Download Full macOS Beta & Prod versions of Big Sur with one click!
macOS Big Sur Final & Beta Full Installers
This database will contain download links for macOS Big Sur full Installer pkg files (InstallAssistant.pkg). This file is the same full installer that you would download directly from the App Store for Intel and Apple Silicon M1 Mac Computers. The InstallAssistant.pkg is stored on Apple’s servers and contains the full “Install macOS Big Sur.app”. Once downloaded, all you need to do is install the pkg and the full installer of Big Sur will be in your applications folder. This change was made when Apple revised the full installer for Big Sur. The InstallAssistant.pkg is not available for Catalina or Mojave.
If you are looking for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra or El Capitan look here >
NOTE:Depending on the browser you are using, you might need to right click and select “Copy link address”. Past this link into a new tab and it should start to download.
The InstallAssistant.pkg is just a standard package that includes the full macOS Big Sur installer.app. All the pkg does is install/move the app to your applications folder. Let’s take a closer look.
macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 via SUS Inspector
I am using SUS Inspector to view the full installer for macOS Big Sur 11.2.3. You can see the InstallAssistant.pkg file listed. You can also see the direct download path from Apple’s servers. The link does not last forever. For example, the download link for beta full installers only seem to last for a month or so.
Production links last a little longer. For example 11.2.1 is still available but 11.2 is not. This database will be updated when a new full installer is released.
Thank You
Have you sent over version information to me? THANK YOU!
A big thanks to Eric Holtam @eholtam. When I need to verify something in SUS, he always lends a hand!
Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 11.1 RC (20C69) to Developers
UPDATE 12/14/20 – macOS Big Sur 11.1 final is live! I just posted a new article that goes over all of the changes and new information that you need to know!
MacOS Big Sur 11.1 RC or Release Candidate was released on December 10th, 2020. We can expect the final version of 11.1 will be released very soon. The release comes one week after Big Sur 11.1 Beta 2. The Release Candidate brings support for AirPods Max, Apple’s new over-ear headphones. New features were also added to Apple TV, Apple News, App Store, iPhone Apps on M1 Macs, Photos and Safari.
Release date = Monday December 14th (Possible due to Fitness+ launching that day and requiring the latest versions)
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 RC2 Full Installer.app error = “An Error occurred installing macOS”
When you attempt to install or upgrade on a T2 Mac, you will get the error “The bridgeOS update doesn’t satisfy the given minimum version requirement.”
UPDATE 11/12/20 – This article is for yesterday’s Big Sur BETA install problem. If you are having problems downloading the new Big Sur update or full installer I have a new article on the issue. It’s for the Installation failed an error occurred while installing the selected updates error.
Almost immediately after macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B28) was released, I started to see reports of install issues. This was only happening on T2 Macs that need a BridgeOS update. A BridgeOS update is included and required with almost every combo, delta and full installer upgrade or install. Below is the 11.0.1 RC2 Install error.
The error message that you will get if you try to upgrade a T2 Catalina or Big Sur Mac to 11.0.1 RC2
An error occurred installing macOS. You can try again to complete the installation.
Mr. Macintosh video that goes over the issue.
The problem is the new production Software Update Catalog URL does not have the needed BridgeOS update yet.
The problem comes down to the installer looking to the new production SUS url. Apple just made the production SUS catalog available. The new URL is
The production URL does NOT include the required BridgeOS update needed for the Big Sur RC2 installer to continue.
The BridgeOS error from install.log
This is the error that you will get.
