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iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports)

Download macOS 12.3 RC (21E230) for iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports)

Released
March 8, 2022
Version
macOS 12.3 RC
Build
21E230
Identifier
iMac21,2
Filename
UniversalMac_12.3_21E230_Restore.ipsw
File size
13.87 GB

macOS 12.3 RC Release Notes

Please note, the documentation below is supplied from Apple's update servers. We don't modify the contents of this documentation.

macOS 12.3 adds Universal Control so you can use a single mouse and keyboard across your Mac and iPad. This release also includes new emoji, dynamic head tracking for Music, and other features and bug fixes for your Mac.

Universal Control (beta)
  • Universal Control allows you to use a single mouse and keyboard across iPad and Mac
  • Text can be typed on either Mac or iPad and you can drag and drop files between them
Spatial Audio
  • Dynamic head tracking is available in Music with supported AirPods on Mac computers with the M1 chip
  • Customizable spatial audio settings for Off, Fixed, and Head Tracked are now in Control Center with supported AirPods on Mac computers with the M1 chip
Emoji
  • New emoji including faces, hand gestures, and household objects are available in emoji keyboard
  • Handshake emoji allows you to choose separate skin tones for each hand

This release also includes the following enhancements for your Mac:

  • Siri now includes an additional voice, expanding the diversity of options
  • Podcasts app adds episode filter for seasons, played, unplayed, saved, or downloaded episodes
  • Safari webpage translation adds support for Italian and Chinese (Traditional)
  • Shortcuts now supports adding, removing, or querying tags with Reminders
  • Saved passwords can now include your own notes
  • Battery capacity readings have improved accuracy

This release also includes bug fixes for your Mac:

  • News widgets in Today View may not open articles when clicked
  • Audio may sound distorted while watching video in the Apple TV app
  • Some photos and videos may be unintentionally moved when organizing albums in Photos

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Version Released File Size
12.3 RC
21E230
March 8, 2022 13.87 GB
12.3 beta 5
21E5227a
March 1, 2022 13.81 GB
12.3 beta 4
21E5222a
February 22, 2022 13.81 GB
12.3 beta 3
21E5212f
February 15, 2022 13.84 GB
12.3 beta 2
21E5206e
February 8, 2022 13.82 GB
12.3 beta
21E5196i
January 27, 2022 13.83 GB

Installation Instructions

Always back up your devive before installing beta software. You can back up your Mac using iCloud, Time Machine, or another storage device.

Prerequisites

  • Second Mac: Another Mac of any model using macOS Sonoma 14 or later.
  • USB-C Cable: A high-quality USB-C cable to connect the two Macs.

Steps to Restore (and Update)

  1. Install Apple Configurator on the Second Mac
    • Download and install Apple Configurator from the Mac App Store on the second Mac if it’s not already installed.
  2. Put the Target MacBook into DFU Mode:
    • Shut down iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports) you want to restore.
    • Connect it to the second Mac using the USB-C cable.
    • Enter DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
    • In Apple Configurator on the second Mac, your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports) should appear as a device in DFU mode.
  3. Apply the IPSW File:
    • Open Apple Configurator on the second Mac.
    • Select your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports) in DFU mode from the device list.
    • Drag UniversalMac_12.3_21E230_Restore.ipsw file onto the device icon in Apple Configurator, or use the menu: Actions > Restore.
    • Confirm the action when prompted. This will erase the MacBook and install macOS 12.3 RC.
  4. Wait for the Process to Complete:
    • The restore process will take some time (15-30 minutes or more, depending on the file size and connection speed).
    • The MacBook’s screen may show a progress bar or Apple logo during the restore.
    • Once complete, your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports) will restart automatically.
  5. Set Up the MacBook:
    • After the restore, your iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two Ports) will boot into the setup assistant.
    • You can set it up as new or restore your data from a backup.

Note: Using an IPSW file with Apple Configurator always performs a full restore, erasing all data. There is no option to "update" macOS (preserving data) using an IPSW file directly.