Your MacBook, Mac mini or iMac, is probably running macOS Ventura 13.3 right now. Behind the scenes, Apple is hard at work on macOS Ventura 13.4. OMT editor Jeroen Kraak looks at the fourth beta and lists all the features and improvements.
Apple regularly releases new versions of its operating systems. It does so not only for iOS for iPhone, but also for Mac. The next version scheduled for release is macOS Ventura 13.4.
macOS Ventura 13.4 coming soon to your Mac
macOS Ventura 13.4 is coming and, of course, Apple has once again added a number of new features. Here they come.
#1 Pushing hands emoji
With the pushing hands emoji, it was not possible to select a skin color. Now it is possible again.
#2 Apple Studio issues addressed
Some users were affected by a firmware update for the Apple Studio Display. It starts showing progress, but never completes. Apple has fixed this, but has also shared a temporary fix if such problems arise.
Apple’s smart watch. (Image: Unsplash/Raagesh C)
When this happens, press More Info in Settings at Software Update. There you disable the firmware update and press Install Now. Then the installation proceeds without the problems.
#3 Bitcoin whitepaper removed
The Bitcoin whitepaper was a special easter egg hidden in macOS. In the beta of macOS Ventura 13.4, we no longer see it. It was probably mainly for testing certain things.
More improvements coming soon
Presumably, these improvements for your Mac will not be that drastic. Most likely, this new version of the software mainly fixes some bugs under the hood of your MacBook, Studio or mini.
What is in the works is a macOS app for Apple Music Classical. Apple’s latest streaming service has come to the iPhone and iPad, so it wouldn’t be surprising if it comes to the Mac soon as well.
Meet macOS Ventura (Image: Apple)
There are also rumors that a new version of the Apple TV app is coming to macOS Ventura 13.4. This was already supposed to be coming to 13.3, but it turned out not to be.
Fourth beta macOS 13.4 causes problems
Although the new software version for Mac seems to solve mostly problems, the fourth beta version adds a problem.
Several developers report that this version causes Mac devices to have network problems. In fact, the problem is so bad that developers are warning each other about the new update.
So should you be a developer, it is smart to run your test device on the third beta version of macOS 13.4.
Twitter won’t load because you didn’t give permission.
PSA: Don’t update to macos 13.4 beta 4 – there seems to be network issues. Myself and one other person already having constant network drops every few seconds
– Aaron (@aaronp613) May 2, 2023
Here’s how to install the latest version on your computer
Unfortunately, you can’t just test the beta version of macOS Ventura 13.4. This used to be possible, but Apple now gives that first option only to software developers. They can sign up with Apple. There will be a public beta later, though.
Want to install the latest version of the operating system on your Mac? To do so, open the Apple menu. Then go to System Preferences>General>Software Update. Here you can see if your Mac is up-to-date. If not, you can easily install the latest version there.