Apple Seeds Second Beta of macOS Sierra to Developers - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Seeds Second Beta of macOS Sierra to Developers

Apple today seeded the second beta of macOS Sierra, the newest operating system designed for the Mac, to developers. macOS Sierra beta 2 comes three weeks after the software was first unveiled at Apple's 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference.

The update can be downloaded through the software update mechanism in the Mac App Store or through the Apple Developer Center.

macossierraroundup
macOS Sierra is a major update that brings Siri to the Mac for the first time, allowing users to conduct voice searches to quickly find files, look up information, and more. New Continuity features offer an "Auto Unlock" option for unlocking a Mac with an Apple Watch and a Universal Clipboard for copying something on one Apple device and pasting it on another.

Deeper iCloud integration makes files stored on the desktop or the Documents folder of a Mac available on all of a user's devices, and Photos features new deep learning algorithms for facial, object, and scene recognition. There's a new Memories feature for displaying photo collections, and Messages has features like rich links, bigger emoji, and "Tapback" response options.


Apple Pay is coming to the web in macOS Sierra, with payments authenticated through an iPhone or Apple Watch, and new features like multiple tabs, Picture in Picture multitasking, and optimized storage are available.

For full details on all of the new features included in macOS Sierra, make sure to check out our macOS Sierra roundup.

Changes in Beta 2

- Auto Unlock via Apple Watch is now available. It requires that your iCloud account have Two-Factor (not Two-Step) Authentication enabled and that your Mac be from 2013 or newer. iOS 10 and watchOS 3 are also required.

Related Forum: macOS Sierra

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results

Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:59 pm PDT by
Since 2023, Apple's newer iPhones have had an 80 percent charge limit for those who want to extend battery lifespan. Charging to 80 percent instead of 100 percent is supposed to put less stress on the battery, improving longevity. For the last three years, I've used that setting on my iPhone. I started with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, then did the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and most recently, the iPhone...
MagSafe 3 Cable Midnight Feature

Apple Releases MagSafe 3 Charging Cable Firmware Update

Monday October 5, 2026 5:59 am PDT by
For the first time since February 2023, Apple has released a firmware update for the MagSafe 3 charging cable for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Specifically, Apple last week released firmware version 3.2.0 for the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable. The previous firmware version for the cable was 3.1.12. It is unclear what is included in the latest firmware, as Apple does not publish release...
Prime Big Deal Days 25 Red and Green

Amazon Launches Prime Day Discounts on AirPods, iPad, MacBook Air, and More

Sunday October 4, 2026 9:15 am PDT by
Earlier this week, we began tracking early Prime Day deals on Apple-related accessories, and now Amazon has introduced major early deals on Apple products as well. This includes AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and more, all available at some of the lowest prices of the year so far. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small...

Top Rated Comments

SoyCapitanSoyCapitan Avatar
134 months ago
Hoping a guru might help out here.

For those not aware, once you allow Apple to iCloud your system, iCloud becomes the "master" of your data. I've been over this in another thread - but basically, this OS sounds like its turning over even MORE of your information over to iCloud, probably enabled by default (I'm guessing).

So this will be the first OS that actually frightens me. Can those testing it let the rest of us know how to prevent mighty iCloud from having more rights to our data than WE do?

Hey (hey) you (you)... get offa iCloud.

It's bad enough that nastiness is tied to every iApp - I seriously don't wish for it to spread its disease across my desktop or anywhere else. No thanks.
The gurus say you have choice over what or if you want to sync your data. The gurus say you can enable or disable cloud use. The gurus say if you do enable cloud syncing your data is so highly encrypted that it pisses off the Feds.

But clickbait sites enjoy a good profitable conspiracy theory about big brother coming to get your selfies.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Coluch Avatar
134 months ago
I'm not paranoid ;) I screwed up and allowed Apple to iCloud my "photo stream". That quickly came to a head as I ran out of "free storage". So I turned it off.

