Apple releases first developer beta for macOS Big Sur 11.1

Apple has moved on to testing a new version of macOS Big Sur, with developers now able to test out the first build of version 11.1.

New developer builds of Apple's beta operating systems can be downloaded via the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled into the test program, or via an over-the-air update on devices running the beta software. Public betas typically arrive within a few days of the developer versions, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The beta is the first since Apple released macOS Big Sur to the public on November 12, in the form of macOS 11.0.1. More than ten beta builds were released in the time between Big Sur's announcement and its eventual release, and roughly two months after Apple issued public versions of other operating systems including iOS 14.

It is so far too early to determine what Apple has changed in the first beta, but it is likely to include some trial fixes for a range of launch issues.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly suggest users avoid installing betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, due to the potential for data loss or other issues. It is instead recommended to install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to ensure there are sufficient backups of important data beforehand.

Find any changes in the new betas? Reach out to us on Twitter at @AppleInsider or @Andrew_OSU, or send Andrew an email at andrew@AppleInsider.com.

12 Comments

ArielBar_17 4 comments · 4 Years

About 4 years ago

Does that mean that the next big fall update will be called macos 12 instead of macos 11.1?

S12 25 comments · 4 Years

Hopefully, this fixes the Thunderbolt 3 and external mass storage issues. I'd like to be able to use my Drobo 5D3 at full speed again.

SpamSandwich 32917 comments · 19 Years

ArielBar_17 said:

Does that mean that the next big fall update will be called macos 12 instead of macos 11.1?

They’re changing the name to TacOS.

TheObannonFile 113 comments · 7 Years

ArielBar_17 said:

Does that mean that the next big fall update will be called macos 12 instead of macos 11.1?

That is the immediate question after reading the headline. I was wondering if that would be in the article.

MacQuadra840av 207 comments · 4 Years

ArielBar_17 said:

Does that mean that the next big fall update will be called macos 12 instead of macos 11.1?

Not necessarily. Apple quickly replaced 10.0 with 10.1 during the same year with major bug fixes and features restored from OS 9, like DVD Playback and CD burning. Then we had 10.1 to 10.1.5 and then 10.2 to 10.2.8 and so on. Big Sur is really 10.16 with eye candy. The only reason they called it 11 is because of Apple Silicon. It is still the same core OS X underneath, with fresh paint like Yosemite.