/var/log/install.log
bridgeOS update prepare complete
2020-11-11 01:49:05-06 osinstallersetupd[5967]: bridgeOS update prepare failed: Error Domain=BOSErrorDomain Code=110 "The bridgeOS update doesn't satisfy the given minimum version requirement." UserInfo={bridgeVersion=17.16.16610.0.0,0, minimumVersion=18.16.12561.0.0,0, catalogURL=https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-11-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog, NSLocalizedDescription=The bridgeOS update doesn't satisfy the given minimum version requirement.}
2020-11-11 01:49:05-06 osinstallersetupd[5967]: Operation queue failed with error: Error Domain=com.apple.OSInstallerSetup.error Code=602 "An error occurred installing macOS." UserInfo={NSLocalizedRecoverySuggestion=You can try again to complete the installation., NSLocalizedDescription=An error occurred installing macOS., NSUnderlyingError=0x7fde25b85770 {Error Domain=BOSErrorDomain Code=110 "The bridgeOS update doesn't satisfy the given minimum version requirement." UserInfo={bridgeVersion=17.16.16610.0.0,0, minimumVersion=18.16.12561.0.0,0, catalogURL=https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-11-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog, NSLocalizedDescription=The bridgeOS update doesn't satisfy the given minimum version requirement.}}}
2020-11-11 01:49:05-06 InstallAssistant[5928]: Stopped operation queue with Error Domain=com.apple.OSInstallerSetup.error Code=602 "An error occurred installing macOS." UserInfo={NSUnderlyingError=0x7fd70cf90da0 {Error Domain=BOSErrorDomain Code=110 "The bridgeOS update doesn't satisfy the given minimum version requirement." UserInfo={bridgeVersion=17.16.16610.0.0,0, minimumVersion=18.16.12561.0.0,0, catalogURL=https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-11-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog, NSLocalizedDescription=The bridgeOS update doesn't satisfy the given minimum version requirement.}}, NSLocalizedRecoverySuggestion=You can try again to complete the installation., NSLocalizedDescription=An error occurred installing macOS.}
Notice this line
“The bridgeOS update doesn’t satisfy the given minimum version requirement.” UserInfo={bridgeVersion=17.16.16610.0.0,0, minimumVersion=18.16.12561.0.0,0, catalogURL=https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-11-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog“
You can use sudo nvram -p to view all the nvram settings.
NOTE! When you are done with the upgrade, don’t forget to remove the value!
sudo nvram -d IASUCatalogURL
MacAdmins at work!
It’s amazing to see MacAdmins working together to solve an issue. Yesterday afternoon a bunch of Admins including @golby, @eholtam, @owen, @dave.shepp, @macmule, @matt_h and @deets jumped in to help figure this out and pass on the information to others.
macOS Big Sur Beta 11.0.1 Release Candidate 2 (20B28) Beta 3 is Live!
UPDDATE 11/10/20 10:30PM
Apple has released a full installer for 11.0.1 RC2
Public Beta Released!
No listed changes from RC1 > RC2
New Platform ID’s found! MacBook Air = MacBookAir10,1 MacBook Pro = MacBookPro17,1 Mac mini = Macmini9,1 – HT Martin Nobel for finding these!
Getting reports of BridgeOS Update errors when trying to upgrade a T2 Mac that has never had Big Sur on it before.
Mr. Macintosh macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate Video!
MacOS Big Sur 11.0.1 RC 2 (Beta 3) was released on November 10th, 2020 after the Apple Silicon “One more thing” event. The release comes about one week after 11.0.1 RC Beta 2. We were expecting that Big Sur might launch today or tomorrow but now it’s been confirmed…
Big Sur – November 12, 2020!
macOS Big Sur will be released to the public on November 12, 2020!
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Previous Big Sur 11 Beta Releases
13. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B28) Beta 3 RC 2 – 11/10/20 Current Release
12. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5022a) Beta 2 RC – 11/05/20 My Release Notes
11. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5012d) Beta 1 – 10/28/20 – My Release Notes
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 RC 2 – Beta 3 Release Candidate (20B28) Release Notes
General
Known Issues
Important
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate 2 from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Accessibility
Known Issues
You might be unable to pair certain braille displays using Bluetooth. (69794099)Workaround: Connect these devices using USB instead.
When updating from macOS Big Sur 11 beta 2 to macOS Big Sur 11 beta 3 or later, you might be offered an unexpectedly large download rather than an incremental software update. (65753086)Workaround: Under the “Another update is available” text, click the “More info…” link. This reveals the incremental update where you can click the Install Now button.
You might need to adjust Energy Saver settings so your Mac doesn’t go to sleep while preparing to install macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate 2. (63166401)
If macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate 2 is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS Catalina 10.15, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)Workaround: Update the previous version of macOS Catalina to 10.15.6 or later.
Kernel
Known Issues
Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. You must also restart your Mac to load the extension. Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs won’t be loaded. For more information, see Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives. (55068348)Workaround: During development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated kernel extensions to load.
New in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate 2, the system ships with a built-in dynamic linker cache of all system-provided libraries. As part of this change, copies of dynamic libraries are no longer present on the filesystem. Code that attempts to check for dynamic library presence by looking for a file at a path or enumerating a directory will fail. Instead, check for library presence by attempting to dlopen() the path, which will correctly check for the library in the cache. (62986286)
Use only absolute paths with the --volume-root option of kmutil, and don’t use a trailing /. (63773848)
Symbols exported by both xnu and Apple kernel extensions will change. Recompile your kernel extension with each update to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate 2 to ensure compatibility. (64262563)
SwiftUI
Known Issues
ProgressView generic type signature has changed, adding the currentValueLabel generic parameter. This change doesn’t require any source changes, but it causes apps compiled using an earlier beta SDK to quit unexpectedly. (63580200)Workaround: Re-compile apps for macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 6 or later to resolve this issue.
