Earlier today as Apple was unveiling OS X Yosemite for the first time at the Worldwide Developers Conference, software chief Craig Federighi announced that there would be a public open beta for the new operating system ahead of its launch this fall. Now, users on our forums have discovered an AppleSeed sign up page for the program, with Apple noting that the program is open to the first one million users who register.

osx_yosemite_open_beta2

How can I participate?

To join the OS X Beta Program, just sign up using your Apple ID. When the beta software is ready, you’ll receive a redemption code that will allow you to download and install OS X Yosemite Beta from the Mac App Store. Then go ahead and start using it. When you come across an issue that needs addressing, report it directly to Apple with the built-in Feedback Assistant application.

Users will also need to be running OS X Mavericks, and Apple recommends that the OS X Yosemite beta be installed on a secondary Mac in the event of possible bugs and errors.

OS X Yosemite includes a brand new user interface design alongside major new features focusing on seamless integration between Mac and iOS devices. The new operating system also includes a new cloud storage solution called iCloud Drive, as well as the ability to make phone calls and texts through an iPhone.

Related Roundup: WWDC 2025
Related Forums: OS X Yosemite, Apple, Inc and Tech Industry

Top Rated Comments

XboxMySocks Avatar
XboxMySocks
142 months ago
That leaves you with 2 options.

1) Install Yosemite beta as your only OS

2) Don't use Yosemite beta

Really. I don't understand why it's so damn hard for people to get this.

For real.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
Apple_Robert
142 months ago
But I don't want to deal with two OS's. I want all my life on one.

That leaves you with 2 options.

1) Install Yosemite beta as your only OS

2) Don't use Yosemite beta
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jbachandouris Avatar
jbachandouris
142 months ago
They said "coming this summer." Summer doesn't start until June 21st, officially. And we could be waiting until July or even August. Who knows.

Developers can download a preview now. The public beta will come later.

That's the confusion: the developers can download NOW and the public beta will be later. There are so many posts on here of people already using it, its easy to confuse the two.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HenryDJP Avatar
HenryDJP
142 months ago
I really want to sign up but also don't want to deal with bugs. what to do.... :confused:

Um, the article explained what to do.

----------

I'm really looking forward to testing out the Beta, but I just hope that they iron out a few kinks inside the Developer Program first before they release the Beta to the public. I'm expecting bugs, but hopefully not the sort of bugs which make work impossible.:eek:

As a beta tester it's your job to discover the bugs and report them. It shouldn't be used for your daily work.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S.B.G Avatar
S.B.G
142 months ago
But I don't want to deal with two OS's. I want all my life on one.

Sounds like you have a quandary to solve on your own then.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sevoneone Avatar
sevoneone
142 months ago
I should have known better but in the excitement of Apple releasing Yosemite I being an IOS developer downloaded the Yosemite not thinking it would be nearly this buggy because pre release iOS software isn't nearly this bad. I ended up installing it on my main mac an can barely use it is there any way i can revert back to a stable version pf mavericks for a few weeks till this becomes a bit more stable.

----------

Another problem I have ran into is I am running this on my mac book pro retina display but it will not allow me to turn up the audio at all and in the system prefs it shows that there is no output device! please help i need to get audio working.

Time machine, or carbon copy cloner. Please tell me you have a backup?

I only saw one other person mention this, but since 10.6 you can install OS X in a virtual machine, as long as the host environment is running on Apple Hardware. VM Ware Fusion isn't terribly expensive and you can indulge your beta desires without risking your stable installation.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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