Beta version of iTunes 11.1.6 restores local contact and calendar sync

OS X Mavericks (Features, MacBook)

Apple has seeded a new beta of OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 to some of its employees today. The release comes one week after Apple released the second beta of 10.9.3 to devs, which included few noticeable changes.

The new beta build is not yet available to registered Mac developers, but should be via the Software Update tab in the Mac App Store soon, or as a download via the Mac section of Apple’s developer portal

iTunes 11 (Albums)

Today’s beta doesn’t bring anything new of note, but Apple also seeded a beta of iTunes 11.1.6 (via 9to5Mac) that’s worth mentioning as it “restores the ability to sync contacts and calendar info from your Mac.”

As noted by MacRumors, this feature was removed in Mavericks to the complaints of many users—as evidenced by this 200+ page support thread with nearly 300K views. So the change will certainly be welcomed.

The latest developer version of OS X 10.9.3 includes audio and graphic fixes, as well as a new Retina resolution option for Mac users with 4K displays.