Third-Party Apps
Known Issues
You might experience kernel panics when using earlier versions of Parallels Desktop 16. (67358596)Workaround: Upgrade to the most-recent version of Parallels Desktop 16.
Some third-party scripts might produce unexpected results due to the change in macOS version from 10.x to 11. (62477208)Workaround: Set SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 in the calling environment, for example: $ SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 legacy_script.pl
Wallet
Known Issues
isPassLibraryAvailable() doesn’t ensure uniform availability of pass library functionality between platforms and devices. (60697880)Workaround: Call a more specific API to check available functionality, such as canAddPasses().
Xcode
Known Issues
Legacy Xcode versions prior to 11.5 might unexpectedly quit when launched. (59991056)Workaround: Run the following command in Terminal: defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode DVTDisableMainThreadChecker 1, then deselect Main Thread Checker in the Diagnostic tab of the Run and Test actions for each scheme in your project.
Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 11.0.1 Beta 2 Release Candidate (20B5022a) to Developers
MacOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Beta 2 was released on November 5th, 2020. The release comes about one week after 11.0.1 Beta 1. We were expecting RC or GM seed, but not yet! It’s possible that we will see the public launch of 11.0.1 at the Apple Silicon Mac “One more thing” event on November 10th.
That’s all folks! I hope that you were able to get all your Big Sur bugs fixed! This version is most likely the release that we will see this Tuesday!
Mr. Macintosh Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate Deep Dive Video!
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Previous Big Sur 11 Beta Releases
12. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5022a) Beta 2 RC – 11/05/20 Current Release
11. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5012d) Beta 1 – 10/28/20 – My Release Notes
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Beta 2 Release Candidate (20B5022a) Release Notes
Overview
The macOS 11 SDK provides support to develop apps for Macs running macOS Big Sur 11. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 12.2 RC, available from Beta Software Downloads. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 12.2, see Xcode 12.2 RC Release Notes.
General
Known Issues
Important
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Accessibility
Known Issues
You might be unable to pair certain braille displays using Bluetooth. (69794099)Workaround: Connect these devices using USB instead.
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate is designated as qualifying for the 50% Apple Security Bounty bonus payment for issues that are unknown to Apple or reintroduced in this release. See Apple Security Bounty for more information.
Installer and Software Update
Known Issues
When updating from macOS Big Sur 11 beta 2 to macOS Big Sur 11 beta 3 or later, you might be offered an unexpectedly large download rather than an incremental software update. (65753086)Workaround: Under the “Another update is available” text, click the “More info…” link. This reveals the incremental update where you can click the Install Now button.
You might need to adjust Energy Saver settings so your Mac doesn’t go to sleep while preparing to install macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate. (63166401)
If macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS Catalina 10.15, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)Workaround: Update the previous version of macOS Catalina to 10.15.6 or later.
Kernel
Known Issues
Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. You must also restart your Mac to load the extension. Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs won’t be loaded. For more information, see Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives. (55068348)Workaround: During development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated kernel extensions to load.
New in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate, the system ships with a built-in dynamic linker cache of all system-provided libraries. As part of this change, copies of dynamic libraries are no longer present on the filesystem. Code that attempts to check for dynamic library presence by looking for a file at a path or enumerating a directory will fail. Instead, check for library presence by attempting to dlopen() the path, which will correctly check for the library in the cache. (62986286)
Use only absolute paths with the --volume-root option of kmutil, and don’t use a trailing /. (63773848)
Symbols exported by both xnu and Apple kernel extensions will change. Recompile your kernel extension with each update to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate to ensure compatibility. (64262563)
Mac Catalyst
Known Issues
WebGL content in WKWebView might experience reduced performance. (70587571)
A ToolbarItem with automatic placement isn’t placed in the window toolbar. (63690384)
Select UIKit controls, control customizations, and methods throw exceptions when used in the Mac idiom. Unsupported controls and behaviors on macOS Big Sur 11 throw exceptions as follows:
Safari
Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Candidate
Safari no longer quits unexpectedly if iCloud Tabs are enabled. (70625636)
SwiftUI
Known Issues
ProgressView generic type signature has changed, adding the currentValueLabelgeneric parameter. This change doesn’t require any source changes, but it causes apps compiled using an earlier beta SDK to quit unexpectedly. (63580200)Workaround: Re-compile apps for macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 6 or later to resolve this issue.
