macOS High Sierra public beta 4 drops

Apple on Tuesday issued a fourth public beta of macOS High Sierra 10.13, packing in the same features and changes as yesterday’s macOS High Sierra beta 5 for developers.

Installing macOS High Sierra public beta

Before you can install the macOS public beta on your Mac, you must sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program by signing in with your regular Apple ID at beta.apple.com.

TUTORIAL: How to switch from macOS beta to official release

Once in, click the “Enroll Your Devices” link to download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility which lets your Mac receive public beta software via the Software Update mechanism.

To check if your computer has been successfully enrolled in the beta program, open System Preferences and click the App Store icon. A message will appear saying “your computer is set to receive beta software update” if your Mac is enrolled in the program.

New High Sierra features

High Sierra introduces new core storage, video and graphics technologies.

It comes with an enhanced Photos app featuring a new sidebar, precise curve-based editing and support for third-party apps like Pixelmator and Photoshop. Stock apps like FaceTime, Messages and Notes have received a few subtle refinements, too.

Originally released as a developer-only preview at WWDC in June, macOS High Sierra also includes the new Apple File System, support for High Efficiency Video Codec (also known as H.265), an updated version of Metal with support for VR applications and external GPU enclosures, Safari 11 with new anti-tracking features, support for flight status information in Spotlight, more natural voices for Siri and much more.

High Sierra will release for public consumption this fall across supported Mac models.