Apple Seeds Release Candidate Version of Upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

Thursday December 10, 2020 10:12 am PST by Juli Clover

Apple today seeded the release candidate version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.1 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after the release of the second beta and a month after the launch of macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, the release version of the software.

First Look Big Sur Feature2
Developers can download the macOS Big Sur 11.1 beta using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the proper profile from the Apple Developer Center.

There's no word yet on what's included in macOS Big Sur 11.1, but it likely includes performance improvements, security updates, and fixes for bugs that weren't able to be addressed in the release version of macOS Big Sur. It also likely includes new features for the AirPods Max headphones launching next week.

No major new feature changes were discovered in the first two betas, but we'll update this article should something new be found in the release candidate. The software should see a launch on December 14 to add support for the AirPods Max.

Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

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Top Rated Comments

macintoshmac

77 months ago

Build 20C69. I really wish MR would provide this info like it used to, if I remember correctly.

Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Earl Urley

77 months ago

Here's what looks like their release notes on the RC, build is 20C69:

macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update 11.1

macOS Big Sur 11.1 introduces support for AirPods Max, TV app enhancements, Apple News widgets, and privacy information on the App Store. This release also includes bug fixes for your Mac.

AirPods Max

* Support for AirPods Max, new over-ear headphones
* High fidelity audio for rich sound
* Adaptive EQ adapts sound in real time to the personal fit of ear cushions
* Active Noise Cancellation to block out environmental noise
* Transparency mode to hear the environment around you
* Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like listening experience

Apple TV

* An all-new Apple TV+ tab makes it easy to discover and watch Apple Original shows and movies
* Enhanced search so you can browse by category such as genre and see recent searches and suggestions as you type
* Top search results shown with the most relevant matches across movies, TV shows, cast, channels, and sports

Apple News

* Apple News widgets are now available in Notification Center

App Store

* New privacy information section on App Store pages that includes a developer-reported summary of the app’s privacy practices
* In-game dashboard within Arcade games recommends new Arcade games to play

iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1

* New window options for iPhone and iPad apps let you switch between landscape and portrait orientations or expand a window to fill the entire screen

Photos

* Apple ProRAW photos can be edited in the Photos app

Safari

* Ecosia search engine option in Safari

Air Quality

* Available in Maps and Siri for locations in China mainland
* Health recommendations are provided in Siri for the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Mexico at certain air quality levels

This release also addresses the following issues:

* QuickTime Player might quit when opening a movie with a timecode track after upgrading from macOS Catalina
* Bluetooth connection status was not displayed in Control Center
* Reliability of unlocking your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch
* Trackpad scrolling speed may be faster than expected on MacBook Pro models
* LG UltraFine 5K Display may incorrectly display at 4K resolution on Macs with M1

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
For more detailed information about this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211896
For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222