Third-Party Apps
Known Issues
You might experience kernel panics when using earlier versions of Parallels Desktop 16. (67358596)Workaround: Upgrade to the most-recent version of Parallels Desktop 16.
Some third-party scripts might produce unexpected results due to the change in macOS version from 10.x to 11. (62477208)Workaround: Set SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 in the calling environment, for example: $ SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 legacy_script.pl
Wallet
Known Issues
isPassLibraryAvailable() doesn’t ensure uniform availability of pass library functionality between platforms and devices. (60697880)Workaround: Call a more specific API to check available functionality, such as canAddPasses().
Xcode
Known Issues
Legacy Xcode versions prior to 11.5 might unexpectedly quit when launched. (59991056)Workaround: Run the following command in Terminal: defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode DVTDisableMainThreadChecker 1, then deselect Main Thread Checker in the Diagnostic tab of the Run and Test actions for each scheme in your project.
Mr. Macintosh Quick overview of the DTK Developer Labs
I’m hoping the DTK labs are setup just like the virtual WWDC 2020 labs.
I was lucky enough to be picked for 2 out of 3 labs that I signed up for at WWDC 2020.
I really was not sure what to expect. When I joined the call, two Apple Engineers were on the call waiting. We introduced ourselves and immediately jumped in and started to talk about the questions that I had.
Both Engineers had answers to every question that I had. The entire experience was great. This is something that MacAdmins need, the ability to talk directly with engineers about the issues they are facing every single day.
If the Apple Silicon labs are anything like the WWDC Labs, then you will defiantly be happy. Don’t miss your chance!
Everything you need to know about Apple Silicon
Be sure to check out my new “Everything you need to know” article on Apple Silicon. The article will be updated as new information comes in!
Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 11.0.1 Beta 1 (20B5012d) to Developers
MacOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Beta 1 was released on October 28th, 2020. The release comes about 2 weeks after Beta 10. We were expecting Beta 11 or a GM seed, so it’s strange that we are getting 11.0.1 Beta. It’s possible that Apple Silicon Macs (currently in active production) will have 11.0 installed on them. When they arrive they will see 11.0.1 as an available update.
UPDATE: 10/29
Full Installer now available!
Fixes VP9 Safari YouTube Codec Error
New wallpaper + Mojave wallpaper was removed
New Startup chime for 2013-2017 Macs = Same as T2 chime
AirPods Update Bug – Moves volume mixer to Right or Left
Software Update Button = Downloading Beta 10 full installer for some users.
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Previous Big Sur 11 Beta Releases
11. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5012d) Beta 1 – 10/28/20 – Current Release
Now that macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta is live, start testing as soon as you can! You will want to submit any bugs that you find into Apple ASAP. If you get bugs in quickly, they could be fixed in the current beta cycle instead of waiting until after the public release. If not, you could be waiting months before the fix is put into a dot release combo update.
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Beta 11 (20B5012d) Release Notes
General
Known Issues
Important
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Accessibility
Known Issues
You might be unable to pair certain braille displays using Bluetooth. (69794099)Workaround: Connect these devices using USB instead.
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta is designated as qualifying for the 50% Apple Security Bounty bonus payment for issues that are unknown to Apple or reintroduced in this release. See Apple Security Bounty for more information.
Installer and Software Update
Known Issues
When updating from macOS Big Sur 11 beta 2 to macOS Big Sur 11 beta 3 or later, you might be offered an unexpectedly large download rather than an incremental software update. (65753086)Workaround: Under the “Another update is available” text, click the “More info…” link. This reveals the incremental update where you can click the Install Now button.
You might need to adjust Energy Saver settings so your Mac doesn’t go to sleep while preparing to install macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta. (63166401)
If macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS Catalina 10.15, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)Workaround: Update the previous version of macOS Catalina to 10.15.6 or later.
Kernel
Known Issues
Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. You must also restart your Mac to load the extension. Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs won’t be loaded. For more information, see Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives. (55068348)Workaround: During development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated kernel extensions to load.
New in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta, the system ships with a built-in dynamic linker cache of all system-provided libraries. As part of this change, copies of dynamic libraries are no longer present on the filesystem. Code that attempts to check for dynamic library presence by looking for a file at a path or enumerating a directory will fail. Instead, check for library presence by attempting to dlopen() the path, which will correctly check for the library in the cache. (62986286)
Use only absolute paths with the --volume-root option of kmutil, and don’t use a trailing /. (63773848)
Symbols exported by both xnu and Apple kernel extensions will change. Recompile your kernel extension with each update to macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta to ensure compatibility. (64262563)
Localization
Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta
Certain languages no longer exhibit clipped or misaligned layout. (63105445)
Certain languages no longer display unlocalized text. (63105674, 64040564, 64045718)
When you deliver your iPad app on the Mac via Catalyst, your existing users on iOS no longer need to purchase your app a second time. In addition, you can manage the capabilities and App Store metadata of your app in one place.
