The beta version of macOS Big Sur is now available. By installing the latest major Mac update on your own system, you get a brilliant new interface, major Safari upgrades, and more.

Nevertheless, any beta release comes with its own risks. That is why developers often have test systems to try out new versions of their software.

Before attempting to download the macOS Big Sur beta, make sure your Mac is supported (my 2012 MacBook Pro finally met an update that I could not get). Here's Apple's official list of supported devices:

The developer beta requires a $100 Apple Developer Account (which can be purchased here), but the public beta is free!

Finally, make sure your Mac is backed up; you can use Apple's Time Machine service, but I use Backblaze. The Best Cloud Storage Guide has more recommendations.

Ready to install the macOS Big Sur beta:

Follow these prompts.

Now just follow the on-screen instructions. It may take a while! Good luck and enjoy your macOS Big Sur!

App makers as well as more risque folks are encouraged to get the developer beta. Here's how to install:

From here, simply follow the rest of the on-screen instructions. Locate and open the downloaded macOS Developer Beta Utility and run the macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.pkg file.

Go to Software Updates in System Preferences and you should see an option to download the beta or refresh your system to get the beta. macOS Big Sur developer beta will be downloaded and you will be prompted to accept the You will see a prompt and a Terms of Service and Services menu to agree to.

Now, restart your Mac. This will launch macOS Big Sur. Congratulations to all our readers on living on the wild side!