Apple said macOS Monterey would ship on October 25, 2021. The update supported many Intel Macs as well as Apple Silicon models, though some older machines fell off the list. Ars Technica summarized the compatibility list.
I cared less about the release date than about the everyday features. Screen sharing inside FaceTime could replace a quick Zoom call, and improved Notes collaboration could make planning with friends less clumsy. I liked that Apple was tightening the pieces people already used. The catch with any new macOS version is compatibility: I would check my Mac and essential apps before installing on day one.