It is now possible to install the beta software of macOS Catalina (10.15) on your Apple computer. Go through these three steps so that everything runs smoothly.
Install macOS Catalina beta? First check this
With macOS Catalina (10.15) you get access to new functions, such as Screen Time, the renewed Siri Shortcuts and Sidecar. Before Apple lets everyone upgrade to this new version, it gives developers time to make their programs compatible with the new software. It does so by releasing a public beta.
Not only developers can try it, you too can do it now. But beware: it is still a test version of the software. It is always possible that there are errors or things do not work properly. So before you just dive in, go through these three important steps first so that you are ready for the macOS Catalina beta.
Step 1: Check if your computer supports MacOS Catalina
Before you do all your work for nothing, it is good to check whether your device can run the new version of the operating system. Not every Mac or MacBook can be updated just like that, some will have to continue to do with the current version of macOS.
Below is the full list of Macs that are beta compatible with macOS Catalina. Not sure which model you have? You can quickly find it on the computer itself: click on the Apple logo at the top left for the Apple menu and then click on ‘About this Mac’. In it you will find the model name, which also states from which year the device originates.
MacBook
- MacBook of 2015 or newer
- MacBook Air from 2012 or newer
- MacBook Pro from 2012 or newer
Mac
- Mac mini from 2012 or later
- Mac Pro from 2013 or later
iMac
- iMac from 2012 or newer
- All models of the iMac Pro
Step 2: Sign up for the Apple beta program
If you want to install the test version of the operating system, you need a special beta account. You can create this very quickly and easily at Apple itself.
- Go to the beta website of Apple;
- Log in with your Apple ID and password;
- Click on ‘macOS’;
- Choose the device you want to install the beta on.
Step 3: Make a backup
If your device is compatible with the new version of macOS and you have a beta account, you’re basically ready to try macOS Catalina. But before that, it is very important that you first make a backup of your computer. The fact that Catalina is still in beta means that there may still be unexpected errors.
Apple itself recommends not using a beta version of the operating system on the computer you use every day. So if you want to try macOS Catalina before it officially comes out, make sure you make a good backup. Then you will not lose anything and you can always go back to the current version of macOS if something does not work properly.
→ Read also: How to back up your Mac with Time Machine
Everything about macOS Catalina and iOS 13
It is not yet entirely clear when Apple will release the official version of macOS Catalina, but it generally will happen in September. Owners of a suitable Mac, iMac or MacBook will then automatically have the option to upgrade. Don’t feel like trying the beta, but are you curious? Read here what’s new in macOS Catalina. IPhones, iPods and iPads are also getting new software. There are also public betas available for the new iOS 13 and iPadOS, so you can try those as well.
Learn more about macOS Catalina
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- macOS 10.15.7 Now Available: Fixes Wi-Fi bug and iMacs graphics issues (9/25/2020)
- Latest macOS Catalina update fixes Wi-Fi and iCloud Drive bugs (11-9-2020)