Apple has seeded the fifth beta of macOS Big Sur 11.3, watchOS 7.4, tvOS 14.5, and HomePod 14.5 to developers and public testers. The latest beta update is released after the rollout of beta 4 a week ago. In addition, the company has also released the 5th beta of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5.
The build numbers of the latest beta 5 updates of the operating systems are macOS Big Sur 11.3 – 20E5217a, watchOS 7.4 – 18T5190a, tvOS 14.5 – 18L5193a, and HomePod 14.5 beta 5 – 18L5193a. We will have to wait for a few days to know if the company has introduced new features and improvements in the new beta 5 version. Here is a brief summary of discovered features.
Brief summary of everything new in macOS Big Sur 11.3, watchOS 7.4, tvOS 14.5, and HomePod 14.5
macOS Big Sur 11.3
- Under-the-hood code references like allowing users to map controller buttons to keyboard layouts, removing Rosetta 2 in certain locations, and a small change for Game Center to allow connections with friends.
- An improved Optimized Battery Charging feature for MacBooks, which charges a Mac to 100% battery capacity before a scheduled event or meeting in the calendar.
- Updates for built-in macOS apps such as Safari, Reminders, Music, iPadOS apps, and Apple News. The update will also feature support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S controllers.
watchOS 7.4
- Unlock iPhone while wearing a face mask via Apple Watch. “iPhone can use your Apple Watch to unlock when Face ID detects a face with a mask. Your Apple Watch must be nearby, on your wrist, unlocked, and protected by a passcode.”
- Apple Fitness+ and support for AirPlay 2
tvOS 14.5 and HomePod 14.5
HomePod update 14.5 will be based on tvOS, after the discontinuation of high-end HomePod. Recently, support for FaceTime and iMessage framework was discovered in tvOS 14.5 code which supports claim the Apple is working on introducing smart speakers with screens and cameras.
- HomeKit camera support
- Multiuser support for gaming
- AirPlay 2
- Audio Sharing
- Picture-in-picture video playback
- 4K YouTube support
- New screen savers
- Support for Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers
- Support for stereo output, Dolby Atmos audio, and surround sound with HomePod and Apple TV through a new feature called Home Theater
To download beta updates on select Apple devices, the user must be registered with the Apple beta software program for $99 per year. Existing members of the program can easily download the latest beta 5 update via the Settings app on their devices.
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