Apple yesterday officially released macOS Monterey 12.1 for all users. However, the update, which comes with SharePlay, Apple Music Voice Plan, Hide My Email, and other enhancements, is not showing up for everyone – that’s what some M1 Mac users have been saying.

While the latest version of macOS 12.1 should be available to everyone, it seems that some users are unable to download and install it. More specifically, it seems that the issue has been affecting users of Macs with the M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max chips.

Possible fix?

1.) Open System Preferences > Software Update. Confirm that no update is available, and leave the window open.
2.) Open Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
3.) Go to View > All Processes
4.) Search for 'com.apple.MobileSoftwareUpdate.UpdateBrainService' . Select it and click Force Quit.
5.) The 12.1 Update should appear in System Preferences. Click Update Now.
6.) The update may not download - force quit the com.apple.MobileSoftwareUpdate.UpdateBrainService again using Activity Monitor to start the download.