New MAC - install macOS 12 (Monterey) in lieu of Ventura

[PaulTech]

Is there a way to setup a brand new Mac with Monterey without having to install Ventura? Monterey is still in the app store but I'm not sure if it will give the option during the initial setup? I did find this article about downgrading (https://www.howtoisolve.com/downgrade-macos-ventura-to-macos-monterey/) but if there is a simpler method with less hoops that would be helpful.

 

[timeshifter]

Since Ventura was just released last week I'd say your chances are pretty good. The only cases where you can't install an older OS on a Mac is where that particular model came out after an OS was released.

 

[overburnz]

If the model supports macOS Monterey, all you need is a usb stick with the installer on it, if the internet recovery option does not allow to install the version you want

 

[Markverhyden]

What version did the Mac ship with?

 

[300DDR]

Do new machines ship with 13.0? I'd think they'd ship with 12.6 since it will be more stable, as 13.0 was just released.

 

[timeshifter]

If you’re getting a direct shipment or custom build from Apple you’ll probably get Ventura. Probably a small amount of stock in the Apple store is on 13.0. But Best Buy and Amazon and others probably have older inventories with 12.x

 

[Markverhyden]

They have to sell through inventory so it's expected to continue to receive new machines with the previous OS version. Depends on the venue but it could be as long as 3 months.

 

[PaulTech]

It shipped with Monterrey so all is well