Application preferences that include no items users can set are instead shown in the About box.
Known Issues
A ToolbarItem with automatic placement isn’t placed in the window toolbar. (63690384)
Select UIKit controls, control customizations, and methods throw exceptions when used in the Mac idiom. Unsupported controls and behaviors on macOS Big Sur 11 throw exceptions as follows:
If you apply both preferredAction and UIAlertActionStyleCancel to the same action, preferredAction takes precedence. It’s not possible to have a default button with the escape key equivalent.
The system adds an Open Recent menu automatically to applications that support opening files. The menu identifier is UIMenuOpenRecent.
You must adopt the NETransparentProxyProvider API in your transparent proxy implementation in order for it to function correctly. (65228404)
SwiftUI
Known Issues
ProgressView generic type signature has changed, adding the currentValueLabel generic parameter. This change doesn’t require any source changes, but it causes apps compiled using an earlier beta SDK to quit unexpectedly. (63580200)Workaround: Re-compile apps for macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 6 or later to resolve this issue.
Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 beta
DisclosureGroup’s isExpanded binding now works as expected in a List. (58820037)
The system now lazily evaluates List updates. (58820037)
You might experience kernel panics when using earlier versions of Parallels Desktop 16. (67358596)Workaround: Upgrade to the most-recent version of Parallels Desktop 16.
Some third-party scripts might produce unexpected results due to the change in macOS version from 10.x to 11. (62477208)Workaround: Set SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 in the calling environment, for example: $ SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 legacy_script.pl
Wallet
Known Issues
isPassLibraryAvailable() doesn’t ensure uniform availability of pass library functionality between platforms and devices. (60697880)Workaround: Call a more specific API to check available functionality, such as canAddPasses().
Xcode
Known Issues
Legacy Xcode versions prior to 11.5 might unexpectedly quit when launched. (59991056)Workaround: Run the following command in Terminal: defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode DVTDisableMainThreadChecker 1, then deselect Main Thread Checker in the Diagnostic tab of the Run and Test actions for each scheme in your project.
Big Sur Beta 10 Released. This could be the final beta release before GM!
Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 10 (20A5395g) to Developers
UPDATE 10/15 12:30PM – Surprise! macOS Big Sur Beta 10 Full Installer is now available.
macOS Big Sur Beta 10 Full Installer is now available. (Along with public beta)
UPDATE 10/15 10:00AM – New Beta 10 Features found
1. New Feature – You can now press the power button to lock your screen!
2. New Menu Bar item – “Now Playing”. This was hidden away since Beta 1 but was now added to the menu bar by default in Beta 10.
4. New Feature – Redesigned Dynamic Wallpaper selection menu
5. New Wallpaper – “Big Sur Aerial”
6. Some users are reporting issues with YouTube and Netflix in Safari.
UPDATE 10/14 4:30PM – Looks like we are not going to get a full installer for this release. The good news is that Active Directory login seems to be fixed in Beta 10!!!
MacOS Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) was released on October 14th, 2020. The release comes 1 day after the Apple October Phone Special Event and two weeks after Beta 9. We could get a GM release in 1-2 weeks with a launch not much longer after that. MacOS Catalina had 11 beta releases including the gold master, so again we are getting very close to release.
Mr. Macintosh Part 1 Quick look at all the new features and issues in macOS Big Sur Beta 10!
2. Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
Previous Big Sur 11 Beta Releases
10. Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) – 10/14/20 – Current Release
Now that macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta is live, start testing as soon as you can! You will want to submit any bugs that you find into Apple ASAP. If you get bugs in quickly, they could be fixed in the current beta cycle instead of waiting until after the public release. If not, you could be waiting months before the fix is put into a dot release combo update.
macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) Release Notes
General
Known Issues
Important
Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
macOS Big Sur 11 beta 10 is designated as qualifying for the 50% Apple Security Bounty bonus payment for issues that are unknown to Apple or reintroduced in this release. See Apple Security Bounty for more information.
Core Data
Resolved Issues
Core Data’s model editor no longer displays a blank Detail area for an Entity. (69472812)
Installer and Software Update
Known Issues
When updating from macOS Big Sur 11 beta 2 to macOS Big Sur 11 beta 3 or later, you might be offered an unexpectedly large download rather than an incremental software update. (65753086)Workaround: Under the “Another update is available” text, click the “More info…” link. This reveals the incremental update where you can click the Install Now button.
