MacOS Sonoma Beta 3 Download Now Available
Apple has released MacOS Sonoma beta 3 to users enrolled in the developer beta testing program for Mac system software.
While beta system software is buggier and more prone to crashes and misbehaviors than final versions, technically speaking anyone can install MacOS Sonoma beta on a Mac by enrolling in the free Apple developer beta program. A public beta is expected to launch soon as well.
Additionally, iOS 17 beta 3, iPadOS 17 beta 3, tvOS 17 beta 3, and watchOS 17 beta 3 are available to download for testers as well.
MacOS Sonoma 14 features new screen savers, a new Lock Screen design, the return of widgets to the Mac (kind of like Dashboard, but more difficult to develop widgets for casual users), FaceTime Video Voicemail, Safari Profiles, and many other smaller features and changes.
How to Download MacOS Sonoma Beta 3
Updating to the third beta of MacOS Sonoma is easy for Macs that are already enrolled in the beta program:
- Go to the Apple menu, and then choose “System Settings”
- Go to “General”, and then choose “Software Update”
- Click to “Update Now” when the MacOS Sonoma 14 beta 3 shows as available
MacOS Sonoma beta has been relatively stable in testing so far, though some apps like Notes crash often, and Safari has some difficulties with large numbers of tabs and the Profiles feature. This is typical behavior for beta system software, and why running betas is really only appropriate for advanced users.
A public beta of MacOS Sonoma is expected to debut soon, while anyone can install MacOS Sonoma beta right now if they want to, and if they have tolerance for bugginess, apps crashing, and other misbehaviors common with beta system software.
The final version of MacOS Sonoma will be available to Mac users as a free update in the fall.
Separately, Apple has also released iOS 17 beta 3, iPadOS 17 beta 3, tvOS 17 beta 3, and watchOS 10 beta 3.
