Apple has already released the first sixth beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3, so far only available to registered developers and other experts who are dedicated to testing beta versions like this before its release to the general public.
The latest beta arrived on March 31, and came nearly two months after Big Sur 11.2 in early February. The latest version of Big Sur didn’t offer a lot of new features, but it did offer significant security improvements.
New features that come with Big Sur 11.3 include a new autoplay feature in Apple Music, new emotes, controller support, and a note that Rosetta may not be available in all regions.
What features does macOS Big Sur 11.3 include?
Apple explained that these are the new features that come with Big Sur 11.3:
Controller support
Mac users will be able to access a host of new features by installing this update, also including support for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S controllers.
The fourth beta suggests that there will be a new game controller setting so that you can configure the keys on your keyboard to control these games. For example, the “X” button will be on the letter “Q”, and “W”, “A”, “S” and “D” will be the arrows.
Safari improvements
The home page will now be more customizable. Users will be able to rearrange the sections with custom commands. In addition, there will be new types of extensions that will allow developers to create features that will appear on the new tab page.
There will also be a new Web Speech API for developers so that they can integrate automatic speech recognition into their web pages.
IOS / iPadOS apps on Mac
IPhone and iPad apps have been improved for Macs with M1. For example, iPadOS apps will open in a larger window, and iOS and iPadOS apps will have a new preference panel for accessing keyboard and non-touch controls.
Reminders
Following the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update, you will be able to organize your reminders according to different criteria. Users will be able to move reminders manually in the list. There will also be the option to print reminders.
Apple News
Apple introduced a new design for News + tags to help subscribers quickly access magazines and newspapers. It will also simplify the process of handling download issues.
Apple Music
Apple Music enhancements include a shortcut to your recommended music library, which will simplify the process of finding playlists that you like. Additionally, the “Listen Now” option will feature special events based on your interests.
In version 2 of the beta, we see that Apple has added an autoplay feature. Once activated, Apple Music will continue to play music similar to the one in the list. You can activate it by clicking on the infinity icon (‘∞
Apple also adds the ability to share song lyrics by sending a link to your friends via Messaging, Instagram, or Facebook Messenger. The function is limited to 150 characters, so you can only send one verse.
Compatibility for stereo HomePods
It will be possible to change the default settings on paired HomePods to stereo. Until now, it was only possible to use two HomePods as stereo speakers via AirPlay and Apple Music, which some users have complained about.
It’s already possible to use two HomePods at the same time without a problem with the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, so it was only a matter of time that the same functionality could be used with the Mac as well.
Warranty information
From now on, you can view your Mac’s warranty information under “About This Mac”> “Support”.
When is macOS Big Sur 11.3 released?
The final version of macOS Big Sur 11.3 is expected to be released at the end of next March. After that, it won’t be long for the new major update, macOS 12, to be announced at WWDC 2021 in June.
If you want to be able to test it before it arrives in March, you need to be part of Apple’s beta software program, but remember that for now it’s only available to developers. We explain how to install the beta version and the final version.
You can also try the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
.
Table of Contents
