macOS Sequoia arrived on Macs in September 2024, however the beta growth continues and in case you are a registered developer or registered as a public beta tester, you’ll be able to proceed to get the most recent updates and check out new options nonetheless not accessible to most people.
On this article, we’ll clarify what’s within the newest model of the Sequoia beta, what you have to do to get your arms on a replica, the right way to set up it, and what you must keep in mind in the event you don’t wish to find yourself in a pickle. In case you would favor to make use of the most recent official launch of macOS Sequoia right here’s the right way to replace macOS in your Mac.
Up to now, the developer beta was solely accessible to builders who had paid to hitch Apple’s Developer Program (which prices $99/£79). Nevertheless, for a few years now, Apple has opened up the developer beta to registered builders with free developer accounts. We clarify the right way to get a free developer account beneath.
Not that we advocate that you must get the beta in the event you aren’t a developer. Beta software program tends to be buggy and a extra steady public beta model can be accessible.
In case you now not wish to run the beta model of macOS learn this: Tips on how to take away the macOS beta.
macOS developer beta: Newest model
Apple launched a brand new macOS Sequoia 15.4 Launch Candidate on March 27, 2024. This one just isn’t labeled as a second RC replaces the RC launched on March 24, 2025
Sequoia 15.4 options the Mail sorting options that have been launched in iOS 18.2. Whenever you open an Inbox, 4 icons seem on the prime representing the sorting strategies: Major, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. In case you swipe from the fitting finish of the icons to the left, you’ll be able to activate an choice for All Mail to be listed. In Mail on the Mac, these choices will seem on the prime of the Inbox message itemizing. When you’ve got Apple Intelligence enabled in your Mac, you’ll additionally see a brand new Precedence Notifications part on the prime of your Inbox to point out any essential messages you might have missed.
One other new function is Proximity Pairing that works with iPhones operating iOS 18.4, in line with 9to5Mac. When organising a brand new Mac, you’ll be capable of pair it with an iPhone to switch over info similar to your Apple Account knowledge.
Apple Intelligence can be accessible in a number of non-English nations, together with nations within the European Union, Brazil, India, and Japan.
macOS public beta: Newest model
macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta 4: March 17, 2025.
Foundry
Apple normally releases the Public beta a day or so after the developer beta arrives.
macOS Sequoia beta timeline
The primary model of the Sequoia developer beta of macOS 15 arrived after the WWDC keynote on June 10, 2024. Beta 2 arrived on June 24.
The primary public beta of Sequoia arrived on July 15, 2024.
Developer beta 4 was launched on July 23. The second public beta additionally arrived on July 23, 2024.
Developer beta 5 arrived on August 5 adopted by the third public beta.
Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 developer beta 6 on August 12. The fourth public beta of Sequoia arrived on August 13, 2024.
Developer beta 7 and the fifth public beta of Sequoia have been launched on August 20.
On August 28, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15 beta 8 and the sixth public beta of Sequoia. The discharge candidate of Sequoia arrived on September 9. The complete model of Sequoia arrived on suitable Macs on September 16.
macOS Sequoia 15.1
There have been truly two variations of the developer beta. A second beta was operating consecutively with the macOS 15.0 beta growth. The macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta included Apple Intelligence options which can be solely accessible on M-series Macs (a iOS 18.1 beta was additionally in growth individually with Apple Intelligence options for suitable iPhones). Apple began work on the macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta on July 29. Beta 2 arrived on August 12, beta 3 was launched to builders on August 28.
Initially this beta was just for builders, however Apple launched a macOS Sequoia 15.1 pubic beta on September 19, 2024, following the discharge of Sequoia to most people. Ultimately, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 launch candidate was launched on October 21 and a second launch candidate 2 was launched on October 24.
The ultimate model of macOS Sequoia 15.1 arrived on suitable Macs on October 28.
macOS Sequoia 15.2
On October 23, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 1 to builders. Model 15.2 launched the second set of Apple Intelligence options. On November 20, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia beta 4 to builders.
On December 5, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.2 Launch Candidate. On December 9, Apple launched the Launched Candidate 2. The official launch of 15.2 was on December 11.
macOS Sequoia 15.3
On December 16, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 1 to builders. This beta contains the flexibility to create Gemoji.
On January 7, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 2 to builders.
Beta 3 of 15.3 got here on January 16.
Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.3 launch candidate (RC) to builders on January 21.
macOS Sequoia 15.4
On February 19, Apple launched the macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta to builders. It included Mail updates and Proximity Pairing with the iPhone.
On March 10, Apple launched beta 3 to builders.
On March 17, Apple launched beta 4 to builders.
On March 24, Apple launched the Launch Candidate 1 to builders. On March 27, Apple launched a brand new RC that changed the one launched on March 24.
macOS public beta vs developer beta
Since 2023 the Developer Beta has been accessible to anybody who registers as a developer, even when they aren’t a paid-up member of Apple’s Developer Program. Consequently, folks with a primary free developer account are in a position to obtain the brand new macOS developer beta (we present you the right way to register beneath).
Whether or not you must obtain the developer beta in the event you aren’t a developer is one other query. We don’t advocate you put in the developer beta in the event you aren’t a developer. As a substitute, our suggestion is to make use of the general public beta (the primary verison of which normally arrives in July).
There are a number of variations between the general public and developer betas. The general public beta just isn’t the identical because the beta that’s launched by means of the developer program.
Builders get updates to their beta first, and presumably extra ceaselessly. However you must take into account that betas are by nature not steady, and since the general public beta comes after the developer beta it may very well be slightly safer to put in.
Essentially the most vital distinction might be the motive of the testers: Builders normally have the goal of guaranteeing their apps work when the up to date macOS is launched to most people, whereas public beta testers are primarily serving to Apple detect bugs and providing suggestions on the options. Due to this builders could get to check new options not accessible within the public beta.
If you wish to get the general public beta the very first thing you have to do, in the event you haven’t already, is be part of Apple’s beta packages learn this for extra info: Tips on how to grow to be an Apple beta tester.
Apple
Tips on how to get a free developer account
In case you simply desire a free Apple Developer account so you’ll be able to entry the beta you may get this through Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Right here’s the right way to do it through the Apple Developer app on an iPhone:
Get the Apple Developer App from the App Retailer.
Open the app in your iPhone.
Faucet on Account.
Faucet on Signal In.
Sign up utilizing your typical Apple ID.
In case you want to truly publish functions to the App Retailer or obtain assist, you’ll must pay $99/£79 per 12 months for a paid account. You may examine the free and paid accounts right here.
Tips on how to get the macOS beta
The Sequoia developer beta ought to present up in your Mac in case you are operating macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, have paid $99/£79 to enroll in Apple’s Developer program (right here) or if in case you have a free developer account (comply with the directions above).
When the Public Beta turns into accessible it can additionally present up in your Mac, so long as you could have signed up for the Public Beta program on Apple’s beta webpage, signed the NDA, and enrolled your Mac.
Earlier than you obtain a number of warnings:
We strongly advise that in the event you aren’t a developer you don’t obtain the developer beta.
We additionally strongly advocate that you just again up your Mac earlier than you improve to the Sequoia beta.
We advocate that you don’t run Sequoia beta in your major Mac; ideally, you run it in a separate quantity. This could reduce any dangers to you.
Tips on how to obtain macOS beta
Open Software program Updates in your Mac. (System Settings > Common > Software program Updates.)
It is best to see two choices: Automated Updates and Beta Updates. Click on on the (i) beside Beta Updates.
Now you can activate Beta Updates (in the event that they weren’t already on).
Select the beta you wish to obtain.
In case your developer account is tied to a special Apple ID to your typical one you’ll be able to change that right here.
Click on Achieved.
Now your Mac will Verify for updates and ultimately present the Sequoia Developer Beta as an improve. Click on on Improve Now.
Foundry
In case you are operating macOS Ventura 13.3 or earlier:
Apple modified the way in which it delivers betas in Ventura 13.4. In case you aren’t but operating that model of macOS you have to to obtain the macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility or macOS Public Beta Entry Utility.
In case you have been already operating an earlier macOS Public Beta you’ll discover the brand new macOS beta as an improve through Software program Replace. Simply click on on Improve Now. You’ll have to replace to the most recent model of your present beta earlier than you are able to do so, if not comply with the steps beneath to get the beta entry utility.
In case you are enrolled within the Developer Program, go to Apple’s beta obtain web page. Click on on Set up Profile to obtain the brand new macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility to your Mac.
In case you are enrolled as a public beta tester, obtain the macOS Public Beta Entry Utility.
