Apple seeds third macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta to developers [Updated: public beta now available]

Apple continues to march forward towards the next update for macOS Big Sur. Today, the company launched another beta towards that end.

Update (03/03/2021): Apple has seeded the corresponding public beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3 to public beta testers. It can be downloaded and installed as an over-the-air update on supported and properly registered Macs.

The original article continues below.

Apple on Tuesday seeded the third beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3 to developers. It’s available now for registered developers. As is par for the course, this is prerelease software and it should not be installed on daily drivers. It’s meant entirely for testing purposes. Apple will likely seed the corresponding public beta to the public beta testers out there soon enough.

Developers can use the Software Update option in System Preferences to download the update. The prerelease software can also be downloaded from Apple’s Developer Center.

WWDC 2020 macos big sur

As far as what’s new? There’s quite a bit, even if this isn’t a major update in the grand scheme of things.

What’s new in macOS 11.3 Big Sur

  • Users will be able to use HomePods in stereo while connected to their Mac, setting it as the default audio output option.
  • A new dedicated Support menu in the software will show more relevant information.
  • The Apple Music app is getting support for the autoplay feature that the iOS version has. This means that the music streaming service will continue to play music after a queue or playlist ends. The autoplay feature will generate new tracks based on the user’s library.
  • Safari is getting more customizable options in the Start Page, including the ability to move Favorites, Siri Suggestions, the Privacy Report, Reading List, and more.
  • There are additional optimizations made for using iOS apps on M1-equipped Macs.
  • The Reminders app can be sorted in new ways, including Priority, Creation Date, Title, or Due Date. Reminder lists can also be printed.
  • The Apple Music app is also picking up a “Made For You” library shortcut. Users will be able to find their Replay playlists in here, as well as other personal mixes.
  • The Apple News section is getting a new News+ section, including a new “For You” option.
  • The latest update also adds support for Sony’s PlayStation 5 DualSense controller and Microsoft’s Xbox Series S | X controller.

Quite a bit with the new software. No word on a public release date quite yet, but hopefully that happens sooner rather than later.