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SoundSource and beta versions of MacOS

Basic notes on beta OS versions

To begin, we always recommend that users avoid beta versions of Apple’s operating systems. OS updates can contain breaking changes to the audio system, so to avoid causing issues, most of our products will not run on pre-release versions of MacOS.

It takes time to vet a new operating system, make necessary changes, and then release updates. We maintain a useful Status page, which provides current information for all of our products. It includes a list of what versions of MacOS SoundSource is compatible with, as well as information on accessing any available test releases.

For further information on how we handle Apple’s beta OS releases, read on.

Notes on Apple’s releases of new OS versions

For many years, Apple has followed a familiar pattern when it comes to releasing new versions of MacOS. Apple first previews the new OS at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), usually held in early June. At this time, developers receive our first beta of the forthcoming operating system. A few weeks later, public betas are provided to non-developers, with additional updates coming over the next few months.

While it can be interesting to try the new OS during its beta period, it is wise to avoid updating your Mac until the official version. If you must run a beta OS, follow Apple’s advice to install a separate copy in its own APFS volume on your Mac. This will preserve your ability to use the current release of MacOS, as well as our software.

In the fall, the official version is released to the public. That major update is generally followed by multiple point updates, which are often the best time to update, as the OS finally becomes solid enough for mission-critical work.

Notes on Rogue Amoeba’s updates for new OS versions

Rogue Amoeba has our own annual pattern when it comes to supporting a new version of MacOS. After Apple first posts the new OS, we begin multiple months of work on supporting it. Later in the beta cycle, we make our first updates available as test releases, allowing users outside the company to try them.

We work hard to provide official releases with support for the new OS, prior to its official release by Apple. We’ve been successful in meeting that goal for many years in a row. These initial updates offer preliminary support for the new OS. Even then, we urge caution in updating, particularly for mission-critical uses.

We typically issue a second set of updates with full support for the new OS a few weeks later. These versions make minor improvements and smooth rough edges, and indicate that it’s now safe for all users to update their OS. For example, in 2022, our second round of updates arrived just under a month after the initial public release of Ventura. With those updates, we were comfortable recommending the new OS.