You might need to adjust Energy Saver settings so your Mac doesn’t go to sleep while preparing to install macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (63166401)
If macOS Big Sur 11 beta is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS Catalina 10.15, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)Workaround: Update the previous version of macOS Catalina to 10.15.6 or later.
Kernel
Known Issues
Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. You must also restart your Mac to load the extension. Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs won’t be loaded. For more information, see Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives. (55068348)Workaround: During development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated kernel extensions to load.
New in macOS Big Sur 11 beta, the system ships with a built-in dynamic linker cache of all system-provided libraries. As part of this change, copies of dynamic libraries are no longer present on the filesystem. Code that attempts to check for dynamic library presence by looking for a file at a path or enumerating a directory will fail. Instead, check for library presence by attempting to dlopen() the path, which will correctly check for the library in the cache. (62986286)
kmutil install might fail to build a development kextcache. (63772702)Workaround: Copy the release .elides to the locations of the development .elides:sudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.development.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.kasan.elides sudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.debug.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.development.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.kasan.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.debug.elides
Use only absolute paths with the --volume-root option of kmutil, and don’t use a trailing /. (63773848)
Symbols exported by both xnu and Apple kernel extensions will change. Recompile your kernel extension with each update to macOS Big Sur 11 beta to ensure compatibility. (64262563)
Localization
Known Issues
Certain languages might exhibit clipped or misaligned layout. (63105445)
Certain languages might display unlocalized text. (63105674, 64040564, 64045718)
Resolved in macOS Big Sur 11 beta 10
Notes and Photos no longer quit unexpectedly if the system language is set to Greek. (69548692)
Mac Catalyst
Known Issues
A ToolbarItem with automatic placement isn’t placed in the window toolbar. (63690384)
Network Extension
Resolved Issues
You must adopt the NETransparentProxyProvider API in your transparent proxy implementation in order for it to function correctly. (65228404)
SwiftUI
Known Issues
ProgressView generic type signature has changed, adding the currentValueLabel generic parameter. This change doesn’t require any source changes, but will cause apps compiled using an earlier beta SDK to quit unexpectedly. (63580200)Workaround: Re-compile apps for macOS Big Sur 11 Beta 6 or later to resolve this issue.
DisclosureGroup‘s isExpanded binding doesn’t work as expected in a List. (58820037)
ScrollView now has a correct default scroll position when underneath the titlebar. (64319463)
A TextField that you are editing inside a selected List row now has correct text foreground colors. (68545878)
Third-Party Apps
Known Issues
You might experience kernel panics when using earlier versions of Parallels Desktop 16. (67358596)Workaround: Upgrade to the most-recent version of Parallels Desktop 16.
Some third-party scripts might produce unexpected results due to the change in macOS version from 10.x to 11. (62477208)Workaround: Set SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 in the calling environment, for example: $ SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 legacy_script.pl
Wallet
Known Issues
isPassLibraryAvailable() doesn’t ensure uniform availability of pass library functionality between platforms and devices. (60697880)Workaround: Call a more specific API to check available functionality, such as canAddPasses().
Xcode
Known Issues
Legacy Xcode versions prior to 11.5 might unexpectedly quit when launched. (59991056)Workaround: Run the following command in Terminal: defaults write com.apple.dt.Xcode DVTDisableMainThreadChecker 1, then deselect Main Thread Checker in the Diagnostic tab of the Run and Test actions for each scheme in your project.
Mac Transition to Apple Silicon – Everything you Need to Know!
Apple Silicon Macs will be here soon!
Apple said the first Apple Silicon Mac will launch before the end of 2020. The launch date is quickly approaching, now is the time to get up to speed! I will be following my “Everything you need to know” format from my previous articles.
This article will be updated as new Apple Siliconinformation comes in.
The feedback that I’ve received from these has been really great. The big takeaway is that everyone really likes how all the information is all in one place. You are not wasting time looking for that one article, command or link.
NOTE: Everything in this article is public knowledge from Apple. Once the first Apple Silicon Mac ships, I will post more in depth articles.
Apple Silicon changes the way in which we enter recovery on the Mac. In the past, we had to remember multiple keyboard commands. On Apple Silicon, all you need to do is hold down the power button. In a few seconds, you will see the new Apple Silicon Startup Manager.
7. How to use the new start manager on Apple Silicon
To enter Apple Silicon Startup manager follow these steps.
