Apple Seeds First Public Beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the first public beta of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.3 update to its public beta testing group, with the new software coming two days after the beta was provided to developers.

Public beta testers can download ‌macOS Big Sur‌ 11.2 from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after installing the proper profile from Apple's beta software website.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 introduces more customization options for Safari, adding a way to rearrange the different sections on the Start Page like Favorites, Reading List, Siri Suggestions, Privacy Report, and more. Developers also have access for a new integration to develop features for the Start Page.

The update includes optimizations for using iOS apps on M1 Macs. When running iPhone and iPad apps on M1 Macs, there's a Touch Alternatives preference pane that allows users to set keyboard commands for touch input alternatives, plus iPadOS apps launch with a larger window if the Mac's display allows it. Touch Alternatives can be enabled for iPhone or iPad apps by clicking on the app's name in the menu bar and then selecting the Preferences option. Touch Alternatives let you customize taps, swipes, and drags.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 also adds support for the latest PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X/S controllers for use with macOS games.

In the Reminders app, reminder lists can be sorted by Due Date, Creation Date, Priority, or Title, and there is an option to print lists by going to File > Print. Reminders can also be moved manually across lists with drag and drop, something that wasn't possible before.

Apple is adding a new "Made For You" library shortcut in Apple Music for finding personal mixes and Replay playlists, and the Listen Now section has been updated with support for highlighting live events.

There are new sorting options in the Reminders app along with options to print, and Apple Music has been updated with a Made for You shortcut and a live events option in the Listen Now section.

In the Apple News app, there's a redesigned Apple News+ tab with a dedicated "For You" section and a new Browse tab that makes it easier to browse through available content. The new For You section is designed to help Apple News+ users find favorite magazines and newspapers much faster, plus it adds new tools for managing downloaded issues.

9to5Mac discovered that macOS Big Sur 11.3 includes an updated "Support" interface when accessing "About This Mac." The new design includes details on your warranty and it allows for starting a repair right from the Mac interface.

The tab will work similarly to the AppleCare coverage menu in the iOS Settings app, which lets users request repairs, buy an AppleCare plan, and check their coverage. This updated support menu is not visible in the first beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3, but it could come at a later date. There are also signs that Apple may be planning to bring a support app to the Mac.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds support for HomePod Stereo pairs, allowing a set of paired HomePods to be set as the default sound output option, with the two HomePods showing up as a single selectable speaker rather than separate as in prior versions of macOS.

Article Link: Apple Seeds First Public Beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

Maybe I'm missing something, but before Apple Silicon was announced, didn't Tim Cook say that IOS apps would also be running on Intel Macs soon? Or was that just a trick of words?

 

[Quu]

macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds support for HomePod Stereo pairs, allowing a set of paired HomePods to be set as the default sound output option, with the two HomePods showing up as a single selectable speaker rather than separate as in prior versions of macOS.

Finally! - This has been all I've wanted for a long time.

 

[Quu]

Maybe I'm missing something, but before Apple Silicon was announced, didn't Tim Cook say that IOS apps would also be running on Intel Macs soon? Or was that just a trick of words?

He never said that no, you're misremembering.

 

[Freeangel1]

my photos APP keeps dying every time I open it with my iPhone 12 Max connected to import a picture.

I'm still on Big Sur 11.1

Big Sur IS A BIG PIECE OF CRAP!

can't even transfer pictures from your phone.

APPLE keeps getting worse and worse with LEMMON operating systems every NEW OS that comes out

The GOOD programmers all left APPLE for better jobs and the Pre School programmers are left.
I can't believe how BAD Big Sur is. And Tim Cook makes Millions!

Update: I updated to 11.2. SAME PROBLEM. the minute I unlock my trusted device with my passcode to import pictures to the photo's APP the APP CRASHES!

If I could SWEAR I would. This is just plain stupid. 2 updates. Same problem.

I know what the future is! Staying Intel Mac. Going Back to Catalina.

And Heavily investing in Windows 10 software. Windows 10 and PC's are where all the PRO Users will BE

Not on wimpy ARM Machines !


PS. i9 MacBook Pro is STILL KING over M1. Here is Proof.

 

[destroyer01]

What about the Display issues many of us are having. Apple needs to respond to this as its been a long time and people are very frustrated. Not need to mention the issues with running apps that are from 3 party vendors for schools, corporate offices and Dj's.

 

[pavvel]

*laugh*

 

[fumi2014]

Another vote for Display issues. I know there are lots of folks that aren't affected by this but for some of us, this is as annoying as the Bluetooth issues were.

 

[damienbutt]

The external display EDID/resolution bug on my MBP 16 is becoming a real issue now. They seriously need to fix that, it's been flying around for a while now and there have been so many reports. They also need to fix the wake-up problems in clamshell mode. I have to get my Mac out of it's vertical dock to open my lid and sometimes even press the power button to wake it up.

I was running two HDMI’s to external monitors and I've switched to DisplayPort now but the problem remains.

 

[Rychiar]

my photos APP keeps dying every time I open it with my iPhone 12 Max connected to import a picture.

I'm still on Big Sur 11.1

Big Sur IS A BIG PIECE OF CRAP!

can't even transfer pictures from your phone.

