Apple has released the fourth pre-release beta version of macOS Big Sur 11.3 to registered developers and other beta testers.

The latest beta update comes a month and a half after the release of Big Sur 11.2 at the beginning of February. That last update to Big Sur did not offer much by way of new features, but did include a number of important security updates.

New features in the latest beta include: a new Autoplay feature in the Apple Music app (as seen in iOS 14), more information about your Mac warranty, a collection of new emoji, more support for games controllers, and rather worryingly, a note suggesting that Rosetta may not be installed in some regions.

There is also a beta of iOS 14.5. For more information read What's in iOS 14.5.

Big Sur 11.3 release date

The final version of macOS Big Sur 11.3 will probably be released to the public at the end of March. Not long after that we will hear about the next major update, macOS 12, which will be announced at WWDC 2021 in the summer.

The Big Sur 11.3 beta is with testers now, so we know something of what to expect. Read on for more information.

Big Sur 11.3 features

Via the beta, Apple has revealed that the following new features will be included in Big Sur 11.3:

Games controller support - Mac users will get access to a number of games related features when they install this update. The fourth beta indicates that there will be a new games controller setting in Preferences that will enable you to map the keys on a Mac keyboard to the usual controls on a Games Controller. For example, the X button on the controller is will be mapped to the letter Q on the keyboard, W, A, S, D serve as directional arrows. The Big Sur update will also add support for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S gaming controllers.

Improved Safari features - Start Page will be more customisable. Users will be able to re-arrange the sections with customisation controls. In addition, new extensions types will enable developers to create extensions for features that can appear on the new tab page. There will also be a new Web Speech API for developers so that they can incorporate speech recognition into their web pages.

iOS/iPadOS apps on the Mac - iPhone and iPad apps will be enhanced on M1 Macs. For example, iPadOS apps will launch with a larger window and a new preference pane will be available in iOS and iPadOS apps offering access to keyboard commands to be used instead of touch. A Touch Alternative menu will appear in the System panel.

Reminders - Following the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update you will be able to easily sort Reminders by various criteria. Users will also be able to move Reminders manually up and down within any list. The update will also ass support for printing Reminders.

Apple News - Apple is introducing a redesigned News+ Tab to help subscribers quickly access magazines and newspapers. It will also simplify the process for managing downloaded issues.

Apple Music - Apple Music improvements will include a Made For You Library shortcut that should simplifying the process of finding personal mixes and playlists. Also a Listen Now option will offer upcoming and live special events based on your interests. In version 2 of the beta Apple added an new Autoplay feature. If Autoplay is enabled, Apple Music will continue to play similar music even if the playlist runs out, something that many users will appreciate. The function is activated by pressing an icon that looks like an infinity sign (∞). Apple is also adding the ability to share lyrics when you send links to your friends via Messaging, Instagram or Facebook Messenger. The function is limited to a maximum of 150 characters, so it is important to select the most relevant paragraph.

Support for stereo-paired HomePods - It will be possible to change the default setting to stereo-paired HomePods. To date it has only been possible to use two HomePods as paired stereo speakers via AirPlay and Apple Music, which has annoyed some users. It is already possible to use dual HomePods without problems with iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, so it is long overdue that the same functionality should come to the Mac. Via 9to5Mac.

Warranty information: You can view your Mac's warranty information under About This Mac > Support.

No more Rosetta?

Among the latest features to be added in Apple's third preview version of macOS Big Sur 11.3 is a slightly concerning omission that may relate to a patent dispute with Intel and could prevent the execution of old programs.

The developer Steve Moser discovered a suspicious hint in the third beta version. A message claims that Rosetta 2 will be removed during installation and that the emulator that translates code written for x86 for the ARM architecture is not available in the region.

It is not clear where Apple intends to switch off Rosetta 2.

9to5Mac has found a possible reason for the change: An emulator that processes 64-bit code for ARM could infringe on Intel’s patents. The x86 platform uses some proprietary techniques that cannot be emulated without permission. The relationship between Apple and its previous partner for Mac CPUs has not been the best in the past few weeks.

If you want to take part in testing the new update, you can sign up for Apple's beta software programme. In addition to new versions of macOS, you'll be able to test upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and watchOS.