Apple allows registered developers in its special program for developers test the beta version of the macOS Big Sur operating system before release.
Testing a beta version of Apple means that you will need to verify that it is working properly and that you will need to report any bugs or errors to the Apple Company.
The new version of the macOS operating system, Big Sur, was announced at Apple’s WWDC on June 22, 2020. And now a new beta of macOS Big Sur 11.4 is available for testing (in particular, the third version 11.4).
Since 2015, Apple has allowed the general public (even if they are not developers) to join a program called MacOS beta program Thanks to which they will also be able to test beta versions of different versions along the way.
For now, however, this latest beta is only available to developers.
How to install macOS Big Sur beta for developers
If you are registered as a developer in the Apple program, you will know that you can access to download virtually all beta versions of the new ones. Software from Apple like iOS 14 o macOS Big Sur.
Joining this program will cost you a total of $ 99 per year, or around $ 84. To register as a developer, you will need to access the official page by clicking on the link and follow the steps they offer.
If you click on “Register” in the upper right corner of the screen, then on “Start your registration”, you can start your application. Of course, you’ll need to have your Apple ID and password handy (if you have one), and if not, create a new one.
How to install macOS Big Sur beta without being a developer or developer
If you’re not a developer, it will take a little longer to be able to test the beta of macOS Big Sur, but you can still try it before its official launch if you want.
The beta of macOS Big Sur will be available to the public at some point, so that’s when you can install it on your Mac to test it out before everyone else.
For this you will have to join this time the program dedicated to the general public called MacOS beta program. Click on the link to go to the official Apple page and start your app.
If you want more information about this program, Click on this link. When everything is clear, click on “Login” to be able to register for the program.
To do this, you will need a valid Apple ID (if you don’t already have it, you will need to create it), be over the age of 18, and be prepared to accept the Privacy Agreement which will be shown to you prior to signing up. Create your account.
Then you will need to register your Mac by clicking on this linkThis way you can receive all the updates from the Mac App Store. If you’ve tried an Apple beta program before, you’ll need to re-register your Mac.
You’ll find a link to download the beta version of macOS Big Sur, along with a code you’ll need to enter. When you click on the link, the download will start.
Expect! Before continuing with the macOS Big Sur beta download process there are several things to consider, we also recommend that you continue reading so that you can prepare your Mac for installation.
How to prepare your Mac to install macOS Big Sur beta
Apple gives you clear instructions on how to prepare your Mac for installation once you go to the official page after entering your Apple ID.
Apple’s first recommendation is to make a backup with all data and files before installing any of the beta versions of macOS:
“Always make backup copies of your data and files before installing the beta versions of OS X. If you have more than one Mac, we recommend that you install the beta on the secondary Mac. Making backup copies on your Mac is very easy with the Time Machine app, a tool that comes from the factory in any macOS ”.
You’ll also need to install the latest version of macOS and have at least 2GB of storage memory and an additional 8GB available.
How to download the beta of macOS Big Sur for developers
Once enrolled in the Developer Program or the General Public Program, follow these steps:
- And one developer.apple.com.
- Click on “Expand”.
- Haz click and ‘Downloads’.
- Log in to your developer account.
- Click the “Download” button next to macOS 11.
- You will find in your download folder a file with the name: macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.dmg. Click on it and the installer will open. You need it first if you want to be able to access beta versions on the Mac App Store.
- The Mac App Store will automatically open in the Updates tab.
- Click on “ download ” and the beta version of macOS Big Sur will be downloaded and installed.
- Your Mac will restart.
- the Software, but you will still need to install it. Click on “Continue”.
- Accept the terms of use.
- Click on “Install”.
- Once the installation is complete, click “Continue”.
- Enter your Apple ID and password.
How to download the beta of macOS Big Sur (public version)
The public beta of macOS Big Sur is not yet available. But as soon as it becomes available, you will just have to follow the next steps to install it (remember that you should have signed up for the Apple program already).
- Before you start, make a backup of your Mac, because if you want to stop using the beta version, you will have to revert to this version.
- If you haven’t signed up for Apple’s beta software program, you can do so now by clicking on this link.
- Click “Sing up” and “Sing in” using your Apple ID and password.
- Read and accept the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement.
- Choose the “macOS” tab.
- Click “Register your Mac” to register your computer.
- Click the “Download” button on the “MacOS Public Beta Access” button.
- Open your downloads folder and open the file you just downloaded. It will have the following name: macOSPublicBetaAccessUtility.dmg.
- Opening the file will launch the installer. Follow all the steps to install it.
- After downloading the Beta Access Utility, you can download the beta from the Mac App Store.
- Click “Download” the public beta of macOS Mojava from the App Store and start the download.
- Your Mac will restart.
- the Software, but you will still need to install it. Click on “Continue”.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Click on “Install”.
- Once the installation is complete, click “Continue”.
- Enter your Apple ID and password.
The risks of Apple’s beta versions
Before participating in Apple’s Beta Seed program, you need to think carefully if you really want to install a beta version of Apple on your Mac.
Ultimately, you are going to install a beta, that is, a version that is still in testing and is likely to have
Apple recommends installing the beta versions on computers other than the main ones and most importantly, other than the ones you use for your work or to perform important tasks.
Another aspect to take into account is the time elapsed since the installation of this Software this can take a few minutes every few weeks (any updates will need to be installed).
Additionally, by agreeing to the terms of the macOS Beta Testing Program, you authorize Apple to access diagnostics, as well as your usage and technical data. If you are one of those people who want to protect your privacy 100%, this program is not for you.
What is expected of me when I join Apple’s beta program?
The main purpose of the existence of beta programs is that Apple can receive Feedback on versions of macOS before their official release. This way they can polish and solve any Bugs or failures before they are accessible to all.
Any errors or bugs found should be reported to Apple through the Feedback Assistant application. You will need to explain exactly what you were doing and how the error occurred.
If there is something that you don’t know how to do or that is difficult for you to do with the new version of macOS, you will also need to let Apple know so that it can include an how-to tutorial on it.
Is it possible to install the official version of macOS Big Sur with the beta version installed?
Yes. If you are using the beta version of macOS Big Sur, you can install the final and official version once it is available without having to format or reinstall any kind of Software.
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