APPLE keeps getting worse and worse with LEMMON operating systems every NEW OS that comes out

The GOOD programmers all left APPLE for better jobs and the Pre School programmers are left.
I can't believe how BAD Big Sur is. And Tim Cook makes Million

no issues here🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[Populus]

Maybe I'm missing something, but before Apple Silicon was announced, didn't Tim Cook say that IOS apps would also be running on Intel Macs soon? Or was that just a trick of words?

Uhm... only iPad apps, and only those using Catalyst, which implies checking a box in XCode and recompiling it. However, only a few apps did this, and the adoption was minimal. With Apple Silicon computers there’s no need of checking the box to compile them for macOS (Ok, it is a bit more complicated than just ticking that box). With Apple Silicon all iOS and iPadOS apps run on macOS by default, unless... unless the developer tick another box to exclude their apps from the Mac App Store. And this time, quite a few ticked that box to not allow them to run on macOS. Sadly.

My final guess is that most developers aren’t interested in you purchasing a universal app, and running it on both macOS and iPadOS/iOS

 

[Realityck]

Yes now see this, the beta.apple.site is still busy updating.

 

[tillathenun]

If it'll allow my M1 Mac mini to wake the Thunderbolt Display from sleep, I'll be happy.

 

[az431]

Maybe I'm missing something, but before Apple Silicon was announced, didn't Tim Cook say that IOS apps would also be running on Intel Macs soon? Or was that just a trick of words?

No he didn't say that. However, developers can make make apps available on all Macs, but this doesn't work very well and you won’t see many in real life.

 

[Unsupported]

I'm hoping against all the odds that the long standing Notifications bug in Mail.app might get fixed in 11.3, finally!

The only way I can get some kind of notification of new mail is by disabling "Play sounds for other mail actions" in Mail's preferences".

If I enable it I get nothing from System preferences --> Notifications

Disabled I do get the alert in the right hand corner.

If I switch System preferences --> Notifications for Mail Off I get no notification in Mail except for the unread red dot in the dock.

This has been reported and discussed since at least 2018!

Why is there a delay between mail notific… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Why is there a delay between mail arrivin… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

🤞🏻

 

[Gibear2k5]

Bluetooth issues again. AirPods cackles, pops, and disconnects within a few minutes.

 

[Davidglenn]

Finally! - This has been all I've wanted for a long time.

Agree, adding the stereo support for the HomePods is something many of us have wanted for long time. No more work arounds to try and get the stereo n these great speakers.

 

[Mr. Dee]

macOS 12 is probably gonna be a refinement release, because Big Sur will a huge architectural undertaking.

 

[blazerunner]

Did they change that ugly notifications icon in System Preferences?

 

[haunebu]

Does it fix the bug where an Apple USB SuperDrive is no longer useable by an M1 Mac when connected via Apple Thunderbolt Display?

 

[Populus]

I'm hoping against all the odds that the long standing Notifications bug in Mail.app might get fixed in 11.3, finally!

The only way I can get some kind of notification of new mail is by disabling "Play sounds for other mail actions" in Mail's preferences".

If I enable it I get nothing from System preferences --> Notifications

Disabled I do get the alert in the right hand corner.

If I switch System preferences --> Notifications for Mail Off I get no notification in Mail except for the unread red dot in the dock.

This has been reported and discussed since at least 2018!

Why is there a delay between mail notific… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Why is there a delay between mail arrivin… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

🤞🏻


View attachment 1725227View attachment 1725229

And... what makes you think that, a bug present since 2018, and made it to Big Sur, will suddenly be fixed in 11.3? Just out of curiosity

 

[Unsupported]

I'm hoping against all the odds that the long standing Notifications bug in Mail.app might get fixed in 11.3, finally!

This has been reported and discussed since at least 2018!

Why is there a delay between mail notific… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Why is there a delay between mail arrivin… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

🤞🏻

Since 2015 no less!

And beta testers on this forum have reported it to Apple since the early Big Sur betas.

Anyone else not receiving notifications o… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Feb 1, 2015 5:55 PM in response to Eric Root


I have the same problem too. I've spoken with a senior tech about it several times and it is definitely something the engineers are aware of and working on. It is intermittent on both my iMac and MacAir. Probably have to wait for 10.10.3 until it's fixed. Only consolation at this point is that it isn't your settings or your machine.

Pam

 

[Unsupported]

And... what makes you think that, a bug present since 2018, and made it to Big Sur, will suddenly be fixed in 11.3? Just out of curiosity

Like I said, I'm hoping against all the odds. After all Mail.app is an Apple product bundled with the OS.

This bug has been there since 2015!

Anyone else not receiving notifications o… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

 

[Apple_Robert]

Finally! - This has been all I've wanted for a long time.

I may have to get another HomePod mini just so I can use this feature with my M1.

 

[david.olstein]

Finally! - This has been all I've wanted for a long time.

+1 What a relief to finally have support for stereo paired HomePods in Mac OS. I'm currently able stream from Roon to my stereo paired HomePods, but occasionally the music gets out of sync. It still amazes me that Apple so long to add this feature to MacOS. I just hope it doesn't get pulled from the final version of Big Sur 11.3.