macOS Sonoma Beta 3 is out!
Today, Apple released the macOS Sonoma 14 Beta 3 (23A5286g) update. This is the third beta update of macOS Sonoma that is available for users enrolled in the Developer Beta Program.
Existing users running macOS Sonoma Beta (14.0) who wish to update their systems directly to macOS Sonoma Beta 3, can upgrade now. Please be advised that due to being in the beta phase, it may contain several bugs and that is why it is not recommended to use it as a daily driver. This method does not involve bootable USB creation or such preparation and allows you to preserve your files along with the system settings.
If you plan to perform a clean installation, follow the guide linked below
elitemacx86.com
What we know about 14 Beta 3 so far...
For detailed information about the content of this update, please visit: macOS Sonoma Beta Release Notes.
The first beta of macOS Sonoma Beta is quite stable and performs well in a fresh install as well as on the systems that have been updated using the Software Update method available in the System Settings. However, built-in Apps like Notes crashes often and Safari has difficulties with a large number of tabs and the Profile feature. It still remains to be seen how stable macOS Sonoma Beta 2 is and what more bugs it brings. The final release of macOS Sonoma will be available for all Mac users as a free software update this fall.
Before you Update:
- Ensure your bootloader is up to date.
- Ensure your Kexts are up to date.
- Ensure your USB Ports are properly mapped.
How to Install macOS Sonoma Beta 3?
To install macOS Sonoma Beta 3, follow the steps below.
STEP 1: Backup your System
As this is a beta update, this update may break some functionality. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to perform a full backup of your existing installation using Carbon Copy Cloner or Time Machine, or any other reliable backup/restore tool. In case the update fails to process or you encounter any issues with the update, you can always roll back to your existing installation.
STEP 2: Update your Bootloader
Whether you're running Clover or OpenCore, you must update your existing bootloader to the latest possible version for a hassle-free update experience. If you're using Clover, you must update it to (5152) or newer, and if you're using OpenCore, you must update it to (v0.9.3) or newer. The prebuilt binaries can be downloaded from the forum's Download section.
STEP 3: Update your Kexts
Unlike the bootloader, you must update the kexts too. The essential kexts are Lilu, VirtualSMC, WhateverGreen, and AppleALC. If you're using some other kext and an update is available, you should update that too.You can find the pre-built version of the essential kexts in the forum's Download section. This is mandatory for the smooth update ensuring the update doesn't break the system and enter into a loop state or result in an unbootable system.
STEP 4: Update Kernel Patches
If you're using an AMD System, you'll also need to update the Kernel Patches. Do not use these Kernel Patches if you're using an Intel based CPU.
STEP 5: Update SMBIOS
With the release of macOS Sonoma, Apple has again dropped support for their obsolete Mac models (up to Skylake) and therefore you'll need to update the SMBIOS data to 2018 and later. To update the SMBIOS data, follow the guide linked below.
elitemacx86.com
STEP 6: Install macOS Sonoma Beta 3
This update can be installed on any supported system running macOS Sonoma Beta using the built-in Software Update functionality through macOS System Settings provided that you're enrolled in the Apple Developer's Beta Program. To install the update, simply download the update using Software Update located in System Settings>General>Software Update. When prompted, click on Restart Now to process the update.
However, if you've not enrolled, or are unable to get the software update in the System Settings, you can download an official copy of macOS Sonoma Beta 3 directly from Apple Server using the guide linked below.
elitemacx86.com
Using this full installer, you can update your system to macOS Sonoma Beta 3. Once you have obtained the Install macOS Sonoma beta.app, simply open it and continue with the on-screen instructions and you should be on macOS Sonoma Beta 3 (23A5286g).
Please note that your system may restart a couple of times to process the updates.
Testing is now underway- this post will be updated. Good luck, and let us know how it goes! Report your results here.

Today, Apple released the macOS Sonoma 14 Beta 3 (23A5286g) update. This is the third beta update of macOS Sonoma that is available for users enrolled in the Developer Beta Program.
Existing users running macOS Sonoma Beta (14.0) who wish to update their systems directly to macOS Sonoma Beta 3, can upgrade now. Please be advised that due to being in the beta phase, it may contain several bugs and that is why it is not recommended to use it as a daily driver. This method does not involve bootable USB creation or such preparation and allows you to preserve your files along with the system settings.
If you plan to perform a clean installation, follow the guide linked below

GUIDE - How to Install macOS Sonoma on PC [Intel/AMD]
How to Install macOS Sonoma on PC [Intel/AMD] The following guide is a complete installation guide for installing a fresh copy of macOS Sonoma on PC. The post-installation has been covered in another section. The required tools and downloads are available at the forum. Overview Apple...

