Apple Seeds Release Candidate Version of Upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available] - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Seeds Release Candidate Version of Upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update to Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

Apple today seeded the release candidate version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.1 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after the release of the second beta and a month after the launch of macOS Big Sur 11.0.1, the release version of the software.

First Look Big Sur Feature2
Developers can download the macOS Big Sur 11.1 beta using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the proper profile from the Apple Developer Center.

There's no word yet on what's included in macOS Big Sur 11.1, but it likely includes performance improvements, security updates, and fixes for bugs that weren't able to be addressed in the release version of macOS Big Sur. It also likely includes new features for the AirPods Max headphones launching next week.

No major new feature changes were discovered in the first two betas, but we'll update this article should something new be found in the release candidate. The software should see a launch on December 14 to add support for the AirPods Max.

Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...

Top Rated Comments

macintoshmac Avatar
71 months ago
Build 20C69. I really wish MR would provide this info like it used to, if I remember correctly.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Earl Urley Avatar
71 months ago
Here's what looks like their release notes on the RC, build is 20C69:


macOS Big Sur 11.1 Update 11.1

macOS Big Sur 11.1 introduces support for AirPods Max, TV app enhancements, Apple News widgets, and privacy information on the App Store. This release also includes bug fixes for your Mac.


AirPods Max

* Support for AirPods Max, new over-ear headphones
* High fidelity audio for rich sound
* Adaptive EQ adapts sound in real time to the personal fit of ear cushions
* Active Noise Cancellation to block out environmental noise
* Transparency mode to hear the environment around you
* Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like listening experience


Apple TV

* An all-new Apple TV+ tab makes it easy to discover and watch Apple Original shows and movies
* Enhanced search so you can browse by category such as genre and see recent searches and suggestions as you type
* Top search results shown with the most relevant matches across movies, TV shows, cast, channels, and sports


Apple News

* Apple News widgets are now available in Notification Center


App Store

* New privacy information section on App Store pages that includes a developer-reported summary of the app’s privacy practices
* In-game dashboard within Arcade games recommends new Arcade games to play


iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1

* New window options for iPhone and iPad apps let you switch between landscape and portrait orientations or expand a window to fill the entire screen


Photos

* Apple ProRAW photos can be edited in the Photos app


Safari

* Ecosia search engine option in Safari


Air Quality

* Available in Maps and Siri for locations in China mainland
* Health recommendations are provided in Siri for the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Mexico at certain air quality levels



This release also addresses the following issues:

* QuickTime Player might quit when opening a movie with a timecode track after upgrading from macOS Catalina
* Bluetooth connection status was not displayed in Control Center
* Reliability of unlocking your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch
* Trackpad scrolling speed may be faster than expected on MacBook Pro models
* LG UltraFine 5K Display may incorrectly display at 4K resolution on Macs with M1



Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.
For more detailed information about this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211896
For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sfwalter Avatar
71 months ago
I’ve heard from developers that there are a number of issues resolved in Rosetta 2 for the M1 folks
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
71 months ago
Fingers crossed the "Shift + arrows" highlighting bug is fixed in messages.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
71 months ago

How to I remove the Mac OS beta profile from my Mac?

Thanks
Open Software Update in System preferences, click Details, next Restore Defaults.




Attachment Image
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
71 months ago
I hope they make it compatible again with MacBook Pro's from 2013-2014
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: Buyers Guide | Sport | Health | Ipad | Motoring