Apple Releases MacOS Big Sur Fifth Beta to Developers

Apple today unveiled the fifth beta of the upcoming macOS Big Sur update to developers for testing purposes, two weeks after the release of the fourth beta and more than a month after the new update was unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

The macOS Big Sur beta can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center and once the appropriate profile is installed, subsequent betas will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences. According to Apple’s release notes for the fifth beta, it’s not supported on the new 2020 27-inch iMac. Those trying to install and run an error should reinstall macOS Catalina.

macOS Big Sur introduces a refreshed design to the Mac operating system, revamping the entire look from the curvature of window corners to the dock icons to system sounds. Everything feels fresh but familiar, with a lighter and more modern look. There’s a new customizable Control Center that mirrors the Control Center on iOS devices, allowing key controls to be placed right at your fingertips.

The Notification Center has been redesigned with iOS-style widgets available in multiple sizes, plus there are more interactive notifications now grouped via app to make it easier to see what’s happening. Safari is faster and more efficient, and there’s also a new homepage that can be customized with wallpapers and sections that include reading lists and iCloud tabs, making Safari more customized to your individual needs of use.

Tabs have been redesigned, there is a built-in language translation feature, Chrome and Firefox add-ons can be ported to Safari, and YouTube supports 4K video playback. There is also an option to choose with which sites an extension works for greater privacy. Speaking of privacy, a new Privacy Report feature lets users know that Safari trackers are blocked when you visit websites.

Messages are more like the Messages app on iOS with support for confirmed conversations, notifications, inline replies and Memoji creation, plus the built-in search feature has been restored to make it easier to find links, photos and conversations in the app fine.

Apple redesigned the Maps app to add support for Look Around, indoor maps and Guides, which are lists of notable attractions, restaurants, and more made by trusted sources. Maps can also be used to generate directions for bike routes and trips for electric cars that can be sent to iPhone, and shared ETA updates are now available on the Mac.

Photos include a better Retouch tool, Apple Music’s For You section has been replaced by a Listen Now section, HomeKit Secure Video cameras support face recognition and activity zones, and Siri can answer a wider range of questions than ever before.

In the future, the macOS Big Sur App Store will help users better understand privacy practices with clear information about the information an app collects, and after installing macOS Big Sur you will see faster updates starting in ‘ the background and then more ready quickly to make it easier to keep your Mac up to date.

In the third beta of macOS Big Sur, Apple changed the battery icon for the Battery section in System Preferences, and refined the design to make it cleaner and more streamlined. The update also brought a new design to the Music app icon (it’s red), and some color changes to the buttons and icons in the music app.

For more on everything new in macOS Big Sur, make sure you check out our roundup.