The newest model of macOS–Sequoia–arrived on Macs in September 2024, however the beta growth continues and in case you are a registered developer or registered as a public beta tester, you may proceed to get the most recent updates and check out new options nonetheless not obtainable to most people.
In this text, we’ll clarify what’s within the newest beta, what you want to do to get your arms on a duplicate, how to install it, and what you need to keep in mind for those who don’t need to find yourself in a pickle. If you would favor to use the most recent official launch of macOS Sequois right here’s how to update macOS on your Mac.
In the previous, the developer beta was solely obtainable to builders who had paid to be part of Apple’s Developer Program (which prices $99/£79). However, for a few years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered builders with free developer accounts. We clarify how to get a free developer account beneath.
Not that we suggest that you need to get the beta for those who aren’t a developer. Beta software program tends to be buggy and a extra steady public beta model can be obtainable.
If you now not need to run the beta model of macOS learn this: How to remove the macOS beta.
macOS developer beta: Latest model
- macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 4
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The first model of the Sequoia developer beta of macOS 15 arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024. Beta 2 arrived on June 24.
Notable additions to beta 2 have been iPhone Mirroring, the flexibility to instantly entry an iPhone by means of the Mac. The Mac and iPhone join wirelessly and customers see the iPhone Home display screen on the Mac. Users can click on and use iPhone apps, iPhone app notifications could be activated, and the suitable iPhone app launches. Users may drag and drop images and movies from the iPhone to the Mac. The iPhone audio will come by means of the Mac’s sound output, and iPhone notifications will combine with the macOS notifications record. iPhone Mirroring works on all M-series Macs and Intel Macs which have a T2 Security chip. The iPhone and Mac want to be signed into the identical Apple Account, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi want to be enabled. iPhone Mirroring works on all M-series Macs and Intel Macs which have a T2 Security chip. The iPhone and Mac want to be signed into the identical Apple Account, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi want to be enabled.
Developer beta 4 was launched on July 23. Developer beta 5 was launched on August 5. Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. Developer beta 7 was launched on August 20. On August 28, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8.
macOS Sequoia 15.1
There is a second beta working consecutively with the macOS 15.0 beta growth. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta consists of Apple Intelligence options which are solely obtainable on M-series Macs.
On July 29, Apple began work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta, which incorporates some Apple Intelligence options. Beta 2 arrived on August 12. On August 28, beta 3 was launched to builders. On September 17, Apple beta 4 to builders. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 5 was launched to builders on September 23. Beta 6 was launched on October 6. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 7 was launched on October 15. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 launch candidate was launched on October 21. Release candidate 2 was launched on October 24.
A July 31 report by 9to5Mac states that Apple Intelligence won’t run if the 15.1 beta is running on an external drive. It’s not identified if this situation will stay when Apple formally releases 15.1.
macOS Sequoia 15.2
On October 23, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 to builders. Version 15.2 is anticipated to heave the second set of Apple Intelligence options.
On November 20, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia beta 4 to builders. The public beta ought to comply with in just a few days.
macOS public beta newest model
- macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 2
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The first public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024. The second public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 23, 2024. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024. The fifth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 20, 2024. The sixth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 28, 2024.
Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024. This beta consists of the primary spherical of Apple Intelligence options. The 15.2 public beta 2 was launched on November 6.
macOS public beta vs developer beta
Since 2023 the Developer Beta has been obtainable to anybody who registers as a developer, even when they aren’t a paid-up member of Apple’s Developer Program. As a consequence, individuals with a fundamental free developer account are ready to download the brand new macOS developer beta (we present you ways to register beneath).
Whether you need to download the developer beta for those who aren’t a developer is one other query. We don’t suggest you install the developer beta for those who aren’t a developer. Instead, our advice is to use the general public beta (the primary verison of which often arrives in July).
There are just a few variations between the general public and developer betas. The public beta will not be the identical because the beta that’s launched by means of the developer program.
Developers get updates to their beta first, and presumably extra steadily. But you need to remember that betas are by nature not steady, and as a result of the general public beta comes after the developer beta it may very well be just a little safer to install.
The most vital distinction might be the motive of the testers: Developers often have the purpose of making certain their apps work when the up to date macOS is launched to most people, whereas public beta testers are primarily serving to Apple detect bugs and providing suggestions on the options. Because of this builders might get to check new options not obtainable within the public beta.
If you need to get the general public beta the very first thing you want to do, for those who haven’t already, is be part of Apple’s beta applications learn this for extra data: How to become an Apple beta tester.
Apple
How to get a free developer account
If you simply desire a free Apple Developer account so you may entry the beta you may get this through Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it through the Apple Developer app on an iPhone:
- Get the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
- Open the app in your iPhone.
- Tap on Account.
- Tap on Sign In.
- Sign in utilizing your normal Apple ID.
If you would like to really publish functions to the App Store or obtain help, you’ll want to pay $99/£79 per 12 months for a paid account. You can compare the free and paid accounts here.
How to get the macOS beta
The Sequoia developer beta ought to present up in your Mac in case you are working macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, have paid $99/£79 to enroll in Apple’s Developer program (here) or you probably have a free developer account (comply with the directions above).
When the Public Beta turns into obtainable it should additionally present up in your Mac, so long as you’ve gotten signed up for the Public Beta program on Apple’s beta webpage, signed the NDA, and enrolled your Mac.
Before you download just a few warnings:
- We strongly advise that for those who aren’t a developer you don’t download the developer beta.