1. Hold down the power button
2. You will see the message “Continue holding for startup options”
3. The next message will say “Loading Startup Options…”
4. You will now see the new Apple Silicon Startup Manager.
Apple Silicon Mac Startup Manager Options
The startup manager will show you the main boot disk (Macintosh HD) Boot icon and Recovery Options. Click “Options” to boot into macOS Recovery.
8. Internet Recovery is dead on Apple Silicon
Have you had trouble booting into Internet Recovery in the past? You are not alone. Now with Apple Silicon, Internet recovery is officially retired. It will still remain for Intel based Macs. For Apple Silicon we now have 3 different ways to reinstall macOS.
1. macOS Recovery = First line of recovery.
2. System Recovery = Hidden partition for when normal macOS recovery is not available.
3. macOS System Restore via DFU mode + Apple Configurator 2.
9. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery
Apple Silicon macOS Recovery is almost exactly the same as it is on Intel Based Macs. The only difference is Security Policy options was moved from the Menu bar to the “Startup Disk”.
First line of defense, is macOS Recovery.
10. Apple Silicon System Recovery
Apple Silicon System Recovery is a new hidden recovery option in addition to macOS Recovery. If for some reason macOS Recovery becomes corrupt, System recovery will load which is the same as macOS recovery. You can use it to reinstall macOS and macOS Recovery.
System Recovery is a hidden non deletable container. It’s a new way to reinstall macOS when recovery is not available.
11. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
The blinking folder icon is now retired. If the Mac is not bootable, you will now see an old friend.
The sad Mac returns when Macintosh HD, Recovery and System recovery are not available.
12. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer
On Apple Silicon external boot remains, but has changed.
External Boot for the macOS installer is now enabled by default
You no longer need to enter Security Options to enable External Boot!
You can build out a USB Installer of macOS Big Sur and boot your Apple Silicon Mac to it. The big difference that ONLY the installer is available for a reinstall of the OS. You can NOT erase the drive in this mode.
You can now boot a USB macOS installer without enabling external boot in Security options! It’s enabled by default.
13. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
If all options to reinstall macOS fail you can now use Apple Configurator 2.
This will help with rapid deployment in lab / school situations.
14. Apple Silicon Security Policy
We know that an Apple Silicon Mac will have 2 Security modes.
Apple Silicon Security Policy menu
1.Full Security = “iOS Security” – Only the latest signed version of macOS can be installed on an Apple Silicon Mac.
Full Security
Ensures that only your current OS, or signed operating system software currently trusted by Apple, can run. This mode requires a network connection at software installation time.
WWDC 2020
2. Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple.
Reduced Security
Allows any version of signed operating system software ever trusted by Apple to run.
WWDC 2020
With the new Apple Silicon Security Policy, you can set a security policy for each container! On an Intel based Mac the security policy would be set on the entire system.
New Apple Silicon Security Policy can be set differently on each container.
15. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
Will you be able to install older versions of macOS? A quick review;
Full Security = iOS based security, only the latest signed version of macOS can run on the system.
Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple can run on Apple Silicon
Note: The shipping OS version will be the oldest OS available to install.
16. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
Yes! But only with your Apple Silicon Security Policy set to “Reduced Security”.
17. How to use SMB Mac Sharing Mode (Replaces Target Disk Mode – TDM)
Target Disk Mode has been retired on Apple Silicon. It was replaced with Apple Silicon Mac Sharing Mode.
Boot to macOS recovery and then select “Mac Sharing Mode” you will be able to transfer data over USB-C cable. You will need to authenticate with a SecureToken User that is on the host Mac.
Mac Sharing MOde replaces Target Disk Mode.
18. Apple Mac Mini Developer Transition Kit (DTK)
New Mac Developer Transition Kit with Apple Silicon, a comprehensive set of resources, and one-on-one technical support, you’ll have everything you need to get your Universal apps ready before Apple Silicon Macs become available to customers.– developer.apple.com/programs/universal/
Universal App Quick Start Program – Get your Universal apps ready. The Universal App Quick Start Program includes all the tools, resources, and support you need to build, test, and optimize your next-generation Universal apps for macOS Big Sur. – developer.apple.com/programs/universal/apply/
5. What’s New for Enterprise and Education WWDC 2020 June 2020 (v1.0) (AppleSeed Account Required)– appleseed.apple.com
6. AppleSeed – macOS 11.0 Big Sur Beta Release Notes(AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com
23. WWDC20 Video Links
Port your Mac app to Apple Silicon – Your porting questions, answered: Learn how to recompile your macOS app for Apple Silicon Macs and build universal apps that launch faster, have better performance, and support the future of the platform. We’ll show you how Xcode makes it simple to build a universal macOS binary.developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10214/
What’s new in managing Apple devices. – iOS, macOS, tvOS We’ve made significant strides in bringing crucial device management features to macOS. Discover how these features can help you manage your all your devices using the same tools and technologies. Get details on changes coming this year and how they will impact your deployment workflows– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10639/
iPad and iPhone apps on Apple Silicon Macs. – Apple Silicon Macs can run many iPad and iPhone apps as-is, and these apps will be made available to users on the Mac through the Mac App Store. Discover how iPad and iPhone apps run on Apple Silicon Macs, and the factors that make your apps come across better.– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10114/
Explore the new system architecture of Apple Silicon Macs – Discover how Macs with Apple Silicon will deliver modern advantages using Apple’s System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture. Leveraging a unified memory architecture for CPU and GPU tasks, Mac apps will see amazing performance benefits. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10686/
24. MacAdmin Blog Links
This list is specifically for MacAdmins. This will be an ongoing list of articles and posts that will help you learn the latest 11.0 changes.
