Apple’s macOS Monterey 12.3.1 update brings Bluetooth fixes for game controllers and resolves issues with external displays on some Macs.
Apple launches macOS Monterey 12.3.1
On March 31, 2022, Apple released macOS Monterey 12.3.1. This is a minor update that includes several fixes for some of the reported Bluetooth issues but no new user-facing features. macOS Monterey 12.3.1 includes fixes for issues with USB-C or thunderbolt displays on certain Mac models. On top of that, the new software resolves some Mac Bluetooth issues related to certain game controllers.
Apple also released other software updates on the same day, including iOS and iPadOS 15.4.1, watchOS 8.5.1, tvOS 15.4.1 and HomePod software 15.4.1. Two weeks earlier, the more substantial macOS Monterey 12.3 update arrived with Universal Control as the headline new feature.
How to update your Mac to macOS Monterey 12.3.1
Use the Software Update feature in System Preferences on macOS to check for updates, download and install the macOS Monterey 12.3.1 on your Mac.
- From the Apple menu in the top-left corner, choose “System Preferences”
- In the System Preferences window, choose “Software Update”
- Click the “Update Now” button to start the update process
Your computer may restart several times.
What’s new in macOS Monterey 12.3.1?
Bug fixes in macOS Monterey 12.3.1
Apple’s changelog for macOS Monterey 12.3.1 lists fixes for the following issues:
– Some 2021 MacBook Pro models cannot update or restore to macOS Monterey 12.3
– USB-C or Thunderbolt external display does not turn on when connected to Mac mini (2018) as a second display
– Bluetooth devices, such as game controllers, may disconnect from your Mac after playing audio through some Beats headphones
macOS Monterey 12.3.1 also includes security fixes for a pair of vulnerabilities.
Security fixes in macOS Monterey 12.3.1
Apple’s support document describes the security content of macOS Monterey 12.3.1:
AppleAVD
Available for: macOS Monterey
Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Description: An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited
CVE-2022-22675: an anonymous researcher
Intel Graphics Driver
Available for: macOS Monterey
Impact: An application may be able to read kernel memory
Description: An out-of-bounds read issue may lead to the disclosure of kernel memory and was addressed with improved input validation. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
CVE-2022-22674: an anonymous researcher
Both vulnerabilities may have been actively exploited in the wild, Apple cautions.