macOS Sequoia arrived on Macs in September 2024, however the beta improvement continues and in case you are a registered developer or registered as a public beta tester, you’ll be able to proceed to get the newest updates and check out new options nonetheless not out there to most people.
On this article, we’ll clarify what’s within the newest model of the Sequoia beta, what you’ll want to do to get your fingers on a replica, how you can set up it, and what it’s best to keep in mind in the event you don’t wish to find yourself in a pickle. In case you would like to make use of the newest official launch of macOS Sequoia right here’s how you can replace macOS in your Mac.
Up to now, the developer beta was solely out there to builders who had paid to hitch Apple’s Developer Program (which prices $99/£79). Nonetheless, for a few years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered builders with free developer accounts. We clarify how you can get a free developer account beneath.
Not that we suggest that it’s best to get the beta in the event you aren’t a developer. Beta software program tends to be buggy and a extra secure public beta model can also be out there.
In case you not wish to run the beta model of macOS learn this: Tips on how to take away the macOS beta.
macOS developer beta: Newest model
- macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 2: January 7, 2025
The macOS beta replace.
Apple started improvement of macOS Sequoia 15.3 with the discharge of the primary developer beta on December 16. This beta consists of the flexibility to create Gemoji, which arrived on iPhones in iOS 18.2.
macOS public beta: Newest model
- macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 2: January 8, 2025.
Foundry
Apple often releases the Public beta a day or so after the developer beta arrives.
macOS Sequoia beta timeline
The primary model of the Sequoia developer beta of macOS 15 arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024. Beta 2 arrived on June 24.
The primary public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024.
Developer beta 4 was launched on July 23. The second public beta additionally arrived on July 23, 2024.
Developer beta 5 arrived on August 5 adopted by the third public beta.
Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024.
Developer beta 7 and the fifth public beta of Sequoia had been launched on August 20.
On August 28, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8 and the sixth public beta of Sequoia. The discharge candidate of Sequoia arrived on September 9. The total model of Sequoia arrived on suitable Macs on September 16.
macOS Sequoia 15.1
There have been truly two variations of the developer beta. A second beta was operating consecutively with the macOS 15.0 beta improvement. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta included Apple Intelligence options which can be solely out there on M-series Macs (a iOS 18.1 beta was additionally in improvement individually with Apple Intelligence options for suitable iPhones). Apple began work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta on July 29. Beta 2 arrived on August 12, beta 3 was launched to builders on August 28.
Initially this beta was just for builders, however Apple launched a macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024, following the discharge of Sequoia to most people. Finally, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 launch candidate was launched on October 21 and a second launch candidate 2 was launched on October 24.
The ultimate model of macOS Sequoia 15.1 arrived on suitable Macs on October 28.
macOS Sequoia 15.2
On October 23, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 to builders. Model 15.2 launched the second set of Apple Intelligence options. On November 20, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia beta 4 to builders.
On December 5, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.2 Launch Candidate. On December 9, Apple launched the Launched Candidate 2. The official launch of 15.2 was on December 11.
macOS Sequoia 15.3
On December 16, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 1 to builders. This beta consists of the flexibility to create Gemoji.
On January 7, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia beta 2 to builders.
macOS public beta vs developer beta
Since 2023 the Developer Beta has been out there to anybody who registers as a developer, even when they aren’t a paid-up member of Apple’s Developer Program. In consequence, individuals with a primary free developer account are in a position to obtain the brand new macOS developer beta (we present you how you can register beneath).
Whether or not it’s best to obtain the developer beta in the event you aren’t a developer is one other query. We don’t suggest you put in the developer beta in the event you aren’t a developer. As a substitute, our suggestion is to make use of 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 general public beta isn’t the identical because the beta that’s launched by way of the developer program.
Builders get updates to their beta first, and presumably extra incessantly. However it’s best to remember the fact that betas are by nature not secure, and since the general public beta comes after the developer beta it could possibly be slightly safer to put in.
Essentially the most important distinction might be the motive of the testers: Builders often have the purpose of guaranteeing 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. Due to this builders could get to check new options not out there within the public beta.
If you wish to get the general public beta the very first thing you’ll want to do, in the event you haven’t already, is be a part of Apple’s beta packages learn this for extra info: Tips on how to grow to be an Apple beta tester.
Apple
Tips on how to get a free developer account
In case you simply need a free Apple Developer account so you’ll be able to entry the beta you will get this by way of Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Right here’s how you can do it by way of the Apple Developer app on an iPhone:
- Get the Apple Developer App from the App Retailer.
- Open the app in your iPhone.
- Faucet on Account.
- Faucet on Signal In.
- Sign up utilizing your normal Apple ID.
In case you want to truly publish functions to the App Retailer or obtain assist, you’ll must pay $99/£79 per 12 months for a paid account. You possibly can evaluate the free and paid accounts right here.
Tips on how to get the macOS beta
The Sequoia developer beta ought to present up in your Mac in case you are operating macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, have paid $99/£79 to enroll in Apple’s Developer program (right here) or when you have a free developer account (comply with the directions above).
When the Public Beta turns into out there it can additionally present up in your Mac, so long as you could have signed up for the Public Beta program on Apple’s beta webpage, signed the NDA, and enrolled your Mac.
