macOS Big Sur Public Beta 2 & watchOS 7 Public Beta 2 Now Available

After a slower start Apple has already seeded the 2nd Public Beta versions for macOS Big Sur and watchOS 7, the upcoming software generations for your Mac and Apple Watch. Everyone, with a compatible device, can download, install and test out the upcoming macOS 11 and watchOS 7 software updates.

Unlike iOS 14 that still brings visible changes even when updating from Public Beta 4 to Public Beta 5, the macOS Big Sur and watchOS 7 betas include less noticeable changes when compared to the first Beta. Fine tunes are made under the hood and focus on performance and bug fixes.

How To Install macOS Big Sur 11 Public Beta 2

There are two ways of updating a Mac to the macOS 11 Public Beta 2. Either way please perform a full device backup via Time Machine before proceeding.

Update From Public Beta 1

If you’ve already signed up your Mac for the Public beta testing program, updating to Public Beta 2 is straightforward.
Open System Preferences on your computer and click on Software Update.
Be patient until your Mac identifies the macOS Big Sur Public Beta 2.
Click Install Now and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the new software on your device.

Update From macOS 10.15.6

If your Mac runs an earlier version of macOS Catalina, you have to check first if the computer is compatible with macOS Big Sur.
Secondly, you have to be aware that Public Betas are test versions that include bugs and performance issues. It’s not recommended to install it on your main device.
To install macOS Big Sur Public Beta 2 you have to sign up with the Apple Beta Software Program, download the macOS Big Sur Public Beta Access Utility and update for macOS 11 from System Preferences. A detailed step-by-step tutorial is available here.

How To Install watchOS 7 Public Beta 2

Before starting the update process, please be aware that unlike iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur, once you update to watchOS 7 you can’t downgrade to watchOS 6, unless your bring your watch to an Apple retail store and ask for help.
More, you need to run the iOS 14 Public Beta on the paired iPhone to be able to install the watchOS 7 test version.

Update From Public Beta 1

If your Apple Watch already runs an earlier watchOS 7 Public Beta, updating to the newest one works identical with any other public software update.
You have to open the Watch app on the companion iPhone.
In the My Watch tab, browse for General -> Software Update.
Tap on Download and Install and the watchOS 7 Public Beta 2 will be deployed and installed on your Apple smartwatch.
Fact: File download size is 456 MB.

Update From Public watchOS 6

If you plan to update from a public release to the new watchOS 7 Public Beta, you need to enroll your Apple Watch first to Apple’s Beta Software Program. This is done with the help of your Apple ID.
Download the watchOS 7 Beta Software Profile and proceed with the update from the Watch app available on the paired iPhone.
For an extended step-by-step tutorial that walks you through all steps of the update process please tap here.

Did you find any new features in macOS Big Sur or watchOS 7 Public Beta 2 when compared to the initial Public Beta? Don’t hesitate to mention them in the comments section available below.

Related: Check out the most important watchOS 7 new features!