VMware Fusion Player 12 is now free for personal use on the Mac!
Last month VMware announced VMware Fusion 12. The new version includes macOS Big Sur support for host and guest. VMware also announced that the Mac version is now FREE ($149 Normal Price) for personal use! Previously the Free VMware player was only available on Windows. You can use it to test macOS, Windows 10, or Linux. If you’ve always wanted to set up a macOS VM, now is the time. It’s never been easier to build a test VM, so let’s get started!
How To Register, Download, Install & Configure VMware Fusion Player 12 – Mr. Macintosh Video.
Create a New VMware Account.
VMware notes that the free version is available for the following situations.
Fusion Player offers a Personal Use License, available for free with a valid MyVMware account. Home users, Open Source contributors, students, and anyone else can use Fusion Player Free for Non-Commercial activity.
VMware.com
If you are one of those, head over to the registration site.
This link also has a download area to get the the 600MB .dmg installer.
Install VMware Fusion Player 12
Open the .dmg and install Fusion Player 12. NOTE: VMware Fusion 12 requires macOS Catalina or newer. Once complete, open the application and you will be prompted to enter in the license key.
When you first start VMWare Fusion you will get a Select Install Method Screen. In the past you needed to run through a bunch of steps to create a macOS Install .ISO file. Not anymore, you can just drag and drop the full Install macOS Install.app (or Windows iso or Linux .iso) over to this window to begin!
VMware Fusion Player 12 – Select Install Method
The next screen will let you select macOS installer.app file. You will normally only see the one that you just dragged over. In my case, I have already installed 10.14, 10.15 and 11.0. Click Continue.
VMware Fusion Player 12 – Select Install image
You will now see a final finish screen, before you start to configure the VM.
Finish of the VM setup wizard.
The next screen will tell you that VMware Fusion Player is creating installation media.
VMware Fusion Player 12 – Creating Installation Media
You will get a warning about running this VM machine with side channel mitigations enable. It says that side channel mitigations provide enhanced security but lower performance. You can change the settings when the VM is not running in the Advanced panel of the VM.
VMware Fusion Player 12 – You are running this virtual machine with side channel mitigations enabled.
The new macOS VM is booting to the installer! Once booted, it will be just like you booted into the recovery partition. All you need to do is select Install macOS to begin.
VMware Fusion Player 12 – Booting to the macOS Installer.
30 Minutes or so later you will be at the Setup Assistant Screen.
Congratulations! You’ve just built your first macOS virtual Machine!
Snapshots
One of the best features about having a macOS virtual machine is snapshots. You can build out a fresh OS and then take a snapshot before you make any changes to the system. Did the test not work? No big deal! Instead of reinstalling the OS to test again, just revert back to a previous snapshot! It’s literally that simple. You can access snapshots from the Virtual Machine menu bar item.
Snapshots!
Boot your macOS VM to Recovery Mode
Quick Way – sudo nvram "recovery-boot-mode=unused" && sudo reboot
If you need to boot the VM to macOS Recovery mode, all you need to do is edit the .vmx file located in /Users/youruserfolder/Virtual Machines/vmnamehere
Right on the file and then select “Show Package Contents”. Inside will be your vmnamehere.vmx file. Right click on that file and edit it with your favorite text editor. Add this line at the very end of the file and click save.
macosguest.forceRecoveryModeInstall = "TRUE"
Start up the VM an you will now be in recovey mode.
To boot back to macOS, open that same file and delete the line that you just added above and click save.
The final step is to delete the .nvram file in that same directory.
NOTE: 10/07/20
I am having trouble booting to recovery with Big Sur Beta, I’m going to run a few more tests. This works fine on 10.14 and 10.15.
