17-08-2021

Macos Beta

Apple has released the next version of macOS 11 named Big Sur at WWDC 2020. The looks and visual changes have been amazing. If you are excited and want to install it then take a look at this ultimate guide to download macOS Big Sur 11.5 developer beta 1 on your Mac.

The Mac OS X Public Beta (internally code named 'Kodiak') was the first publicly available version of Apple Computer 's Mac OS X (now named macOS) operating system to feature the Aqua user interface. It was released to the public on September 13, 2000 for US$29.95. MacOS Big Sur is now available to the public, but there is still a developer beta line that needs testing before Apple launches new iterations to the public. Apple provides a beta version of its macOS releases to developers so that they can test their apps against it and prepare for the release to Mac owners.

macOS Big Sur supported Mac

  • MacBook 2015 and later
  • MacBook Air 2013 and later
  • MacBook Pro Late 2013 and later
  • Mac mini 2014 and later
  • iMac 2014 and later
  • iMac Pro 2017 and later (all models)
  • Mac Pro 2013 and later
  • Mac Mini 2020
  • MacBook Pro and Air (M1, 2020)

Take a backup of Mac before updating to macOS Big Sur

Even before installing regular updates, we suggest taking a backup of the macOS device. And this is a developer beta – most likely having bugs and other issues! So, we stress even more that you backup your Mac before installing macOS Big Sur. To do this:

  1. Plug in an external HDD or SSD to your Mac
  2. You will see a window asking you to use the drive to back up with Time Machine. Check the box for Encrypt Backup Disk. After this click on Use as Backup Disk.
  3. If you do not see the above window, click on the Apple icon, and select System Preferences. Click on Time Machine.
  4. Click on Select Backup Disk, and choose your drive.
  5. Finally, check the box for Encrypt Backups (recommended) and click on Use Disk.
  6. Check the box for Show Time Machine in the menu bar. Next, click on it from the top menu bar, and select Backup Now.

How to download macOS Big Sur 11.5 developer beta 1

  1. Visit developer.apple.com. Click on Account and sign in with your developer account
  2. Click on Downloads, from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on Install Profile for macOS Big Sur beta. This will download a .dmg file (around 134 KB).
  4. Go to the Downloads folder (or the folder where your browser saves files by default). Double-click on macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.dmg file to open it.
  5. Next, double click on macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.pkg
  6. Click on Continue, read, and agree to terms and conditions. Then, click on Install.
  7. Next, follow the instructions to install the macOS developer beta. System Preferences will automatically open, and you will see the Software Update screen. In case you do not, click the () Apple logo in the top left corner → Select System Preferences → Click Software Update.
    Note:     If even now you do not see an update for macOS Big Sur, restart your Mac and then go to the Software Update section
  8. Here you can see the macOS Big Sur developer beta option. Click Upgrade Now and wait for the download to finish. Depending on your internet speed it may take a while.

How to install macOS Big Sur 11.5 developer beta 1

Once the full download completes, you will see a window asking you to start the installation process.

  1. Click on Continue.
  2. Click on Agree (if you do). Confirm by clicking Agree again
  3. Click on Install. (on my MacBook Pro, it needed 50 GB of free space for installation. If required clear some space.)
  4. Finally, go through the simple on-screen instructions

It usually takes considerable time for the entire installation process to finish. Once the full process completes, click on Continue, enter your Apple ID password, and explore the beautiful macOS 11.

How to install macOS Big Sur 11.5 developer beta 1 on a Partition

To keep things safe, you may choose to install the beta version of macOS on Mac’s storage partition. This keeps the current operating system and the beta separate. Here is how to do that.

  1. First of all, you will have to create a partition on Mac. If you already have a partition, read on
  2. After the download completes, you see a window asking you to start the installation. Click on Continue.
  3. Click on Agree and confirm
  4. Here, select a partition. Click Show All Disks to choose a partition
  5. Finally, click on Install.

That’s all!

These are straightforward steps to download and install macOS Big Sur developer beta.

You may also like to read them:

Beta versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS are available to members of the Apple Developer Program. Members can develop apps that take advantage of the latest features of Apple platforms and test existing apps for compatibility.

Overview

Beta software, including previews and seeds, refers to a version of software that's still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software. Attempting to install beta software in an unauthorized manner violates Apple policy and could render your device unusable and necessitate an out-of-warranty repair. Make sure to back up your devices before installing beta software and install only on devices and systems that you're prepared to erase if necessary.

iOS Beta Software

Installation Using the Configuration Profile

  1. Download the configuration profile from the download page.

    On your iOS device: Download the configuration profile directly onto your iOS device and follow the installation instructions.

    On your Mac or PC: Save the file to your hard disk and email it to an account on your iPhone. Tap the configuration profile in Mail and follow the installation instructions.

  2. Connect your device to a power cord and connect to Wi-Fi.
  3. Tap Settings > General > Software Update.
  4. Tap Download and Install.
  5. To update now, tap Install. Or tap Later and choose Install Tonight or Remind Me Later. If you tap Install Tonight, connect your device to a power cord at night and your device will update automatically by morning.
  6. If prompted, enter your passcode.

Installation Using the Restore Image

  1. Download the iOS beta software restore image for your device from the download page.
  2. Open the Finder on your Mac.
  3. Connect your iOS device to your computer with the cable that came with your device.
  4. If you’re prompted for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer, follow the onscreen steps. If you forget your passcode, help is available.
  5. Select your iOS device when it appears in the Finder sidebar.
  6. In the Summary panel, hold the Option key and click the Check for Update button.
  7. Select the iOS beta software restore image and click Open to start the installation.
  8. After installing the beta, your device will reboot and will require a network connection to complete activation.

macOS Beta Software

The macOS Developer Beta Access Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.

