Many Mac users were amazed when they updated to macOS Ventura in October. Anyone who previously wanted to use the “network environments” that have been known for many years has been taught a lesson. They no longer existed or were only hidden. With the latest update, Apple is now correcting this more than embarrassing error.

Apple

For years, users on the Mac different network environments invest. Different configurations, for example for work and home networks, were thus possible. But even those who use different DNS services (e.g. Smart DNS) could easily switch between the settings in the Apple menu and didn’t have to do them manually every time – damn practical.

macOS Ventura: Apple brings back practical network environments

Unfortunately, the option was missing after the update to macOS Ventura aka macOS 13. The option was no longer to be found in the revised system settings in the “Network” area. In fact, the function was still there, but hidden and therefore only accessible via the terminal. Ergo: Normal users were locked out as it were. As it turns out now, probably an embarrassing mistake. Apple was simply pressed for time and failed due to the integration of the network environments in the heavily revised system settings.

Already knew? With macOS Ventura you can use the iPhone as a better webcam:

iPhone as a camera for the Mac: macOS Ventura makes it possible

With the latest update to macOS 13.1, the network environments are making their way back, although they are still somewhat hidden (source: ifun.de). If you now want to create or configure them, you have to do this in the network system settings Menu with the three dots try (bottom right). There you have access to the sorely missed network environments again.

Network Neighborhoods – found again in macOS 13.1. (Image source: ifun.de)

Not the last update

This was and will not be the last optimization for the current Mac system, because macOS 13.2 is expected for the end of January. Developers already have access to a first pre-release version. This will then next year together with iOS 16.3 and Co. published and released.