Beta 5 of MacOS Big Sur 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 Released for Testing

The fifth beta builds of macOS Big Sur 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, watchOS 7.4, and tvOS 14.5. The latest beta builds are available now to any eligible user enrolled in the beta testing programs, either for developer or public beta releases.

The latest beta builds suggest the final versions of these system software could be released in the coming weeks, as Apple typically goes through several beta builds before issuing a final version to the general public.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta includes touch optimizations for running iOS and ipadOS apps on Mac, with a new control panel to handle touch alternatives and game input alternatives. The Reminders app has regained the popular ability to show lists and to print, and macOS 11.3 beta includes support for Playstation 5 and Xbox One X controllers. There are also mixed changes to Music app, Safari, and new Emoji icons including a woman with a beard, dazed face, heart on fire, bandaged heart, vaccine, coughing face, and various new inclusive and diverse skin color options for couples emojis.

The betas for iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 include support for PS5 controllers and Xbox X controllers, dual sim card support for 5G cellular, functionality to unlock iPhone with Apple Watch like the same feature for Mac, some new small privacy features, along with other small changes, and the same new diverse Emoji icons as macOS 11.3 including a woman with a beard and new skin color options for couples.

Users enrolled in the beta testing programs can find the latest beta 5 updates available to download now from the Software Update mechanisms of their devices.

While any user can enroll in the public beta testing programs, beta releases are notoriously less reliable than final stable builds, and are typically only appropriate for developers and advanced users.