Go to Downloads in your Mac and click on on the macOS Beta Entry Utility to open it.
Double-click on the dmg file and the installer will run.
As soon as the brand new macOS beta is put in Software program Replace will examine to see if there are any updates. Click on Replace and the most recent model will obtain.
You’ll see a immediate to put in the most recent macOS beta, click on on Proceed.
Conform to the Ts&Cs (extra on them beneath).
Click on Set up.
Tips on how to replace macOS beta variations
As soon as you might be operating the beta the updates will come by means of to your Mac routinely, you simply must click on to put in.
You’ll obtain a notification when the subsequent replace to the beta is offered.
Updates can be accessible through Software program Replace (in System Settings/System Preferences)
The whole lot else you have to learn about beta testing
That covers the right way to get the betas, however upon getting them what are you able to do, and what do you have to do? We’ll cowl that beneath.
Is the macOS beta steady?
By its nature, a beta has the potential to be unstable. Subsequently it’s not suggested that you just set up it on a Mac that you just depend on. When you’ve got a second Mac that isn’t mission-critical then set up it there. We strongly advocate that you just don’t danger all by placing the macOS beta in your major macOS, particularly not within the early days of the beta growth.
In case you don’t have a second Mac there are a few methods you might run macOS beta in your Mac with out operating the danger of dropping knowledge or discovering your Mac stops working:
We focus on the protection of the macOS beta and the dangers you could be taking in additional element in a separate article.
If the soundness of the beta worries you then you might be most likely higher off ready till the ultimate model is out, or at the least ready till testing has been taking place for a number of months earlier than getting the beta.
Tips on how to put together your Mac for the beta
Replace your software program: We advocate you could have the most recent full model of macOS put in, though Apple says that the macOS Developer Beta Entry Utility requires macOS 10.8 or later.
Make house: We’d advocate at the least 15GB of obtainable house as a result of the macOS betas are typically very giant. If you find yourself requiring extra space learn: Tips on how to unencumber house on Mac. Notice that we all the time advocate that you’ve at the least 10% house free in your Mac at any time, so in the event you don’t have that count on issues!
Again up: Prior to installing a beta in your Mac you must make a backup of your knowledge and information. You’ll find out the right way to use Time Machine to again up your Mac. We even have a round-up of appropriate backup options.
Tips on how to ship suggestions to Apple
Do you have to come throughout an error or a bug you must use the Suggestions Assistant app to supply suggestions to Apple. Launch the app and comply with the suitable steps, choosing the world about which you’re offering suggestions after which any particular sub-area. Then describe your difficulty in a single sentence, earlier than offering a extra detailed description, together with any particular steps that reproduce the difficulty. You’ll additionally be capable of connect different information.
You’ll even have to present permission for the Suggestions Assistant app to gather diagnostic info out of your Mac.
It received’t all the time be apparent whether or not one thing is a bug or simply not as simple to make use of as you may need hoped. Both method, in case your suggestions is that one thing seems to work in an illogical method, Apple will wish to know that.
In case you are having bother with a third-party app you’ll be able to let Apple know by reporting it by means of the Third-party Software Compatibility class within the Suggestions Assistant. Nevertheless, we’d recommend that you just additionally present suggestions to the app’s developer who will little question be grateful.
Will I be capable of replace from macOS beta to the ultimate model?
Beta customers will be capable of set up the ultimate construct of the OS on launch day while not having to reformat or reinstall.
Can I speak in regards to the beta publicly?
In line with Apple and the license settlement all beta testers should comply with, the beta is “Apple confidential info”. By accepting these phrases, you agree to not focus on your use of the software program with anybody who isn’t additionally within the Beta Software program Program. Meaning you’ll be able to’t “weblog, publish screenshots, tweet, or publicly publish details about the general public beta software program.”
Nevertheless, you’ll be able to focus on any info that Apple has publicly disclosed; the corporate says that info is now not thought-about confidential.
Tips on how to downgrade from the macOS beta
You may all the time revert to an earlier model of macOS, although relying on the way you again up, it’s not essentially a painless course of.
Begin by ensuring the info in your drive is backed up, then erase the drive and set up the most recent public model of macOS. Whenever you first startup your Mac you should utilize the Migration Assistant to import your knowledge from the backup. Right here’s a extra detailed tutorial on downgrading from the macOS beta we even have a tutorial on downgrading to an older model of the Mac OS.
