Apple today seeded the RC version of an upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.2 update for developers for testing purposes, and the new beta will arrive a week after the second beta and two months after the initial launch of macOS Big Sur.
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Developers can download macOS Big Sur 11.2 beta using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the appropriate profile from the Apple Developer Center.
MacOS Big Sur 11.2 beta 2 removes a feature that allowed Apple applications to bypass third-party firewalls, security tools, and VPN applications. MacOS Big Sur 11 included a ContentFilterExclusionList that allowed Apple apps like the App Store, Maps, iCloud, and more to bypass the firewall and VPN apps that users had installed. These apps were unable to filter or inspect the traffic of some built-in Apple apps. That functionality has been removed in macOS Big Sur 11.2.
When macOS Big Sur sees 11.2 is released, Apple applications will be compatible with VPN applications and will no longer be able to bypass firewalls and other security tools.
According to Apple’s release notes, the update also improves Bluetooth reliability and includes multiple bug fixes.
MacOS Big Sur 11.2 improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes the following issues:
– External displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
– Apple ProRAW photo edits in Photos app may not save
– iCloud Drive might turn off after disabling iCloud Drive Desktop and Document Folders option
– System preferences may not be unlocked when entering your admin password
– Balloon key may not display Emoji and Symbols panel when pressed
The update fixes a bug that could cause external displays to show a black screen when connected to an M1 Mac mini using an HDMI to DVI converter, and fixes an issue that resulted in Apple ProRaw photos in the Photos application not be saved. It also includes fixes for iCloud Drive, System Preferences, and more.
