MacOS High Sierra Beta 2 For Mac Devices Released — What’s New?

Apple has released a new beta version of macOS High Sierra to public beta testers ahead of its official launch this fall. The Cupertino, California giant reportedly rolled out the new pre-release version of its operating system for Mac devices shortly after the release of iOS 11 beta 2 for public beta testers.

Just this Wednesday, participants of Apple’s public beta system received a new beta build of the upcoming macOS High Sierra update. This new build comes two weeks after the first version and it apparently corresponds with the third developer beta that was rolled out to Apple developers early this week, as per MacRumors.

macOS High Sierra Features & Changes

Based on the first pre-release software, macOS High Sierra will be a much-needed update for some of macOS Sierra’s lapses. The upcoming OS is designed to improve and refine some areas of the existing one. For instance, the update is coming with a more efficient file system that’s already i use on iOS 10.3x devices. High Sierra is also bringing with it Metal 2 which supports machine learning, external GPUs and VR content creation.

With the new beta update, Apple has enabled initial Time Machine support and added new AVKit routines so developers can provide more content playback options based on the available outputs. Touch processing modifications were also made, so that the system can ignore some errant touches accidentally made by users, according to Apple Insider.

High Sierra is also anticipated to have support for High Efficiency Video Encoding or H.265 video. Existing apps are being updated in relation to this. Additionally, there are miscellaneous upgrades that will be rolled out to Safari, Photos and Mail. Apple’s browser will have an autoplay blocking feature and Intelligent Tracking Prevention, so users will be strongly protected from hackers. The Photos app will be getting new side view and editing tools, while Mail’s update will primarily focus on storage optimization.

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For Mac users who wish to have early access to High Sierra, they need to register to the tech giant’s public beta system. Once they have registered and agreed to the terms and conditions of the system, they may download and install the second macOS High Sierra public beta. Apple recommends that users only install the software to their secondary Mac device since beta versions tend to have bugs and some issues.

iOS 11 Beta 2 Release

Meanwhile, Apple has also released the second beta version of iOS 11 to beta testers this Wednesday. The new update comes two weeks after the first non-developer pre-release build was rolled out. Consumers can try out iOS 11 beta 2 by signing up for Apple’s public beta system — the same one that gives users access to macOS and tvOS betas.

Thus far, iOS 11 is known to come with subtle design changes that include a new customizable lock screen and a redesigned Control Center. The new mobile operating system will also come with upgrades for certain apps and features. For example, Messages will earn support for person-to-person Apple Pay. Also, Siri will be smarter in more ways than one. All other changes will be disclosed when Apple officially launches iOS 11 this fall.