Apple Seeds Release Candidate Version of macOS Big Sur 11.2 to Developers and Public Beta Testers

Apple today seeded the RC version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new beta coming a week after the second beta and two months after initial macOS Big Sur release.

macOS 11
Developers can download the ‌‌macOS Big Sur‌‌ 11.2 beta using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the proper profile from the Apple Developer Center.

macOS Big Sur 11.2 beta 2 eliminates a feature that allowed Apple apps bypass third-party firewalls, security tools, and VPN apps. macOS Big Sur 11 included a ContentFilterExclusionList that let Apple's apps like the App Store, Maps, iCloud, and more to avoid firewall and VPN apps that users had installed. These apps were not able to filter or inspect traffic for some built-in Apple apps. That functionality has been removed in macOS Big Sur 11.2.

When macOS Big Sur 11.2 sees a release, Apple apps will be compatible with VPN apps and will no longer be able to bypass firewalls and other security tools.

According to Apple's release notes, the update also improves Bluetooth reliability and includes multiple bug fixes.

macOS Big Sur 11.2 improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes the following issues:
- External displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
- Edits to Apple ProRAW photos in the Photos app may not save
- iCloud Drive could turn off after disabling the iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents Folders option
- System Preferences may not unlock when entering your administrator password
- Globe key may not display the Emoji & Symbols pane when pressed

The update addresses a bug that could cause external displays to show a black screen when connected to an M1 Mac mini using an HDMI to DVI converter, and it fixes an issue that resulted in edits to Apple ProRaw photos in the Photos app not to save. It also includes fixes for iCloud Drive, System Preferences, and more.

Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

Top Rated Comments

Apple_Robert Avatar
41 months ago

release to the public surely within a week or two then.
I hope so. I am tired of experiencing Bluetooth cut out.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itrends Avatar
41 months ago
BUMPY RIDE that was!

Set the 11.2 RC installing.
Mac mini M1 restarted.
Screen went BANANANANNSS!! Like an old Commodore 64 game loading screen.
I left it for about 10 mins, then decided to kill the power.
Turned back on, install completed as expected. PHEW

Now the good news
[LIST=1]
* I can now have WIFI turned on without it making my mouse laggy
* I can now have my Magic Mouse and magic track pad connected without one of them becoming unusable
* The entire system is MUCH MUCH faster.
* Safari scroll lag is gone entirely.
* I have 2 ultra wide Red Eagles connected (one HDMI, one DP) and both appear to be doing everything they are meant to

HOWEVER
This is only after I have just booted into the new os. So now the waiting game begins to see if any bluetooth issues do crop up with usage time and to see if screens waking from long sleep are still an issue. My DP connected display always woke ok, but the HDMI one would always wake at 800x600 and I would have to change the resolution twice to get it to show up at the right res.

Also worth noting, the native resolutions are STILL NOT shown unless I OPTION + CLICK on the scaled display choice.

Also the MonitorControl app still reports not displays connected.

Overall, so far, very happy and hopeful.

If the screens stay the right res and I can finally keep wifi on again to use airdrop, that will be progress.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ashdelacroix Avatar
41 months ago
If it stops my Safari crashing at least once a day, I'll be very happy.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KoolAid-Drink Avatar
41 months ago

Yeah, they changed it in the fall. It was always called Gold Master. I liked that more, but hey..
Agreed. However, "golden master" refers to when they distributed the OS on CDs and DVDs back in the day (master disc image). Usually back then, the GM was the final version. It was a vestigial nomenclature that was no longer relevant, given the possibility nowadays to update software more quickly. "Release candidate" makes sense because it implies that, as a candidate, it can be updated if needed to free itself of any showstopper bugs, while master implies it's final.

But yes, I do miss the GM nomenclature. It's reminiscent of a simpler time.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
41 months ago
still not fixed the auto AirPods switching to macOS still doesn't work only to iPhone and iPad
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
41 months ago

Will this fix the screensaver problem too?
Don't get so greedy. That fix is being saved as a highlight of macOS XII.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 16 Camera Lozenge 2 Perspective Gray

Five Key Upgrades Coming to iPhone 16

Friday March 15, 2024 1:45 pm PDT by
The iPhone is Apple's top-selling product, and it gets an update every year. In 2024, we're expecting the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup, with an arguably more interesting feature set than we got with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Capture Button All four iPhone 16 models are set to get a whole new button, which will be...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Expected to Depreciate Heavily

Tuesday March 12, 2024 9:04 am PDT by
Resale value trends suggest the iPhone SE 4 may not hold its value as well as Apple's flagship models, according to SellCell. According to the report, Apple's iPhone SE models have historically depreciated much more rapidly than the company's more premium offerings. The third-generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022, experienced a significant drop in resale value, losing 42.6%...
apple wallet drivers license feature

Apple Said iPhone Driver's Licenses Would Expand to These 8 U.S. States… Two Years Ago

Thursday March 14, 2024 7:33 am PDT by
In just four U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports, businesses, and venues. Adoption of the feature has been slow since Apple first announced it in September 2021, with IDs in the Wallet app only available in Arizona,...
airpods 3 orange

Two New AirPods 4 Models Expected to Launch in September or October

Sunday March 17, 2024 7:56 am PDT by
Apple suppliers will begin production of two new fourth-generation AirPods models in May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Based on this production timeframe, he expects the headphones to be released in September or October. Gurman expects both fourth-generation AirPods models to feature a new design with better fit, improved sound quality, and an updated charging case with a USB-C...
OLED iPad Air

iPad Air Next on Apple's OLED Tablet Roadmap Following iPad Pro

Friday March 15, 2024 3:30 am PDT by
The iPad Air will be the next Apple tablet to adopt OLED display panel technology following its upcoming OLED iPad Pro models, according to an updated forecast from research firm Omdia (via The Elec). "In 2028, we expect the iPad Air to go OLED as well, with the iPad Air using single-stack and the iPad Pro using two-stack tandem OLEDs," said Omdia researcher Kang Min-soo, speaking on...
When To Expect New iPads Feature 1

Apple to Announce New iPads on March 26, Rumors Claim

Monday March 18, 2024 4:02 am PDT by
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23">claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an...
Walmart MacBook Air M1

Walmart Begins Selling MacBook Air With M1 Chip for $699 in U.S.

Friday March 15, 2024 6:57 am PDT by
Walmart today announced that it has started selling the MacBook Air with the M1 chip in the U.S., with pricing set at a very reasonable $699. The laptop can be ordered now on Walmart.com, and it will be available soon at select Walmart stores. This is the first time that customers can purchase a Mac that is sold directly by Walmart, the company said in a press release. Some other retailers...