  1. Download the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility from the download page.
  2. Open the macOS Developer Beta Access Utility and follow the instructions.
  3. Once installation is complete, you’ll be presented with the macOS beta in the Mac App Store. Click the Download button to install the beta.
  4. When a new macOS beta becomes available, you'll receive a notification. You can install the beta in the Software Update section of System Preferences.

tvOS Beta Software

tvOS 14 beta supports Apple TV 4K and Apple TV (4th generation) only.

Installation Using the Configuration Profile

  1. Download the tvOS beta software configuration profile for the Apple TV 4K from the download page on your Mac.
  2. Make sure you're running the latest version of Xcode 12 or later on your Mac as well as macOS 10.13.4 or later.
  3. Check that your Apple TV is plugged in and turned on.
  4. Connect your Apple TV and Mac to the same network.
  5. In Xcode, choose Window > Devices and Simulators, then in the window that appears, click Devices.
  6. On Apple TV, open Settings, then choose Remotes and Devices > Remote App and Devices. Apple TV searches for possible pairing devices.
  7. In Xcode, select your Apple TV in the left column under Discovered. The status of the Apple TV connection request appears in the detail area.
  8. Enter the verification code displayed on Apple TV and click Connect. Xcode pairs with Apple TV and a network icon appears next to your Apple TV in the left column.
  9. Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of Apple Configurator.
  10. Open Apple Configurator.
  11. To set up an Apple TV for the first time, click Prepare and follow the onscreen instructions. To add profiles for an Apple TV that you’ve previously set up, click Add, then select Profiles. You can also drag a profile from the Finder and drop it on the icon of your Apple TV.
Mac

Installation Using the Restore Image for Apple TV (4th generation) Only

  1. Download the tvOS beta software restore image for Apple TV (4th generation) from the download page on your Mac.
  2. Open the Finder.
  3. Connect your Apple TV (4th generation) to your Mac with a USB-C cable.
  4. Select your Apple TV when it appears in the Finder.
  5. In the Summary panel, hold the Option key and click the Restore Apple TV button.
  6. Select the tvOS beta software restore image and click Open to start installation.
  7. After installing the beta, your device will reboot and will require a network connection to complete activation.
  8. NOTE: If the Finder does not recognize your Apple TV, place Apple TV in recovery mode:
    1. Make sure Apple TV is connected to your Mac.
    2. Using the included remote, press and hold MENU + Play/Pause for 6 seconds until the indicator light flashes rapidly.
    3. Proceed with step 6 to restore Apple TV.

Macos Beta Access Utility

Installation Using the Restore Image for Apple TV (3rd generation) Only

  1. Identify your Apple TV model. You can find it in Settings > General > About.
  2. Download the corresponding Apple TV beta software restore image from the download page to your computer.
  3. Open the Finder.
  4. Connect your Apple TV to your computer with a micro USB cable. Ensure your Apple TV is also plugged into a power source. NOTE: An HDMI connection is not required for the install process.
  5. Select your Apple TV when it appears in the Finder.
  6. In the Summary panel, hold the Option key and click the Restore Apple TV button.
  7. Select the Apple TV beta software restore image and click Open to start installation. While your Apple TV is restoring, don’t unplug anything. The time it takes to restore your Apple TV depends on the speed of your internet connection.
  8. When your Apple TV has finished restoring, disconnect the micro USB connection from your computer, then disconnect and reconnect the power cord to restart your Apple TV.

watchOS Beta Software

watchOS 7 beta requires Apple WatchSeries 3 or later and iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 beta.

  1. To update the software on Apple Watch, you’ll need to:
    • Make sure your Apple Watch has at least a 50 percent charge.
    • Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
    • Keep your iPhone next to your Apple Watch to make sure they’re in range.
    • Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 14 beta.
  2. Download the configuration profile from the download page.

    On your iPhone: Download the configuration profile directly onto your iPhone and follow the installation instructions.

    On your Mac or PC: Save the file to your hard disk and email it to an account on your iPhone. Tap the configuration profile in Mail and follow the installation instructions.

  3. After launching the profile, tap Apple Watch as the installation location and reboot when prompted.
  4. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap My Watch > General > Software Update.
  5. If prompted for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter the passcode.
  6. Wait for the Apple logo and progress bar to appear. When the update is done, your Apple Watch will restart.

Support for Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch displays a red “!” icon, force restart your Apple Watch. Simultaneously press and hold the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, then release when you see the Apple logo.

If force restarting your Apple Watch doesn’t resolve the issue, or if your Apple Watch restarts in recovery mode or exhibits other issues that require it to be restored with the current version of watchOS, you may need to send it in to Apple to be serviced. Apple Authorized Service Providers and Apple retail stores cannot perform this service. Once your device is received, it may take up to three business days to be serviced. You will get back the same device you sent in. This service is currently available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To get started, contact us.

Providing Feedback

Feedback Assistant

Macos Beta 11

If you encounter any problems with beta software or if you would like to request enhancements to frameworks or API, please submit a report through Feedback Assistant. Make sure to include the build number in the bug title and description so your issue can be processed quickly.

Macos Beta

Apple Beta Software Program

The iOS and macOS public betas available through the Apple Beta Software Program come with the built-in Feedback Assistant app. If you’re running the tvOS public beta, you can submit feedback through the Feedback Assistant app on an enrolled iOS device. When you experience an issue or something does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.

Macos Beta 11.4

Apple Developer Forums

Macos Beta Program

You can visit the forums to find information or post about issues you encounter during app development.