Apple has released macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 3 to developers. The new update does not feature any new user-facing features or changes, however, a number of new upcoming features have been found in the code, which are not enabled in the current release.
macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 2 was released more than a week ago with 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. macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 1 was released with a bunch of 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.
Everything new in macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta 3
So far, the new changes discovered in this new beta are all under-the-hood code references. Discovered by developer Steve Moser, here are the new upcoming features:
- A surprising new addition to macOS is in the works which will allow users to map controller buttons to keyboard layouts. Apple has never been serious about gaming on Mac before so this would be a major change in direction from them. Considering how powerful the new M1 Macs are when it comes to gaming performance, this is a welcome improvement.
https://twitter.com/SteveMoser/status/1366904034943242240
- Oddly, Apple seems to be working on removing Rosetta 2 in certain locations. After the update to macOS 11.3, they will see a message that the feature will be removed for them. This is likely due to legal issues but it would be a major disappointment for users who expect their x86 apps to run without issues on M1 Macs. It is unclear as to which locations would see this message, but we expect a major backlash from customers if this change is implemented.
Apple is removing Rosetta from Macs during updates in certain countries in Mac 11.3 beta 3. Maybe this is due to legal issues? “Rosetta will be removed upon installing this update” “Rosetta is no longer available in your region. Applications requiring Rosetta will no longer urn” pic.twitter.com/NmsjXOwPvP
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) March 3, 2021
- Lastly, a small change for Game Center (it still exists!) to allow connections with friends:
New ‘Allow connections with friends” in Game Center in Mac 11.3 beta 3. pic.twitter.com/OF3UNJ7FUZ
— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) March 3, 2021
macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 3 compatible Macs
The new beta is compatible with the following Macs:
- MacBook Air (2013 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (late 2013 and newer)
- MacBook (2015 and newer)
- iMac (2014 and newer)
- iMac Pro (2017 and newer)
- Mac mini (2014 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)
If your Mac is already in the beta testing program, simply go to System Preferences > Software Update to download the new update.
Almost a week ago, Apple also released macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 to all users with a bug fix that prevents MacBook Air and MacBook Pro from getting damaged by third-party USB-C docks.
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