SharePlay Added in macOS Monterey 12.1 Beta

Apple today seeded the first beta of macOS Monterey 12.1 to developers, and it turns out the update adds a missing Monterey feature -- SharePlay. According to Apple, SharePlay is enabled in the macOS Monterey 12.1 beta, so those who have the beta installed can do more with their friends and family members over FaceTime.

facetime screen sharing
SharePlay was previously introduced in iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, and tvOS 15.1, but it was missing from the macOS Monterey update that came out last week. At the time Monterey launched, Apple said that SharePlay would be added in a subsequent update.

With SharePlay, ‌FaceTime‌ users can listen to music, watch TV, watch movies, and even share their screen with the people they're chatting with.

SharePlay works with first-party Apple experiences like Apple TV, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music in addition to enabling screen sharing between multiple people, but it is also compatible with third-party app experiences. Developers have already been building SharePlay experiences for iOS devices, and now they can build SharePlay features into Mac apps as well.

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Top Rated Comments

bk526 Avatar
43 months ago
None of the SharePlay coverage seems to mention this, but do all the people on the call each need to be subscribed to the services that are streamed over SharePlay? Or does only the person streaming need to have a subscription?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Marshall73 Avatar
43 months ago
meh, where’s universal control?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Think|Different Avatar
43 months ago

None of the SharePlay coverage seems to mention this, but do all the people on the call each need to be subscribed to the services that are streamed over SharePlay? Or does only the person streaming need to have a subscription?
Yes, yes, and yes — all parties need “a sub” if it’s DRM content.

I agree, I’m surprised more people aren’t even finding that out and “complaining.” Hope more and more free and premium services add it, tbh — YouTube would be clutch!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kissmo1980 Avatar
43 months ago
I cannot imagine watching a show and having FaceTime on.

I am jot judging those who do, but for me it seems dry and also irritating.
Rather have the people over and spend some time together.

This feature is not something I am looking forward to. as much as continuity since I tend to use both iPad and Mac at the same time.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
btrach144 Avatar
43 months ago
Do you need to have a newer Mac for it?

I was disappointed my 2017 iMac can be an airplay receiving device
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jakec Avatar
43 months ago

Do you need to have a newer Mac for it?

I was disappointed my 2017 iMac can be an airplay receiving device
I think it works on any Mac that is on Monterey 12.1.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)