Apple releases third developer beta for macOS 11.4

By Malcolm Owen

Apple is now on its third beta round for macOS 11.4 with developers now able to download and try out the latest build of the operating system update.

The newest builds can be downloaded via the Apple Developer Center for those enrolled in 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.

This is the third developer beta for macOS 11.4 so far. The second beta arrived on May 4, while the first landed on April 21, followed by the first public beta on April 22.

So far, there have been few clues about what Apple is intending to accomplish with version 11.4, with it seemingly becoming a general performance improvement and bug fix release. However, release notes do state the beta works with new graphics cards based on AMD's Navi RDNA 2 architecture, such as the 6800, 6800XT, and 6900XT.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly recommend users don't install the betas on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, as there is the remote possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to make sure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating.

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.

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