Apple issues third macOS Monterey 12.4 developer beta

Apple has shifted to a fresh third round of its current macOS Monterey 12.4 cycle, by providing developers a brand new build of the beta to try out.

The latest 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 usually arrive within a few days of the developer versions, via the Apple Beta Software Program website.

The first beta of macOS Monterey 12.4 arrived on April 5. The second surfaced on April 19.

Not many details have been revealed in terms of feature changes for the beta, but it is probably going to be a bug fix and performance-focused update.

Since WWDC 2022 is on the horizon, it seems improbable that many major changes will be made before the event.

Apple has advised users of Universal Control in the beta must ensure that they are using iPadOS 15.5 beta for the feature to continue working with a Mac running macOS 12.4.

The build number for the third developer beta is 21F5063e, up from 21F5058e in the second beta.

AppleInsider, and Apple itself, strongly advise users avoid installing beta software on to "mission-critical" or primary devices, due to the small possibility of data loss or other issues. Instead, testers should install betas onto secondary or non-essential devices, and to ensure there are sufficient backups of important data before updating in the first place.

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.