Earlier than you obtain just a few warnings:
- We strongly advise that in the event you aren’t a developer you don’t obtain 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 main Mac; ideally, you run it in a separate quantity. This could decrease any dangers to you.
Tips on how to obtain macOS beta
- Open Software program Updates in your Mac. (System Settings > Common > Software program Updates.)
- You must see two choices: Computerized Updates and Beta Updates. Click on on the (i) beside Beta Updates.
- Now you can activate Beta Updates (in the event that they weren’t already on).
- Select the beta you wish to obtain.
- In case your developer account is tied to a special Apple ID to your normal one you’ll be able to change that right here.
- Click on Achieved.
- Now your Mac will Verify for updates and finally present the Sequoia Developer Beta as an improve. Click on on Improve Now.
Foundry
If you’re operating macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier:
Apple modified the best way it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. In case you aren’t but operating that model of macOS you have to to obtain the macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility or macOS Public Beta Entry Utility.
In case you had been already operating an earlier macOS Public Beta you’ll discover the brand new macOS beta as an improve by way of Software program Replace. Simply click on on Improve Now. You’ll have to replace to the newest 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’re enrolled within the Developer Program, go to Apple’s beta obtain web page. Click on on Set up Profile to obtain the brand new macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility to your Mac.
- If you’re enrolled as a public beta tester, obtain the macOS Public Beta Entry Utility.
- Go to Downloads in your Mac and click on on the macOS Beta Entry Utility to open it.
- Double-click on the dmg file and the installer will run.
- As soon as the brand new macOS beta is put in Software program Replace will examine to see if there are any updates. Click on Replace and the newest model will obtain.
- You’ll see a immediate to put in the newest macOS beta, click on on Proceed.
- Comply with the Ts&Cs (extra on them beneath).
- Click on Set up.
Tips on how to replace macOS beta variations
As soon as you’re operating the beta the updates will come by way of to your Mac robotically, you simply must click on to put in.
- You’ll obtain a notification when the subsequent replace to the beta is on the market.
- Updates shall be out there by way of Software program Replace (in System Settings/System Preferences)
All the things else you’ll want to learn about beta testing
That covers how you can get the betas, however after you have them what are you able to do, and what do you have to do? We’ll cowl that beneath.
Is the macOS beta secure?
By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Subsequently it’s not suggested that you just set up it on a Mac that you just depend on. In case you have a second Mac that isn’t mission-critical then set up it there. We strongly suggest that you just don’t threat all by placing the macOS beta in your main macOS, particularly not within the early days of the beta improvement.
In case you don’t have a second Mac there are a few methods you can run macOS beta in your Mac with out operating the danger of dropping information or discovering your Mac stops working:
We talk about the security of the macOS beta and the dangers you could be taking in additional element in a separate article.
If the steadiness of the beta worries you then you’re most likely higher off ready till the ultimate model is out, or at the very least ready till testing has been occurring for just a few months earlier than getting the beta.
Tips on how to put together your Mac for the beta
Replace your software program: We suggest you could have the newest full model of macOS put in, though Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.
Make area: We’d suggest at the very least 15GB of obtainable area as a result of the macOS betas are typically very massive. If you find yourself requiring extra space learn: Tips on how to unlock area on Mac. Be aware that we all the time suggest that you’ve at the very least 10% area free in your Mac at any time, so in the event you don’t have that anticipate issues!
Again up: Prior to installing a beta in your Mac it’s best to make a backup of your information and information. You will discover out how you can use Time Machine to again up your Mac. We even have a round-up of appropriate backup options.
Tips on how to ship suggestions to Apple
Must you come throughout an error or a bug it’s best to use the Suggestions Assistant app to offer suggestions to Apple. Launch the app and comply with the suitable steps, choosing the realm about which you’re offering suggestions after which any particular sub-area. Then describe your subject in a single sentence, earlier than offering a extra detailed description, together with any particular steps that reproduce the problem. You’ll additionally be capable to connect different information.
You’ll even have to provide permission for the Suggestions Assistant app to gather diagnostic info out of your Mac.
It received’t all the time be apparent whether or not one thing is a bug or simply not as straightforward to make use of as you may need hoped. Both method, in case your suggestions is that one thing seems to work in an illogical method, Apple will wish to know that.
If you’re having hassle with a third-party app you’ll be able to let Apple know by reporting it by way of the Third-party Utility Compatibility class within the Suggestions Assistant. Nonetheless, we’d counsel that you just additionally present suggestions to the app’s developer who will little question be grateful.
Will I be capable to replace from macOS beta to the ultimate model?
Beta customers will be capable to set up 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?
In response to Apple and the license settlement all beta testers should comply with, the beta is “Apple confidential info”. By accepting these phrases, you agree to not talk about your use of the software program with anybody who isn’t additionally within the Beta Software program Program. Which means you’ll be able to’t “weblog, publish screenshots, tweet, or publicly publish details about the general public beta software program.”
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to talk about any info that Apple has publicly disclosed; the corporate says that info is not thought-about confidential.
Tips on how to downgrade from the macOS beta
You possibly can all the time revert to an earlier model of macOS, although relying on the way you again up, it’s not essentially a painless course of.
Begin by ensuring the information in your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and set up the newest public model of macOS. Whenever you first startup your Mac you need to use the Migration Assistant to import your information from the backup. Right here’s a extra detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta we even have a tutorial on downgrading to an older model of the Mac OS.
