SharePlay Added in macOS Monterey 12.1 Beta

[MacRumors]

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.

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.



Article Link: SharePlay Added in macOS Monterey 12.1 Beta

 

[btrach144]

Do you need to have a newer Mac for it?

I was disappointed my 2017 iMac can be an airplay receiving device

 

[jakec]

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.

 

[SouthPalito]

I thought it was only on M1 Macs?

 

[bk526]

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?

 

[Think|Different]

How did they neglect this with launch? I even searched around a bit to see if anyone was talking about this omission and, nah, no one really was, ha. If it’s on TvOS, then yeah, it should be on Mac for sure.

 

[Think|Different]

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!

 

[fwmireault]

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?

I agree. Very curious about the answer, but I’m pretty sure that everyone needs a subscription for the content that is shared

 

[Phantom iCloud tabs]

Does SharePlay work via FaceTime Audio calls?

 

[Konigi]

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?

Well if you can do a live screen sharing, with audio, that would be a workaround for those who do not have a subscription service. It's easy to do through Zoom, Skype, Discord. I hope Facetime does it too.

 

[kalsta]

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. According to this Gizmodo article:

But there is an unsurprising caveat. People will only be able to SharePlay together if they all have access to the app being used. In other words, you all need a subscription if one is required.

 

[jz0309]

Looking forward to installing the piblic beta tomorrow on my M1 MBA

 

[amaze1499]

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!

Good to know. However, I am pretty sure we will find the hint in the small print when the feature is officially released.

 

[Think|Different]

Good to know. However, I am pretty sure we will find the hint in the small print when the feature is officially released.

Not sure what you mean — it already is released on every Apple platform BUT MacOS. We know. I am sure there will be more clever ways to circumvent via Mac but we’ll see.

 

[Matt Leaf]

Was pretty bummed to see this didn't work on my Macbook Pro 2017. Was literally the only reason I upgraded to Monterey, then found out Shareplay wasn't compatible. That seems too soon to be cutting out fully functional devices? At the very least, audio sharing would have been sweet. Bitter taste

 

[Realityck]

Good we can have more fun now.

 

[contacos]

I suppose Netflix is never going to join this.

 

[Marshall73]

meh, where’s universal control?

 

[antipodean]

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!

Thanks for clarifying. Is the main point of this to ensure everyone is watching in-sync?

I haven't tried it and I'm just trying to understand what the big advantage is. My daughter often watches a movie with a friend while they're both on a FaceTime call. They just hit "play" at the same time.

Can anyone who has used it comment on what makes SharePlay great?

 

[Kissmo1980]

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.

 

[Duncan-UK]

Another feature in search of a use.

looking at the picture, who would want to participate in a blandathon like this. Apple live in Apple world. Im glad I don’t.

 

[Kylo83]

Doubt many people would actually use this

 

[travelsheep]

The screenshot reminded me to cancel my free 1 year Apple TV+ subscription, which will end soon.

 

[loekf]

In terms of dynamic backgrounds, macOS 12.x should be called "sweet as candy edition". Really hate those pink and purple backgrounds.

On topic, are the BT connection issues with e.g. Magic Mouse 2 also on Macrumors' radar ? Each morning I have to turn off and on my mouse, because scrolling is not working.

 

[sinsin07]

Has anyone been able to sharelplay to Apple TV?
Can't find any clear instructions on how to do this, assuming both parties have the same app.