Apple‘s macOS High Sierra Golden Master Released: How To Download, Install

Apple has started rolling out a golden master candidate build of the upcoming macOS High Sierra update for Mac devices. This golden master is now available to both developers and public beta testers and could end up being the final version that will be publicly released on Sept. 25.

This Thursday, Apple issued a MacOS High Sierra golden master to registered developers and public beta testers, and this signals the imminent release of the highly anticipated Mac OS update. According to Apple Insider, a golden master typically ends up being the final version that is released widely to the masses. However, there could be another golden master if developers and beta testers uncover serious bugs in this first one.

Apple developers can now directly download the macOS High Sierra golden master from the Apple Developer Center. They may also download the software over-the-air using the Software Update mechanism found in the Mac App Store. On the other hand, beta testers can get a copy of the golden master if they are members of the Apple Beta Software Program. Only properly configured devices can install the software.

Developers and beta testers are encouraged to create a backup of their Mac device using Time Machine to secure important data prior to downloading the golden master. After making a backup, this is the right time for users to download the installer for macOS High Sierra Developer Beta Access Utility. Double clicking on the .PKG file in the Downloads window will run the installer. Once the installer has completely downloaded the golden master, the Mac device will automatically restart.

According to iMore, if the latest developer beta (golden master) does not appear in the Updates section of the Mac App Store following the automatic restart, once should restart the device again. The new update should then appear in the Updates tab of the App Store. Installing the software then becomes a very easy thing to do. Just a couple of clicks on the Continue, Agree to Apple’s Terms and Conditions and Install buttons would do the trick.

Installing the golden master will involve rebooting the Mac device. This happens when a black screen with the Apple Logo and a progress bar is shown on the Mac device’s display. When the progress bar is complete, this means the software has finally been installed and the device is already running the macOS High Sierra 10.13 Golden Master.

Apple introduced macOS High Sierra during its Worldwide Developers Conference back in June. The new update is said to be a refinement of the Sierra OS, and it is scheduled for official release to Mac users on Sept. 25. Several of the update’s features have already been outed by the nine betas that Apple seeded to developers and public beta testers.

Based on the beta builds, macOS High Sierra brings a new Apple File System (APFS), High Efficiency Video Codec (HEVC), new HEIF image encoding, and a new version of Metal with support for VR and external GPUs, as pointed out by MacRumors. The update will also bring changes to multiple apps, such as the Photos app, which is getting a new sidebar for easy access to the different editing tools and albums.

The Safari browser is also getting speed enhancements and a new option that prevents autoplay videos. There is also a new privacy feature for the browser and it is designed to cut down on cross-site data tracking. Other changes that macOS High Sierra will be bringing with it include the more natural voice for Siri and a slew of new features for iCloud, FaceTime, Mail and Notes.