macOS Monterey is an impressive OS update, introducing a number of significant changes to the Mac experience. Headline features include Universal Control that allows mice, trackpads and keyboards to be used across multiple devices at once, along with SharePlay functionality, better synchronisation with iOS devices and much more.
But while the feature-packed update was only released in October 2021, Apple is likely already hard at work on the next version of macOS due for release in 2022. Rumoured to be dubbed macOS Mammoth, here’s everything there is to know about macOS 13 at this early stage.
macOS 13 name: what will it be called?
While it’s hard to say for sure, it’s looking increasingly likely that the next big macOS update could be called macOS Mammoth.
Apple actually trademarked Mammoth way back in March 2013 alongside other possible macOS names, but unlike others, Apple has continued to renew the trademark on an ongoing basis.
In fact, an extension was granted most recently on 11 November 2021, suggesting that Apple does still have plans to use the name in a future version of macOS. The trademark is active and listed under the “computer operating software” goods and services category, all but confirming its purpose.
Mammoth might seem like a random name given Apple’s ongoing theme of naming its desktop OS after US national parks, but there is a Mammoth Lake and Mammoth Mountain in California, situated nearby Sierra, Yosemite and El Capitan.
It could also be a ‘mammoth’ update to macOS, focused on getting the most out of the new Apple silicon chips – but more on that later.
Of course, Apple could choose a different name entirely – the update isn’t due to be revealed until mid-2022 with plenty of time for plans to change – but right now, macOS Mammoth seems very likely.
macOS 13 Mammoth release date: when will it be revealed?
The big question is, when will macOS 13 be revealed? While we’re still some time away from a possible announcement – macOS Monterey was only released in October 2021 – Apple tends to stick to a fairly rigid schedule when it comes to software updates, making it relatively easy to predict when we’ll see (and get our hands on) macOS Mammoth.
When it comes to Apple’s annual software updates, the company likes to reveal them at its yearly worldwide developer conference, also known as WWDC. WWDC traditionally takes place in early June every year, with the one exception being at the height of the pandemic in 2020, with the show taking place in late June instead.
It’s at WWDC that macOS 13 will be detailed, giving both developers and fans tuning into the livestream a broad overview of what the next Mac operating system will offer, along with a vague ‘Fall’ (or Autumn to Brits) release date.
It’ll then seed beta versions of the software update to developers (and keen beta testers weeks later) before rolling out the final version sometime in October, around a month after the latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS updates drop.
With that in mind, we expect to see macOS 13 Mammoth revealed in June 2022 at WWDC, with release sometime in October 2022.
macOS 13 Mammoth supported devices: which Macs will support it?
While macOS isn’t quite on a par with iOS devices when it comes to supporting older devices – particularly when it comes to some specific features – Apple does try to bring new versions of macOS to as many Macs as possible.
There is a difference this time though; by the time macOS 13 ships, Apple should have completed its transition from Intel to its own Apple Silicon. From that point, it could stop supporting Intel-based machines altogether.
We don’t see it happening, especially as Apple itself has committed to releasing new versions of macOS for Intel-based Macs “for years to come”, but there could be differences in the features available.
It’s rumoured that macOS Mammoth is designed to take advantage of the raw power of the Apple silicon chips (and the yet-to-be-announced M2) and it’s entirely possible that the comparatively low-powered Intel-based Macs simply can’t power some of the new features in the works.
We’ll update this section as soon as we hear more, but in the meantime, here’s a list of all Macs that support macOS Monterey. Expect a similar overall list for macOS 13, but with some likely software exclusivity surrounding the Apple Silicon-based Macs.
- MacBook: early 2016 and later
- MacBook Air: early 2015 and later
- MacBook Pro: early 2015 and later
- Mac Mini: late 2014 and later
- iMac: late 2015 and later
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later
- Mac Pro: late 2013 and later
macOS 13 Mammoth rumours: what should I expect?
While we’re still some time away from the potential announcement of macOS Mammoth, the rumour mill is already hard at work to provide an understanding of what to expect.
Performance improvements
One of the big focuses of macOS Mammoth, according to an iDrop News report, is performance improvements.
More specifically, macOS 13 is said to focus on getting the most out of the current (and future) Apple Silicon chips, with the publication suggesting a desktop processor with 32 CPU cores and 128 GPU cores is due to launch in late 2022. With such impressive specs, the Mac needs an operating system that can handle all that processing potential.
While there aren’t any specific examples of the kind of performance-focused features we could see in the big update, the publication suggests that it’s the final cornerstone of the macOS upgrade over the past few years.
It explains that Big Sur brought the visual redesign, Monterey brought tight integration with other devices, and Mammoth “will bring performance to the table”.
Small visual changes
In the same iDrop News report, the publication suggests that while there won’t be a major visual overhaul in the next version of macOS, it might feature a handful of changes.
More specifically, the report suggests minor changes to both the Dock and Menu Bar, though it’s unclear whether these changes will make it into the final release at this early stage of development.
We’ll continue to update this article as rumours about macOS 13 arise, so make sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly to stay informed.
