Apple Seeds Second macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate to Developers

Apple today seeded a second macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 release candidate to developers for testing purposes, with the new RC coming one week after the first macOS Big Sur RC was released.

macos big sur desktop
The macOS Big Sur beta can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center and once the appropriate profile is installed, subsequent betas will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences.

macOS Big Sur introduces a refreshed design to the Mac operating system, overhauling the entire look from the curvature of the window corners to the dock icons to the system sounds. Everything features a lighter and more modern appearance. There's a new customizable Control Center that mirrors the Control Center on iOS devices, putting key system controls right at your fingertips.

The Notification Center has been redesigned with iOS-style widgets that are available in multiple sizes, plus there are more interactive notifications that are now grouped by app to make it easier to see what's going on. Safari is faster and more battery efficient, plus there's a new start page that can be customized with wallpapers and sections that include Reading List and iCloud Tabs, which makes Safari more tailored to your individual usage needs.

Tabs now support webpage previews, there's a built-in language translation feature, Chrome and Firefox Extensions can be ported to Safari, and YouTube supports 4K video playback. There's also an option to choose which sites an extension works with for greater privacy. Speaking of privacy, a new Privacy Report feature lets users know the trackers Safari is blocking when you visit websites.

Messages has been brought in line with the Messages app on iOS with support for pinned conversations, mentions, inline replies, and Memoji creation, plus the built-in search feature has been overhauled to make it easier to find links, photos, and conversations in the app.

Apple redesigned the Maps app to add support for Look Around, indoor maps, and Guides, which are lists of notable attractions, restaurants, and more created by trusted sources. Maps can also be used to generate directions for cycling routes and electric vehicle trips that can be sent to iPhone, and shared ETA updates are now viewable on the Mac.

For more on everything that's new in macOS Big Sur, make sure to check out our roundup. macOS Big Sur will see a public launch on Thursday, November 12.

Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

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Top Rated Comments

MaximTV Avatar
61 months ago

Probably the last Intel version of macOS. Looks like full speed ahead to drop the Intel platform just like they did with PPC. The end of hackintosh as well.
I don't think so, as they said that the transition will take a few years.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
patearrings Avatar
61 months ago
About this mac no longer reads "beta" or "release candidate" and now just says "MacOS Big Sur Version 11.0.1"

That looks like a pretty final build to me.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chrfr Avatar
61 months ago

I guess that’s why they switched from GM to RC... Now they can have as many RCs as they want.
Apple always referred to GM seeds in the past and there have often been multiples. They're likely getting away from the wording "master" referred to in GM.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chama98 Avatar
61 months ago

Probably the last Intel version of macOS. Looks like full speed ahead to drop the Intel platform just like they did with PPC. The end of hackintosh as well.
I don't think so. There is too much software and I would guess some people still use bootcamp for work or playing games I use bootcamp for games. If I run games in a virtual machine its painful!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
petvas Avatar
61 months ago

Does it still show as beta in "About this Mac?"
Nope


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Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kalafalas Avatar
61 months ago

Yup, this is final since Apple has stated that the RC replaces the GM.
Yet it’s RC2....
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)