Apple today seeded a third RC version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new update coming a week after the second RC and more than two months after initial macOS Big Sur release.
Developers can download the updated macOS Big Sur 11.2 release candidate using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the proper profile from the Apple Developer Center.
macOS Big Sur 11.2 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.
Update: There was speculation that today's update may address a sudo vulnerability that could allow a local user to gain root privileges on macOS, but it does not appear that the vulnerability has been addressed.
Top Rated Comments
The interface refresh was long overdue and looks great on my 5K iMac. It's a well thought out evolution and not a radical Windows 8 type of disastrous revolution. It's still a Mac!
Icons have finally a consistent shape instead of the "round/squared/sometimes tilted and sometimes not tilted" mess of previous OS-es.
Mac OS Catalina's interface looked worn out, after the constant 'dumbing down' of the Aqua interface that was started with Yosemite.
I like that Maps, iMessage and Photos are much more up to speed with its iOS counterparts, although there are apps that need some work (I'm looking at you, Music!)
So despite some bugs here and there (that were mostly fixed in 11.1 for me) I LOVE Big Sur and I am glad Apple has polished its OS.
Okay, now you can downvote me.
I'd rather Apple return to 2-3 year release cycles with new beta's every 2 weeks requiring a full system wipe and install as it allowed us to debug the core OS without third party apps and plugin's being possible factors. Serlet stayed on for 10.7 but left over disagreements with Cook regarding OS X becoming a free annual release in order to entice more developers and consumers into the Mac App Store. I'd rather pay $129 for a solid release than a rushed and buggy OS.
Also loathe the iPadOS UI on a Mac. Finder navigation is terrible with a washed out UI - no matter how much I tweaked my MacBook Pro or Mac Pro's displays for contrast, brightness, etc or used Dark Mode, I couldn't adjust to the changes. iPadOS/iOS works best on small touchscreen devices not a workstation or any desktop/laptop. So much wasted space as well.
FYI: A release candidate is a beta that will become the release if no critical issues are found.