MacOS Sonoma Beta 5 Available to Download
Apple has released MacOS Sonoma beta 5 to users who are enrolled in the developer beta testing program for Mac system software. Typically a developer beta version rolls out first and is soon followed by the same build available to public beta testers. MacOS Sonoma beta 5 carries the build number of 23A5312d.
From a technical standpoint, any Mac user can join the free Apple developer beta program and install MacOS Sonoma beta, similar to how any user can join the public beta.
Separately, Apple has also released iOS 17 beta 5 for iPhone, iPadOS 17 beta 5 for iPad, watchOS 10 beta 5 for Apple Watch, and tvOS 17 beta 5 for Apple TV.
How to Download MacOS Sonoma Beta 5 Update
If you’re already running the beta, then installing beta system software updates is the same as any other standard system software update:
- Go to the Apple menu
- Select “System Settings”
- Go to “General”
- Choose “Software Update”
- Choose to “Update Now” for MacOS Sonoma 14 beta 5
As usual, the Mac must reboot to finish installation of the new beta update.
Beta system software is buggier than than final versions of system software, so should be reserved for advanced users.
MacOS Sonoma, versioned as macOS 14, includes a variety of new features, including a redesigned Lock Screen, the reinclusion of widgets to the Mac but this time it’s not called Dashboard and they’re not as simple for casual users to create their own widgets, new screen savers, FaceTime Video Voicemail support, Safari Profiles, and many other little changes and features.
Apple has said that MacOS Sonoma will be released in the fall for any compatible Mac.