- We additionally strongly suggest that you just again up your Mac earlier than you improve to the Sequoia beta.
- We suggest that you don’t run Sequoia beta in your major Mac; ideally, you run it in a separate volume. This ought to decrease any dangers to you.
How to download macOS beta
- Open Software Updates in your Mac. (System Settings > General > Software Updates.)
- You ought to see two choices: Automatic Updates and Beta Updates. Click on the (i) beside Beta Updates.
- You can now activate Beta Updates (in the event that they weren’t already on).
- Choose the beta you need to download.
- If your developer account is tied to a distinct Apple ID to your normal one you may change that right here.
- Click Done.
- Now your Mac will Check for updates and ultimately present the Sequoia Developer Beta as an improve. Click on Upgrade Now.
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If you might be working macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier:
Apple modified the best way it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. If you aren’t but working that model of macOS you have to to download the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility or macOS Public Beta Access Utility.
If you have been already working an earlier macOS Public Beta you’ll discover the brand new macOS beta as an improve through Software Update. Just click on on Upgrade Now. You might have to replace to the most recent model of your present beta earlier than you are able to do so, if not comply with the steps beneath to get the beta entry utility.
- If you might be enrolled within the Developer Program, go to Apple’s beta download page. Click on Install Profile to download the brand new macOS Developer Beta Access Utility to your Mac.
- If you might be enrolled as a public beta tester, download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility.
- Go to Downloads in your Mac and click on on the macOS Beta Access Utility to open it.
- Double-click on the dmg file and the installer will run.
- Once the brand new macOS beta is put in Software Update will verify to see if there are any updates. Click Update and the most recent model will download.
- You’ll see a immediate to install the most recent macOS beta, click on on Continue.
- Agree to the Ts&Cs (extra on them beneath).
- Click Install.
How to replace macOS beta variations
Once you might be working the beta the updates will come by means of to your Mac routinely, you simply want to click on to install.
- You will obtain a notification when the following replace to the beta is offered.
- Updates will probably be obtainable through Software Update (in System Settings/System Preferences)
Everything else you want to learn about beta testing
That covers how to get the betas, however after getting them what are you able to do, and what must you do? We’ll cowl that beneath.
Is the macOS beta steady?
By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Therefore it’s not suggested that you just install it on a Mac that you just depend on. If you’ve gotten a second Mac that isn’t mission-critical then install it there. We strongly suggest that you just don’t danger all by placing the macOS beta in your major macOS, particularly not within the early days of the beta growth.
If you don’t have a second Mac there are a few methods you possibly can run macOS beta in your Mac with out working the danger of shedding information or discovering your Mac stops working:
We focus on the safety of the macOS beta and the risks you might be taking in additional element in a separate article.
If the steadiness of the beta worries you then you might be most likely higher off ready till the ultimate model is out, or a minimum of ready till testing has been taking place for just a few months earlier than getting the beta.
How to put together your Mac for the beta
Update your software program: We suggest you’ve gotten the most recent full model of macOS put in, though Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.
Make house: We’d suggest a minimum of 15GB of accessible house as a result of the macOS betas have a tendency to be very massive. If you find yourself requiring extra space learn: How to free up space on Mac. Note that we at all times suggest that you’ve got a minimum of 10% house free in your Mac at any time, so for those who don’t have that anticipate issues!
Back up: Before you install a beta in your Mac you need to make a backup of your information and information. You can discover out how to use Time Machine to back up your Mac. We even have a round-up of suitable backup solutions.
How to ship suggestions to Apple
Should you come throughout an error or a bug you need to use the Feedback Assistant app to present suggestions to Apple. Launch the app and comply with the suitable steps, choosing the world about which you’re offering suggestions and then any particular sub-area. Then describe your situation in a single sentence, earlier than offering a extra detailed description, together with any particular steps that reproduce the difficulty. You’ll additionally have the opportunity to connect different information.
You’ll even have to give permission for the Feedback Assistant app to acquire diagnostic data out of your Mac.
It gained’t at all times be apparent whether or not one thing is a bug or simply not as straightforward to use as you may need hoped. Either approach, in case your suggestions is that one thing seems to work in an illogical approach, Apple will need to know that.
If you might be having hassle with a third-party app you may let Apple know by reporting it by means of the Third-party Application Compatibility class within the Feedback Assistant. However, we’d recommend that you just additionally present suggestions to the app’s developer who will little question be grateful.
Will I have the opportunity to replace from macOS beta to the ultimate model?
Beta customers will probably be ready to install the ultimate construct of the OS on launch day while not having to reformat or reinstall.
Can I speak in regards to the beta publicly?
According to Apple and the license settlement all beta testers should agree to, the beta is “Apple confidential data”. By accepting these phrases, you agree not to focus on your use of the software program with anybody who isn’t additionally within the Beta Software Program. That means you may’t “weblog, put up screenshots, tweet, or publicly put up details about the general public beta software program.”
However, you may focus on any data that Apple has publicly disclosed; the corporate says that data is now not thought-about confidential.
How to downgrade from the macOS beta
You can at all times revert to an earlier model of macOS, although relying on the way you again up, it’s not essentially a painless course of.
Start by ensuring the information in your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and install the most recent public model of macOS. When you first startup your Mac you should use the Migration Assistant to import your information from the backup. Here’s a extra detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta we even have a tutorial on downgrading to an older version of the Mac OS.
