The Mac OS X Public Beta was the first publicly available version of Apple Computer’s Mac OS X which is now named the macOS. This operating system features the Aqua user interface. The Mac OS X Public Beta was released on September 13th, 2000 which was said to be an early test version of the Mac OS X operating system.
It allowed software developers and early adopters to test a preview of the upcoming operating system and develop software for the forthcoming operating system before its final release. It had a build number of 1H39.
This release also features an Apple logo centered in the menu bar. The logo didn’t serve any interactive function in the user interface, and the OS X team quickly put the Apple menu back in its rightful place, letting it take over many functions found in the “Special” menu.
Compatibility of Mac OS X Public Beta:
The following required configurations are:
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- Generally, Mac OS X Public Beta will run on any G3- or G4-based Mac. This was released prior to Public Beta’s release, which is:
- Power Mac G3 (Desktop, Mini Tower, All-in-One, Blue & White)
- Power Mac G4 (Yikes, Sawtooth, Gigabit)
- Power Mac G4 Cube
- iMac G3, G3 DV (models released up to and including 2000)
- PowerBook G3 (excluding Kanga)
- iBook G3 (Clamshell)
- at least 128 MB of RAM
- internal video, or an Apple-supplied ixMicro or ATI video card
- at least 1.5 GB of disk space is available
How to Install the Mac OS X Public Beta?
Here are the methods to install macOS X Public Beta in a step by step manner:
Mac OS X Public Beta Procedure 1:
- After you’ve enrolled in the public beta testing program, you’re able to download macOS Monterey.
- After selecting the macOS section on the beta website, scroll down to “Enroll your Mac” and click on the “Download the macOS Public Beta Access Utility option.”
- If you get a popup asking if you want to allow downloads on “beta.apple.com” click on “Allow.”Unless you’ve changed where files download, the beta installer (macOSPublicBetaAccessUtility.dmg) will show up in your downloads folder. Locate it and double-click on it to open it up.
- Double click on the .pkg file inside to run the installer. You may see a warning advising you to back up your Mac with Time Machine. Either stop here and back up or, if you’ve already done so,
- Click OK and then click Continue. Click Continue again and then click on Agree to accept Apple’s software license agreement, then click on “Install.” Enter your admin password if prompted.
- Once the installer has completed the download, the System Preferences Software Update panel will open automatically and display the macOS Monterey Beta download.
Mac OS X Public Beta Procedure 2:
- Click on Upgrade Now to download the public beta software when prompted. It will take some time to download the file, and when the download is complete, your Mac should restart.
- After a restart, the macOS Monterey installer should launch automatically. If it does not, it can be found in the applications folder.
- From here, click “Continue” and walk through the steps as instructed, agreeing to the terms and conditions and making sure you’ve performed a backup.
- Select the drive that you want to install the public beta on. You can choose your main drive or a partition that you’ve created.
- Click Install, enter your administrator password, and click OK, then click Restart or wait for your Mac to reboot automatically.
- After your Mac restarts, the Monterey installation process will begin. It takes some time for the update to install, but when the installation is finished and your Mac boots up again, it will be running the Monterey public beta.
Features of Mac OS X Public Beta:
- Beta 1 changes and features: Wallet updates & handy new HomePod feature
- Includes support for apps with external purchases
- Hints at Bancomat and Bancontact on Apple Pay
- Apple to rebrand iTunes Pass in Wallet app with iOS 15.5
- Beta blocks ‘Sensitive Locations’ for Memories in Photos app
Which Macs are compatible with Mac OS X Public Beta?
- MacBook (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (Early 2015 and later)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2015 and later)
- Mac mini (Late 2014 and later)
- iMac (Late 2015 and later)
- iMac Pro (Late 2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and later)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mac OS X Public Beta:
What is the Apple Beta Software Program?
The Apple Beta Software Program lets users try out pre-release software. The feedback you provide on quality and usability helps us identify issues, fix them, and make Apple software even better. Please note that since the public beta software has not yet been commercially released by Apple, it may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software. Be sure to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and your Mac using Time Machine before installing beta software. Since Apple TV purchases and data are stored in the cloud, there’s no need to back up your Apple TV. Install the beta software only on non-production devices that are not business-critical. We strongly recommend installing it on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac.
How do I get the public betas?
As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you’ll be able to enroll your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple TV, or Apple Watch to access the latest public betas, as well as subsequent updates, directly from iOS Software Update, the Mac App Store or tvOS Software Update.
How do I provide my feedback to Apple?
The iOS, iPadOS and macOS public betas come with the built-in Feedback Assistant app, which can be opened from the Home screen on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch or from the Dock on your Mac. The Feedback Assistant app is also available from the help menu of any app by selecting Send Feedback. If you’re running the tvOS public beta, you can submit feedback through the Feedback Assistant app on an enrolled iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. When you experience an issue or something that does not work as expected, send your feedback directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.
Who can participate?
The Apple Beta Software Program is open to anyone with a valid Apple ID who accepts the Apple Beta Software Program Agreement during the sign-up process. If you have an iCloud account, that is an Apple ID and we recommend you use that. If you do not have an iCloud account or any other Apple ID, you can create one now.
Do I have to pay a fee to join the program or pay for software?
No. Both the program and software are free.
What kind of compensation do I receive for testing?
This program is voluntary, and there is no compensation for your participation.
Is the public beta software confidential?
Yes, the public beta software is Apple’s confidential information. Don’t install the public beta software on any systems you don’t directly control or that you share with others. Don’t blog, post screenshots, tweet, or publicly post information about the public beta software, and don’t discuss the public beta software with or demonstrate it to others who are not in the Apple Beta Software Program. If Apple has publicly disclosed technical information about the public beta software, it is no longer considered confidential.
How does the Apple Beta Software Program contact me?
The Apple Beta Software Program uses the contact information associated with your Apple ID.
What’s the difference between this program and the Apple Developer Program?
The Apple Beta Software Program collects feedback on pre-release software. The Apple Developer Program allows developers to test and build applications. Participants in the Apple Beta Software Program may receive different beta software from participants in the Apple Developer Program. If you are a developer, you will benefit from the additional resources available through the Apple Developer Program.
Will installing public beta software from the Apple Beta Software Program void my hardware warranty?
No, installing the public beta software does not void your hardware warranty.
How do I stop receiving public betas and install the next shipping iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS or watchOS release?
When your device is enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program, you will automatically receive new versions of the public beta from iOS Software Update, the Mac App Store, tvOS Software Update, or watchOS Software Update. At any time, you may unenroll your device so that it no longer receives these updates. Then, when the next version of commercial software is released, you can install it from iOS Software Update, the Mac App Store, tvOS Software Update, or watchOS Software Update.
How do I restore a prior shipping release of iOS, iPad, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS?
Always back up your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac before installing the public beta. Since Apple TV purchases and data are stored in the cloud, there’s no need to back up your Apple TV. To use a previously-released version of macOS or iOS, you can restore your device from the backup that you created before installing the public beta. Please note Apple Watch cannot be restored to previously-released OS versions once the public beta is installed.
How do I leave the Apple Beta Software Program?
To leave the program, visit the Unenroll page and follow the instructions to remove your Apple ID from the Apple Beta Software Programming
