Apple today released the third version of the release candidate of the upcoming macOS Big Sur 11.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the new update arriving a week after the second release candidate and more than two months after the initial release of macOS Big Sur. .
Developers can download the updated macOS Big Sur 11.2 release candidate using the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences after installing the appropriate profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Today's update may resolve a vulnerability that allowed a local user to gain root privileges on macOS. It's unclear if there's a fix for the issue in the beta, but there's speculation that the vulnerability is the reason Apple has yet to release macOS Big Sur 11.2.
macOS Big Sur 11.2 eliminates a feature that allowed Apple apps to bypass third-party firewalls, security tools, and VPN apps. macOS Big Sur 11 included a "ContentFilterExclusionList" that allowed Apple apps like App Store, Maps, iCloud and more to bypass firewall and VPN apps installed by users.
These apps were unable to filter or inspect traffic for some built-in Apple apps. This functionality was removed in macOS Big Sur 11.2. When macOS Big Sur 11.2 is released, Apple apps will support VPN apps and will no longer be able to bypass firewalls and other security tools.
macOS Big Sur 11.2 - release notes
According to Apple's release notes, the update also improves Bluetooth reliability and includes several bug fixes. macOS Big Sur 11.2 improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes the following issues:
- External monitors may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
- Apple ProRAW photo edits in the Photos app may not save
- iCloud Drive may turn off after disabling iCloud Drive Desktop and Document Folders
- System preferences may not unlock when entering your admin password
- Globe key may not display symbols and emojis panel when pressed
If Apple follows this schedule soon users may already be receiving version 4 of the release candidate, as the difference from one version to another was 1 week. However, this update may have arrived to resolve bugs in the previously released version.
