MacOS Big Sur Beta 5 Released to Download

MacOS Big Sur beta 5 is now available to download for all users who are registered to participate in the beta testing programs.

Typically the developer build comes along first and is quickly followed by the same build as a public beta release. Anyone can download and install the macOS Big Sur public beta on a compatible Mac, but beta system software is best reserved for advanced users on secondary hardware.

The release of the fifth beta of macOS Big Sur comes just after iOS 14 beta 5 and iPadOS 14 beta 5 were also released, along with the fifth betas of watchOS 7 and tvOS 14.

MacOS Big Sur 11 has a redesigned user interface with more white space, refreshed window dressing, and redesigned icons, along with bringing Control Center to the Mac, new Messages features, immediate language translation functionality for Safari webpages, amongst other various features, improvements, and changes.

How to Download MacOS Big Sur Beta 5

Always backup the Mac with Time Machine or your backup method of choice before going forward with any system software update, especially beta releases.

1. From the  Apple menu, go to “System Preferences”, and then select “Software Update”
2. Choose to ‘update now’ macOS Big Sur beta 5 when it shows as available

Completing the software update necessitates the Mac to restart.

If you’re running beta system software on more than just a Mac, you’ll also find iOS 14 beta 5, iPadOS 14 beta 5, tvOS 14 beta 5, and watchOS 7 beta 5 available as well.

The final stable version of MacOS Big Sur is scheduled to be released to the general public this fall.