Apple seeded a macOS Big Sur 11.2 release candidate to developers on Thursday. Among other changes, it promises to improve Bluetooth reliability, which is probably music to the ears of those using the recently released Macs built around Apple’s first-generation M-series processor.
Users of these computers complain of Bluetooth connection problems with Apple Silicon Macs. That includes Cult of Mac’s own Luke Dormehl, who reported, “Bluetooth accessories such as the mouse and keyboard disconnect from the Apple Silicon Mac at random.”
But apparently a fix is coming in macOS Big Sur 11.2. Apple says it “improves Bluetooth reliability.”
However, this pre-release version is currently only for developers. But it’s a Release Candidate. That’s Apple’s new term for what it used to call a Golden Master. An RC is the final version sent out early for testing, before the general public get access. Testing is currently only available for those in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 a year. A public debut might take up to a week, but could easily be less.
macOS Big Sur 11.2 release notes
Apple’s own release note for the new version state:
macOS Big Sur 11.2 improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes the following issues:
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- External displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
- Edits to Apple ProRAW photos in the Photos app may not save
- iCloud Drive could turn off after disabling the iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents Folders option
- System Preferences may not unlock when entering your administrator password
- Globe key may not display the Emoji & Symbols pane when pressed
Thursday’s macOS RC launch came just hours after Apple introduced release candidates for the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS.