Apple has released the latest beta version of its macOS operating system, Sequoia 15.4. If you're eager to try out the newest features before the official release, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta, including how to get it, what's new, and how to safely install and test it.
What's New in macOS Sequoia 15.4 Beta?
The macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta brings several exciting updates, including:
- Mail Sorting: Similar to iOS 18.2, the Mail app now features sorting options for Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. A swipe gesture reveals an option to view all mail.
- Proximity Pairing: When setting up a new Mac, you can now pair it with an iPhone running iOS 18.4 to easily transfer your Apple Account data.
- Apple Intelligence Expansion: Apple Intelligence features are rolling out to more non-English speaking countries, including those in the EU, Brazil, India, and Japan.
These enhancements promise to streamline your workflow and improve the overall user experience. But before you dive in, it's crucial to understand the different beta programs available.
Developer Beta vs. Public Beta
Apple offers two beta programs: the Developer Beta and the Public Beta. The Developer Beta is typically released first and may include features not yet available in the Public Beta. However, it's also generally less stable. The Public Beta, on the other hand, is more stable and intended for a broader audience. Since 2023, anyone can access the Developer Beta with a free Apple Developer account.
"Beta software tends to be buggy and a more stable public beta version is also available."
If you're not a developer, it's generally recommended to stick with the Public Beta to minimize potential issues.
How to Get the macOS Sequoia 15.4 Beta
Regardless of whether you choose the Developer Beta or the Public Beta, the process for obtaining it is straightforward:
- Sign Up: For the Developer Beta, create a free Apple Developer account. For the Public Beta, sign up through Apple's beta program website.
- Enroll Your Mac: Follow the instructions on the Apple Developer or Beta website to enroll your Mac in the program.
- Download the Beta: Once enrolled, the beta will appear in Software Update under System Settings.
Important: Before installing any beta software, it's crucial to back up your Mac. Beta software can be unstable, and backing up ensures you can restore your data if anything goes wrong. Consider installing the beta on a separate volume or secondary Mac to further minimize risk.
Safe Beta Testing Practices
Testing beta software can be exciting, but it's essential to do it safely. Here are some tips:
- Back Up Your Data: Use Time Machine or another backup solution to create a full backup of your Mac.
- Install on a Separate Volume: Create a new APFS volume and install the beta on that volume. This allows you to easily switch back to your stable macOS installation.
- Report Issues: Use the Feedback Assistant app to report any bugs or issues you encounter. The more feedback Apple receives, the better the final release will be.
Remember, beta software is not intended for everyday use. It's primarily for developers and enthusiasts who want to test new features and provide feedback to Apple.
Downgrading from the Beta
If you decide the beta isn't for you, downgrading is possible, but it requires some effort. The best approach is to restore from the backup you created before installing the beta. If you didn't create a backup, you'll need to erase your drive and reinstall the latest public version of macOS.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely explore the new features of macOS Sequoia 15.4 beta and contribute to making the final release even better.