Apple releases second macOS Big Sur 11.2 release candidate

Apple betas are available from the Apple Developer Center for participants in the Developer Beta program, though hardware already using beta software can also perform an over-the-air update. Public beta versions can be acquired from the Apple Beta Software Program site.

The second release candidate version comes about three days after Apple released the first RC build of macOS Big Sur 11.2. That version came after two previous beta builds, with the first released on December 16 and the second on January 13.

The macOS Big Sur update appears aimed mainly at introducing under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes. According to the release notes, the update includes fixes for the following issues:

• External displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
• Edits to Apple ProRAW photos in the Photos app may not save
• iCloud Drive could turn off after disabling the iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents Folders option
• System Preferences may not unlock when entering your administrator password
• Globe key may not display the Emoji & Symbols pane when pressed

Both AppleInsider and Apple strongly suggest users avoid installing betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, due to the potential for data loss or other issues. Instead, the recommendation is to install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices and ensure sufficient backups of important data before making any major changes.