Apple Music Voice Plan, app privacy report panel, and more.

macOS Monterey 12.1

macOS 12.1 is a significant update that brings several new features and fixes many bugs. Specifically, it adds SharePlay, a flagship feature that was intended for the original version of Monterey but has moved into this update.

SharePlay allows you to participate in live FaceTime video and audio calls synced with streaming music or video content on supported services. Members can access shared controls to pause, play, or skip content. SharePlay also allows screen sharing via FaceTime.

Other new features in this release of macOS include a redesigned Memories in Photos, new family safety options for Messages, and support for the Siri-based Apple Music voice plan.

However, there is one significant exception from macOS 12.1: Universal Control, a previously promised feature that was supposed to allow seamless simultaneous use of the iPad and Mac with a single mouse or trackpad. This feature was expected by the end of the year, but did not appear during the iOS 12.1 beta. Of course, this is not in the final version either. Apple’s website says the feature will arrive in Spring 2022.

iOS and iPadOS 15.2

Because iOS and iPadOS already had the great SharePlay feature that was added to macOS today (it arrived on iPhone and iPad in iOS 15.1), mobile OS updates are smaller in scope. But there’s something else going on here.

iOS and iPadOS 15.2 added support for the Apple Music Voice Plan, and they’re introducing a new app privacy report panel in Settings that lets you see which apps have accessed your information.

iOS 15.2 also adds macro controls to the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, alleviating some of the headaches caused by these phones’ default behavior at startup. There are also plenty of bug fixes and minor tweaks, as well as a feature that lets you designate “old contacts”who can manage your iCloud data in the event you die.

With iOS 15.2 comes new HomePod software that allows you to use the Apple Music Voice Plan. Apple also released a new Android app called Tracker Detect to coincide with the release of iOS 15.2. The app addresses a core issue we discussed with Apple’s AirTag location device in our review earlier this year – that Android users had no way of knowing if the AirTag was placed on their person or in their belongings.

watchOS 8.3 and tvOS 15.2

Finally, there are updates for Apple Watch and Apple TV devices. These are smaller releases. watchOS 8.3 adds support for the App Privacy Report and the Apple Music Voice Plan, while tvOS 15.2 doesn’t have public detailed release notes, suggesting it offers bug fixes and performance improvements at best.

All of these software updates should be available for supported devices worldwide starting today. Below you’ll find the release notes written in Apple’s own words.