Apple releases 8th beta version of macOS Big Sur for developers

Apple seeded the eighth beta version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur update for developers today for testing purposes, about a week after the sixth beta was released and more than two months after the new update was released at the World Developers Conference.

The beta version of macOS Big Sur can be downloaded through Apple’s Developer Center, and once the appropriate profile is installed, subsequent beta versions will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences.

macOS Big Sur presents a revamped design for the Mac operating system, revisiting the whole look, from the curvature of the corners of the windows to the dock icons and system sounds. Everything feels fresh but familiar, with a lighter, more modern look. There’s a new customizable Control Center that mirrors the Control Center on iOS devices, putting key system controls at your fingertips.

The Notification Center has been redesigned with iOS-style widgets that are available in various sizes, plus there are more interactive notifications that are now grouped by app to make it easier to see what’s happening. Safari is faster and more battery efficient, plus there’s a new customizable home page with wallpapers and sections including Reading List and iCloud tabs, making Safari more suited to your individual use needs.

The tabs have been redesigned, there is a built-in language translation feature, Chrome and Firefox extensions can be migrated to Safari, and YouTube supports 4K video playback. There is also an option to choose which sites an extension works with for more privacy. Speaking of privacy, a new Privacy Report feature lets users know which trackers Safari blocks when visiting websites.

Messages is more similar to the Messages app on iOS with support for pinned conversations, mentions, online replies, and Memoji creation, plus the built-in search feature has been revised to make it easier to find links, photos, and conversations in the app. .

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

Photos includes a better Retouch tool, Apple Music’s For You section has been replaced by a Listen Now section, HomeKit secure video cameras support activity zones and facial recognition, and Siri can answer a wider range of questions than before.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

Moving forward, 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 that start in the background and then they finish more. quickly so it’s easy to keep your Mac up to date.

Apple in the third beta version of macOS Big Sur changed the battery icon for the Battery section in System Preferences, refining the design to make it look cleaner and more optimized. The beta testing period also brought a new design for the Music app icon (it’s red) and some color changes to the buttons and icons within the Music app.

According to Apple, the 8th beta version of macOS Big Sur fixes a kernel issue that could cause applications to quit unexpectedly. Apple says that this beta version qualifies for 50 percent of the Apple Security Bounty bonus payment for security researchers who discover issues that are unknown to Apple or that are reintroduced in this version.

To learn more about everything new in macOS Big Sur, be sure to check out our roundup.