macOS Big Sur Features & Public Beta Install Guide

macOS Big Sur is Apple’s 2020 major Mac operating system update, introducing a redesigned interface, Control Center, and support for Apple Silicon Macs. To install the public beta, you join Apple’s Beta Software Program, download the beta access utility, and then update through System Preferences. This guide covers the key features and walks through the installation process step by step.

What’s New in macOS Big Sur

Big Sur (version 11) was a landmark release because it was the first macOS to run on Apple’s own M1 chips, while also bringing a visual overhaul. The most noticeable change is the design: app icons are now rounded squares (similar to iOS), the Dock is translucent and floating, and the menu bar is taller with a more transparent look. The Finder, Mail, Photos, and Messages apps were all redesigned with a cleaner, more spacious layout.

Control Center, long a staple on iPhone and iPad, finally arrived on the Mac. It lives in the menu bar and gives you quick toggles for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, Do Not Disturb, display brightness, and sound volume. You can customize which controls appear there. Notification Center was also rebuilt, with a new design that groups notifications and adds interactive widgets (similar to iOS 14’s widget system).

Performance improvements include faster app launches and better power efficiency, especially on M1 Macs, which can run iOS and iPadOS apps natively. Safari got a major update too, with a customizable start page, built-in translation, and a privacy report that shows trackers blocked on each site.

Background: Why It’s Called “Big Sur”

Apple names macOS versions after places in California. Big Sur is a rugged, scenic stretch of coastline in central California, famous for its cliffs and redwood forests. The name was first used for macOS 11, which was announced at WWDC 2020 in June and released to the public in November 2020. It was the last version to support Intel-based Macs alongside the new M1 models, and it dropped support for several older Macs (like the 2012 MacBook Pro and 2013 Mac Pro).

The version number jumped from 10.15 (Catalina) to 11, signaling a new era after 20 years of macOS 10.x releases. This change also aligned the versioning with iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, which all use major version numbers (iOS 14, etc.).

How to Install the Public Beta (Step-by-Step)

Before you start, back up your Mac with Time Machine or another method. Beta software is unstable and can cause data loss, app incompatibility, or performance issues. You should install it on a secondary Mac if possible, not your primary work machine.

Sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program – Go to beta.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click “Enroll Your Mac” and follow the prompts.
Download the beta access utility – On the same page, download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility. This small app installs a special profile on your Mac that tells Software Update to offer the beta.
Open the utility and restart – Run the downloaded .dmg and install the package. It will ask you to restart your Mac.
Go to System Preferences > Software Update – After restarting, open System Preferences and click “Software Update.” The beta should appear as “macOS Big Sur Public Beta.” Click “Upgrade Now” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Wait for the download and installation – The download is several gigabytes, so it may take a while. Your Mac will restart during installation and may take longer than a normal update.

If the beta doesn’t appear after installing the utility, try restarting again or check that your Mac is compatible (see below).

Compatibility and System Requirements

Not every Mac can run Big Sur. Apple listed these minimum models:

MacBook (2015 and later)
MacBook Air (2013 and later)
MacBook Pro (late 2013 and later)
Mac mini (2014 and later)
iMac (2014 and later)
iMac Pro (2017 and later)
Mac Pro (2013 and later)

Also, your Mac needs at least 4GB of RAM and 35.5GB of available storage (though the installer may require more during the process). If your Mac is older than these models, you cannot install Big Sur officially.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Beta software is buggy by definition, so expect issues. Here are the most common ones and their fixes:

Installation fails or gets stuck – If the installer hangs, restart your Mac and try again. Make sure you have enough free disk space (at least 40GB). If it still fails, download the full installer from the beta page and run it manually.
Apps crash or don’t work – Some apps may not be compatible with Big Sur. Check for updates from the developers. If an app is essential, consider waiting for the final release.
Battery drains faster – Beta software often has background processes that consume extra power. This usually improves with subsequent beta updates.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues – Try turning them off and on, resetting the SMC (on Intel Macs), or restarting. If the problem persists, report it via the Feedback Assistant app.
Can’t go back to Catalina – If you want to revert, you’ll need to erase your Mac and restore from a Time Machine backup. That’s why the backup step is crucial.

Public Beta vs. Developer Beta

Apple runs two beta programs: the public beta (free for anyone) and the developer beta (paid, $99/year for the Apple Developer Program). The developer beta is released earlier and is meant for testing apps, so it’s often buggier. The public beta comes a few weeks later and is slightly more stable, but it’s still not final software. If you’re a regular user who wants to try new features, the public beta is the safer choice. If you’re a developer, you need the developer beta to test your apps.

Costs and Risks of Using the Beta

The public beta is free, but it comes with real risks. Your Mac may become unstable, and some apps may not work. You could lose data if you don’t back up. Also, beta versions cannot be used for production work or for tasks that require reliability (like paying bills or editing your thesis). Apple’s beta software is intended for testing, not daily use.

If you decide to proceed, always keep a backup and be prepared to restore. You can stop receiving beta updates by removing the beta profile in System Preferences > Profiles, which will make future updates revert to the stable version (though you’ll still be on the beta until the next stable release).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Big Sur slow down my older Mac?

It depends on the model. On Macs from 2013-2015, you may notice slower performance compared to Catalina, especially with animations and heavy multitasking. On 2016 and later models, performance is generally similar or better. If you have an older Mac, check online for user reports before installing.

Can I install Big Sur on an unsupported Mac?

There are third-party tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher that allow installing Big Sur on older Macs, but they are not official and require technical skill. They can also cause instability and security issues. Apple does not support these methods, and they may fail or break with updates.

How do I get out of the beta and back to Catalina?

You can’t simply “update” back to Catalina. You must erase your Mac (using Recovery Mode) and restore from a Time Machine backup made before you installed the beta. That’s why backing up is essential. Alternatively, you can wait for the final Big Sur release, which will be stable and free.

Does the public beta include the same features as the final release?

Almost all features are present, but some may be incomplete or change before the final release. Apple often removes or alters features between beta versions. The final version may also include new features that weren’t in the beta.

Can I install the beta on my only Mac?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. If the beta breaks something critical, you could be stuck without a working computer. If you must, back up first and be prepared to restore. Ideally, use a secondary Mac or create a separate APFS volume for the beta.

How long does the beta last before the final release?

The public beta typically runs for about 3-4 months, with updates every 1-2 weeks. The final version is usually released in the fall (September-November). After that, the beta program ends, and you’ll get the stable version via Software Update.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →