Apple Seeds Release Candidate Version of macOS Big Sur 11.2 to Developers and Public Beta Testers

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the RC version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta coming a week after the second beta and two months after initial macOS Big Sur release.

Developers can download the ‌‌macOS Big Sur‌‌ 11.2 beta using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the proper profile from the Apple Developer Center.

macOS Big Sur 11.2 beta 2 eliminates a feature that allowed Apple apps bypass third-party firewalls, security tools, and VPN apps. macOS Big Sur 11 included a ContentFilterExclusionList that let Apple's apps like the App Store, Maps, iCloud, and more to avoid firewall and VPN apps that users had installed. These apps were not able to filter or inspect traffic for some built-in Apple apps. That functionality has been removed in macOS Big Sur 11.2.

When macOS Big Sur 11.2 sees a release, Apple apps will be compatible with VPN apps and will no longer be able to bypass firewalls and other security tools.

According to Apple's release notes, the update also improves Bluetooth reliability and includes multiple bug fixes.

macOS Big Sur 11.2 improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes 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

The update addresses a bug that could cause external displays to show a black screen when connected to an M1 Mac mini using an HDMI to DVI converter, and it fixes an issue that resulted in edits to Apple ProRaw photos in the Photos app not to save. It also includes fixes for iCloud Drive, System Preferences, and more.

Article Link: Apple Seeds Release Candidate Version of macOS Big Sur 11.2 to Developers and Public Beta Testers

 

[Kylo83]

still not fixed the auto AirPods switching to macOS still doesn't work only to iPhone and iPad

 

[kevinleecutler]

release to the public surely within a week or two then.

 

[Apple_Robert]

release to the public surely within a week or two then.

I hope so. I am tired of experiencing Bluetooth cut out.

 

[ashdelacroix]

If it stops my Safari crashing at least once a day, I'll be very happy.

 

[Ledurpabbi]

Still not showing for me. Going mad with these Bluetooth issues on the M1

 

[Realityck]

Hope this is more optimized. RC is showing for Public Beta testers now.

 

[kevinleecutler]

I hope so. I am tired of experiencing Bluetooth cut out.

Its not a huge bug bare (pun intended) but it will be nice to not have those issues. I don't want to install the beta just to rid of this

 

[Ledurpabbi]

Its not a huge bug bare (pun intended) but it will be nice to not have those issues. I don't want to install the beta just to rid of this

RC = Gold Master = The version that will be released next week. Right?

 

[kevinleecutler]

RC = Gold Master = The version that will be released next week. Right?

if that's the case...show me the download button

 

[Ledurpabbi]

Ok.. it's here. 3GB +

 

[Ledurpabbi]

if that's the case...show me the download button

Yeah, they changed it in the fall. It was always called Gold Master. I liked that more, but hey..

 

[coolfactor]

I _almost_ installed Big Sur on my 2013 MacBook Air, but stopped at the last minute. Just can't take any chances with my production machine. Thinking of geting an M1 Mac and keeping the Air on Catalina.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Its not a huge bug bare (pun intended) but it will be nice to not have those issues. I don't want to install the beta just to rid of this

I agree its not worth installing beta. I got off the beta train last year.

 

[Nermal]

Hopefully this fixes the 'DumpGPURestart' bug, but I'm not holding my breath...

 

[mjohnston39]

Wonder if this will fix the YPrBr colour output issues with some monitors...

 

[Dundurs]

Ready for Public also here

 

[thadoggfather]

Still not showing for me. Going mad with these Bluetooth issues on the M1

someone please report back if this fixes the Bluetooth issues! tired of Magic Mouse 2 disconnects

 

[mikeboss]

Build 20D53

 

[Ledurpabbi]

someone please report back if this fixes the Bluetooth issues! tired of Magic Mouse 2 disconnects

Will do... Also a lot of issues with AirPods Pro and Max.

 

[thadoggfather]

Will do... Also a lot of issues with AirPods Pro and Max.

when you have multiple devices connected at once, do they all disconnect and reconnect at the same time, or just intermittently scattered timing for each device?

For me with gen 1 AirPods + MM2, when MM2 disconnects AirPods don't skip a beat,

it sounds a bit like a Big Sur problem since people on Intel Macs report problems, exacerbated by new hardware + drivers, or something.

 

[KoolAid-Drink]

Yeah, they changed it in the fall. It was always called Gold Master. I liked that more, but hey..

Agreed. However, "golden master" refers to when they distributed the OS on CDs and DVDs back in the day (master disc image). Usually back then, the GM was the final version. It was a vestigial nomenclature that was no longer relevant, given the possibility nowadays to update software more quickly. "Release candidate" makes sense because it implies that, as a candidate, it can be updated if needed to free itself of any showstopper bugs, while master implies it's final.

But yes, I do miss the GM nomenclature. It's reminiscent of a simpler time.

 

[Macropanda]

Got my replacement M1 MacBook Pro today after the first refused to have internet for more than 10 seconds.
Same issue with this one.
I’m hoping 11.2 fixes it or it will have to go back for a refund.

 

[Ledurpabbi]

Just a bunch of Bluetooth mess all over. What you described + no connection to my AirPods Max and my Magic Mouse acting super weird.

when you have multiple devices connected at once, do they all disconnect and reconnect at the same time, or just intermittently scattered timing for each device?

For me with gen 1 AirPods + MM2, when MM2 disconnects AirPods don't skip a beat,

it sounds a bit like a Big Sur problem since people on Intel Macs report problems, exacerbated by new hardware + drivers, or something.

someone please report back if this fixes the Bluetooth issues! tired of Magic Mouse 2 disconnects

Will do... Also a lot of issues with AirPods Pro and Max.

 

[thadoggfather]

^ ya know... I feel like going from 13.4.1 to 13.5 last year on my SE2 made bluetooth wonky with my car whereas was fine on 13.4.1

not the same situation, but annoying how much of a crapshoot basic functionality can be