Apple today seeded the first public beta of a future update for macOS Big Sur 11.3 for its public beta testing group, with the new software coming two days after the beta was released to developers.
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Public beta testers can download macOS Big Sur 11.2 from the Software Update section of the System Preferences application after installing the appropriate profile from the Apple beta software website.
MacOS Big Sur 11.3 features more customization options for Safari, adding a way to rearrange the different sections of the home page, such as Favorites, Reading List, Siri Suggestions, Privacy Report and more. Developers also have access to a new integration to develop resources for the home page.
The update includes optimizations for using iOS apps on M1 Macs. When running iPhone and iPad applications on M1 Macs, there is a Touch Alternatives preference panel that allows users to define keyboard commands for touch input alternatives, in addition to iPadOS applications being launched with a larger window if the Mac screen allows it. Touch alternatives can be enabled for iPhone or iPad applications by clicking on the application name in the menu bar and selecting the Preferences option. Touch alternatives allow you to customize touches, swipes and swipes.
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 application, reminder lists can be sorted by Due Date, Creation Date, Priority or Title, and there is an option to print lists at File> Print. Reminders can also be moved manually through lists by dragging and dropping, which was not possible before.
Apple is adding a new library shortcut “Made for you” to Apple Music to find personal mixes and repeat playlists, and the Listen Now section has been updated with support to highlight live events.
There are new sorting options in the Reminders app, along with options for printing, and Apple Music has been updated with a shortcut Made for You and a live event option in the Listen Now section.
In the Apple News app, there is a redesigned Apple News + tab with a dedicated “For you” section and a new Browse tab that makes it easier to browse available content. The new For You section is designed to help Apple News + users find favorite magazines and newspapers much faster, as well as adding new tools to manage downloaded editions.
9to5Mac found that macOS Big Sur 11.3 includes an updated “Support” interface when accessing “About this Mac”. The new design includes details about the warranty and allows you to initiate a direct repair of the Mac interface.
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The tab will work similarly to the AppleCare coverage menu in the iOS Settings app, which allows users to request repairs, purchase an AppleCare plan and check their coverage. This updated support menu is not visible in the first beta version of macOS Big Sur 11.3, but may come at a later date. There are also signs that Apple may be planning to bring a support application for 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 appearing as a single selectable speaker instead of as separate as in previous versions macOS.