Earlier today as Apple was unveiling OS X Yosemite for the first time at the Worldwide Developers Conference, software chief Craig Federighi announced that there would be a public open beta for the new operating system ahead of its launch this fall. Now, users on our forums have discovered an AppleSeed sign up page for the program, with Apple noting that the program is open to the first one million users who register.

osx_yosemite_open_beta2

How can I participate?

To join the OS X Beta Program, just sign up using your Apple ID. When the beta software is ready, you’ll receive a redemption code that will allow you to download and install OS X Yosemite Beta from the Mac App Store. Then go ahead and start using it. When you come across an issue that needs addressing, report it directly to Apple with the built-in Feedback Assistant application.

Users will also need to be running OS X Mavericks, and Apple recommends that the OS X Yosemite beta be installed on a secondary Mac in the event of possible bugs and errors.

OS X Yosemite includes a brand new user interface design alongside major new features focusing on seamless integration between Mac and iOS devices. The new operating system also includes a new cloud storage solution called iCloud Drive, as well as the ability to make phone calls and texts through an iPhone.

Top Rated Comments

XboxMySocks Avatar
151 months ago
That leaves you with 2 options.

1) Install Yosemite beta as your only OS

2) Don't use Yosemite beta

Really. I don't understand why it's so damn hard for people to get this.

For real.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
151 months ago
But I don't want to deal with two OS's. I want all my life on one.

That leaves you with 2 options.

1) Install Yosemite beta as your only OS

2) Don't use Yosemite beta
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jbachandouris Avatar
151 months ago
They said "coming this summer." Summer doesn't start until June 21st, officially. And we could be waiting until July or even August. Who knows.

Developers can download a preview now. The public beta will come later.

That's the confusion: the developers can download NOW and the public beta will be later. There are so many posts on here of people already using it, its easy to confuse the two.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HenryDJP Avatar
151 months ago
I really want to sign up but also don't want to deal with bugs. what to do.... :confused:

Um, the article explained what to do.

----------

I'm really looking forward to testing out the Beta, but I just hope that they iron out a few kinks inside the Developer Program first before they release the Beta to the public. I'm expecting bugs, but hopefully not the sort of bugs which make work impossible.:eek:

As a beta tester it's your job to discover the bugs and report them. It shouldn't be used for your daily work.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S.B.G Avatar
151 months ago
But I don't want to deal with two OS's. I want all my life on one.

Sounds like you have a quandary to solve on your own then.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sevoneone Avatar
151 months ago
I should have known better but in the excitement of Apple releasing Yosemite I being an IOS developer downloaded the Yosemite not thinking it would be nearly this buggy because pre release iOS software isn't nearly this bad. I ended up installing it on my main mac an can barely use it is there any way i can revert back to a stable version pf mavericks for a few weeks till this becomes a bit more stable.

----------

Another problem I have ran into is I am running this on my mac book pro retina display but it will not allow me to turn up the audio at all and in the system prefs it shows that there is no output device! please help i need to get audio working.

Time machine, or carbon copy cloner. Please tell me you have a backup?

I only saw one other person mention this, but since 10.6 you can install OS X in a virtual machine, as long as the host environment is running on Apple Hardware. VM Ware Fusion isn't terribly expensive and you can indulge your beta desires without risking your stable installation.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple intelligence black

Report: Apple's AI Strategy Could Finally Pay Off in 2026

Tuesday December 30, 2025 9:01 am PST by
Apple's restrained artificial intelligence strategy may pay off in 2026 amid the arrival of a revamped Siri and concerns around the AI market "bubble" bursting, The Information argues. The speculative report notes that Apple has taken a restrained approach with AI innovations compared with peers such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in data...
apple fitness 2026 1

Apple Teases 'Something Big' Coming Soon to Apple Fitness+

Tuesday December 30, 2025 2:11 pm PST by
The Apple Fitness+ Instagram account today teased that the service has "big plans" for 2026. In a video, several Apple Fitness+ trainers are shown holding up newspapers with headlines related to Apple Fitness+. What's Apple Fitness+ Planning for the New Year? Something Big is Coming to Apple Fitness+ The Countdown Begins. Apple Fitness+ 2026 is Almost Here 2026 Plans Still Under ...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With a Rough iPhone Fold Mockup

Monday December 29, 2025 10:55 am PST by
Apple is rumored to be introducing a foldable iPhone in September 2026, and since it will bring the biggest form factor change since the iPhone was introduced in 2007, curiosity about the design is high. A 3D designer created an iPhone Fold design based on rumors, and we printed it out to see how it compares to Apple's current iPhones. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Users Report Static Speaker Noise While Charging

Tuesday December 30, 2025 10:39 am PST by
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners are having trouble with the speakers of their devices, and have complained about a static or hissing noise that occurs when the iPhone is charging. There are multiple discussions about the issue on Reddit, the MacRumors forums, and Apple's Support Community, where affected users say there is a noticeable static noise "like an old radio." Some people report...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
Mac Pro Feature Blue

What's Happening With the Mac Pro?

Wednesday December 31, 2025 9:59 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2023, and according to recent rumors, there's no update coming in the near future. In fact, Apple might be finished with the Mac Pro. Bloomberg recently said that the Mac Pro is "on the back burner" and has been "largely written off" by Apple. Apple apparently views the more compact Mac Studio as the ideal high-end pro-level desktop, and it has almost...
macbook air march 2020

Apple Says Final Intel MacBook Air and Apple Watch Series 5 Now 'Vintage'

Wednesday December 31, 2025 8:39 am PST by
Apple today added the final 13-inch MacBook Air powered by Intel processors, the Apple Watch Series 5, and additional products to its vintage products list. The iPhone 11 Pro was also added to the list after the iPhone 11 Pro Max was added back in September. The full list of products added to Apple's vintage and obsolete list today: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) iPhone 8 Plus 128GB ...