Don't wish to repeat the other thread - but I have no paranoia about others "lurking" through my stuff. My concern is that I no longer OWN MY STUFF. Apple does. Not a copyright - but the right to delete the data I CREATED across all my devices once I turn iCloud OFF. It appears to be very punitive and designed to scare most users into buying more iStorage for fear of losing their "stuff".

Please - take a tour of iCloud.com. Find the "Download All" button. It's not there.

So, you turn off iCloud - Apple gives you 30 days to reclaim any data you've stored on iCloud, which you must recover piecemeal from iCloud.com. FUN!!!!!

I seriously may not upgrade to this OS. And I'm hoping possibly OTHERS might be hesitant to allow their favoritest bestest beloved corporation ever to TAKE OWNERSHIP of THEIR data.

I don't see how I'm being paranoid or crazy or theorizing any conspiracy. iCloud is iCloud. The gurus have confirmed the TOS. Allow it to invade your computer and... good luck with ever wishing to GET OUT.

Repeat. iCloud - All Your File Are Belong to Us. Rinse, wash, repeat again.
Is there another reason you are being so dramatic about this? It is very simple to only enable iCloud to sync things like bookmarks and contacts and such. Lightweight data that will never fill up your free storage allotment.

If you want a backup of your photos, it's up to you if you want to back them up yourself, or to pay for the ease of letting apple do it for you.

Personally, I only sync the minimal amount and manage my own backups.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JGRE Avatar
134 months ago
Thanks - so all of my syncing (messaging, contacts, calendar) will no longer work with this OS because I'll be opting out of iCloud?

iCloud is an insidious lil bugger - turn it on, it grabs everything it can as fast as it can and claims "ownership" - then turn it off and Apple kindly warns you - "Are you sure? Turning off iCloud will remove ALL data stored on iCloud from all of your devices."

Sorry, but this just sounds horrific. I LIKE the syncing part - that's cool. But no thanks on iCloud basically "rooting" all over my stuff, if "rooting" is the right term?

Prior to iCloud, I owned all my stuff. Post-iCloud, Apple owns all my stuff. And, as the reps are kind enough to relate, iCloud is not for "backup".

Apple iCloud - All Your Files Are Belong to Us. Ugh...
Get over yourself, there is nothing wrong with iCloud.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
akac Avatar
134 months ago
I'm being dramatic because - once you turn ON iCloud - it starts claiming everything it can. You then have to jump through every possible hoop to turn it off wherever you might find the "option".
You are aware of the iCloud preference in System Preferences, right? There are no hoops. Its a list of checkboxes. Uncheck whatever you don't want. Turn it on for iMessage, Facetime, turn it off for storage.

You are going quite dramatic without actually knowing what is going on. Its quite simple: Apple added a new option to sync your data to iCloud and make it accessible to the rest of your iPhones/Macs/iPads. Its an option. You can turn it off. You can do so before you've turned on anything else.

So no, Apple does not own your stuff. You do not have lose syncing of messages, calendar, notes, and contacts. None of the dramatic stuff you're yelling about and scaring people who know even less than you do.

We are in Beta 2. Just chill. When the OS comes out, read one of the review guides.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nortonandreev Avatar
134 months ago
You can now print tracklists on iTunes. Also the album sizes in "Recently Added" is changed again. It's quite big...


Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
134 months ago
when do the Public betas come out? Sometime this month I know, but when? I am excited to get into the new OSes.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Apple's Own Home Security Camera Still Coming Next Year
Apple's Own Home Security Camera Still Coming Next Year
2 hours ago
Unfolded iPhone Duo Lets You Preview Documents in a Two-Page Layout
Unfolded iPhone Duo Lets You Preview Documents in a Two-Page Layout
2 hours ago
Formula 1 Coverage on Apple TV to Get Dolby Atmos Later This Month
Formula 1 Coverage on Apple TV to Get Dolby Atmos Later This Month
3 hours ago
LG Making Doorbell, Lock, and Cameras for Apple's Home Hub
LG Making Doorbell, Lock, and Cameras for Apple's Home Hub
14 hours ago
Apple to Report Q4 2026 Earnings on November 2
Apple to Report Q4 2026 Earnings on November 2
15 hours ago
Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results
Three Years of 80% Charge Limits on iPhone: The Results
16 hours ago
macOS 27.2 Further Hints at MacBook With Touch-Enabled OLED Display
macOS 27.2 Further Hints at MacBook With Touch-Enabled OLED Display
18 hours ago
The 15 Best Apple Deals Under $200 for Prime Day
The 15 Best Apple Deals Under $200 for Prime Day
18 hours ago
AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 Get Big Price Drops for Prime Day
AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 Get Big Price Drops for Prime Day
19 hours ago
Apple Releases Second Public Betas of iOS 27.2 and macOS Golden Gate 27.2
Apple Releases Second Public Betas of iOS 27.2 and macOS Golden Gate 27.2
19 hours ago
'Crossy Road Rush' Launching Exclusively on Apple Arcade in November
'Crossy Road Rush' Launching Exclusively on Apple Arcade in November
19 hours ago
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 12 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
20 hours ago
Prime Day Savings: TVs, Headphones, Chargers, and Other Tech Accessories
Prime Day Savings: TVs, Headphones, Chargers, and Other Tech Accessories
21 hours ago
Apple TV 4K Rumored to Support Four HomePods for Surround Sound
Apple TV 4K Rumored to Support Four HomePods for Surround Sound
22 hours ago
iPhone 18 Pro and Duo Were Once Planned With 16GB RAM, Leaker Says
iPhone 18 Pro and Duo Were Once Planned With 16GB RAM, Leaker Says
22 hours ago
Apple's Entire Mac Lineup Gets Massive Discounts for Prime Day
Apple's Entire Mac Lineup Gets Massive Discounts for Prime Day
22 hours ago
Prime Day iPad Deals Include Low Prices on iPad Air, iPad Mini, and More
Prime Day iPad Deals Include Low Prices on iPad Air, iPad Mini, and More
22 hours ago
Apple's $634 Million Apple Watch Patent Bill Just Got Even Bigger
Apple's $634 Million Apple Watch Patent Bill Just Got Even Bigger
23 hours ago
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Offers Major Discounts on AirPods, iPads, and Much More
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Offers Major Discounts on AirPods, iPads, and Much More
18 hours ago
Microsoft OneDrive to Drop Support for These iPhone Models
Microsoft OneDrive to Drop Support for These iPhone Models
1 day ago
HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh
HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh
1 day ago
Apple Music Is Getting a New Logo
Apple Music Is Getting a New Logo
1 day ago
Apple Quietly Boosts Email Feature for iCloud+ Subscribers
Apple Quietly Boosts Email Feature for iCloud+ Subscribers
6 hours ago
iOS 27.2 May Let You Hide Specific Suggested Actions in Messages
iOS 27.2 May Let You Hide Specific Suggested Actions in Messages
1 day ago
Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October
Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October
1 day ago
Apple Announces iPhone Duo Apps Can Now Be Submitted to App Store
Apple Announces iPhone Duo Apps Can Now Be Submitted to App Store
1 day ago
macOS 27.2 Adds Touch Gestures Ahead of MacBook Ultra
macOS 27.2 Adds Touch Gestures Ahead of MacBook Ultra
2 days ago
Apple and AT&T Have Yet to Explain Cause of iPhone 18 Pro Max Issue
Apple and AT&T Have Yet to Explain Cause of iPhone 18 Pro Max Issue
2 days ago
tvOS 27.2 Code Hints at Apple Intelligence for New Apple TV
tvOS 27.2 Code Hints at Apple Intelligence for New Apple TV
2 days ago
Apple Seeds Third macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers
Apple Seeds Third macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers
2 days ago