Apple has released a public beta of its new MacOS operating system for computers.
The update is named Big Sur and numbered MacOS 11, marking the first major numerical revision since it released MacOS X almost 20 years ago.
It brings with it a complete overhaul of the operating system, with an entirely redesigned look that brings it more in line with the iPhone and iPad operating system, iOS.
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That comes ahead of a similar transition in the hardware used for Apple’s Macs, which later this year will start using Apple’s own chips, rather than those made by Intel.
Away from the new look, the update brings new features including what Apple called the “biggest Safari update ever” and new features in the Maps and Messages apps.
But the significant nature of the update means that the early beta could have more bugs or small problems than usual. As such, users are warned only to install the update on devices that have been fully backed up, and Apple’s official page warns that beta software should only be used on “non-production devices that are not business critical”.
Apple also advises that users could install the new software either onto a “secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac”.
The full update will not be publicly available until “this fall”, Apple has said.
Users can sign up to Apple’s public beta programme by accessing the devoted page on its website. It is done by opting in and then downloading an update, and further versions of Big Sur should then be downloaded automatically.
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1/9 Apple CEO Tim Cook described WWDC 2020 as ‘game-changing’
For the first time in its 31-year history, Apple’s annual developer conference was held entirely online.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
2/9 iOS 14
A new operating system brings fundamental changes to the iPhone’s home screen, app organisation and widgets.
3/9 Apple Watch sleep tracking
New features for Apple’s smartwatch allows wearers to track how long they sleep.
4/9 Hand washing tool
Amid a global pandemic, Apple released a new function to encourage people to wash their hands.
5/9 Spatial audio for AirPods
Using motion tracking within the AirPods Pro, the sound produced in Apple’s headphones is no longer static.
6/9 MacOS Big Sur
A complete redesign for its computer operating system changes the look of icons and windows.
7/9 Safari
Apple’s Safari web browser now allows users to customise their starting page.
8/9 Memoji updates
A host of new Memoji features include a wide range of age settings for the custom animoji.
9/9 Apple Silicon
Arguably the biggest update was with the Mac chips, which will now be made by Apple.
Information about the public beta versions of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and watchOS can all be found on that page, too.