What we know about 14 Beta 3 so far...
- Release Date - July 5, 2023
- Build Number - 23A5286g
- Update Size (Intel) - 2.11GB
- Update Size (Silicon) - 2.11GB
- The loading bar when installing Beta 3 has been moved to the bottom of the screen, similar to its height during old firmware updates on G4/G5 class desktops.
- Beta 3 install in progress warns that the screen will turn off for a minute
- Speedometer 2.0 improved slightly, ten run average on an Intel 2018 laptop is now 166.
- System firmware on the Apple Silicon M1 Mac mini has been updated from 10151.0.156.505.1 to 10151.0.172.0.3
- OS Loader on the Apple Silicon M1 Mac mini has been updated from 10151.0.156.505.1 to 10151.0.172.0.3
- Music.app seems to have jumped to 1.4.0.83 along with a few changes in the App.
- The wallpaper disappearing bug seems to be fixed
- Windows restoring from the Dock animates properly every time. No more invisible animation.
- The new splash in the Home.app
- The PDF bug has been fixed
- The Tailscale bug has been fixed. The app is working and doesn't crash on load anymore.
- The default browser bug has been fixed in the settings.
- Lightroom crashes have been fixed.
For detailed information about the content of this update, please visit: macOS Sonoma Beta Release Notes.
The first beta of macOS Sonoma Beta is quite stable and performs well in a fresh install as well as on the systems that have been updated using the Software Update method available in the System Settings. However, built-in Apps like Notes crashes often and Safari has difficulties with a large number of tabs and the Profile feature. It still remains to be seen how stable macOS Sonoma Beta 2 is and what more bugs it brings. The final release of macOS Sonoma will be available for all Mac users as a free software update this fall.
Before you Update:
- Ensure your bootloader is up to date.
- Ensure your Kexts are up to date.
- Ensure your USB Ports are properly mapped.
How to Install macOS Sonoma Beta 3?
To install macOS Sonoma Beta 3, follow the steps below.
STEP 1: Backup your System
As this is a beta update, this update may break some functionality. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to perform a full backup of your existing installation using Carbon Copy Cloner or Time Machine, or any other reliable backup/restore tool. In case the update fails to process or you encounter any issues with the update, you can always roll back to your existing installation.
STEP 2: Update your Bootloader
Whether you're running Clover or OpenCore, you must update your existing bootloader to the latest possible version for a hassle-free update experience. If you're using Clover, you must update it to (5152) or newer, and if you're using OpenCore, you must update it to (v0.9.3) or newer. The prebuilt binaries can be downloaded from the forum's Download section.
STEP 3: Update your Kexts
Unlike the bootloader, you must update the kexts too. The essential kexts are Lilu, VirtualSMC, WhateverGreen, and AppleALC. If you're using some other kext and an update is available, you should update that too.You can find the pre-built version of the essential kexts in the forum's Download section. This is mandatory for the smooth update ensuring the update doesn't break the system and enter into a loop state or result in an unbootable system.
STEP 4: Update Kernel Patches
If you're using an AMD System, you'll also need to update the Kernel Patches. Do not use these Kernel Patches if you're using an Intel based CPU.
STEP 5: Update SMBIOS
With the release of macOS Sonoma, Apple has again dropped support for their obsolete Mac models (up to Skylake) and therefore you'll need to update the SMBIOS data to 2018 and later. To update the SMBIOS data, follow the guide linked below.

GUIDE - How to Setup Correct SMBIOS [Clover/OpenCore]
How to Setup Correct SMBIOS [Clover/OpenCore] This guide covers setting up a Correct SMBIOS for Intel and AMD CPUs on macOS using Clover and OpenCore. By following this guide, you'll be able to set up the correct SMBIOS on your system using Clover or OpenCore Bootloader. I. What is SMBIOS...

STEP 6: Install macOS Sonoma Beta 3
This update can be installed on any supported system running macOS Sonoma Beta using the built-in Software Update functionality through macOS System Settings provided that you're enrolled in the Apple Developer's Beta Program. To install the update, simply download the update using Software Update located in System Settings>General>Software Update. When prompted, click on Restart Now to process the update.
However, if you've not enrolled, or are unable to get the software update in the System Settings, you can download an official copy of macOS Sonoma Beta 3 directly from Apple Server using the guide linked below.

GUIDE - How to Download macOS Sonoma without Developer Account
How to Download macOS Sonoma without Developer Account Today, Apple announced their new macOS lineup i.e macOS Sonoma 14.0. A copy of macOS Sonoma is currently available to developers who have enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. Users who have not enrolled in Apple's Developer Program...

Using this full installer, you can update your system to macOS Sonoma Beta 3. Once you have obtained the Install macOS Sonoma beta.app, simply open it and continue with the on-screen instructions and you should be on macOS Sonoma Beta 3 (23A5286g).
Please note that your system may restart a couple of times to process the updates.
Testing is now underway- this post will be updated. Good luck, and let us know how it goes! Report your results here.
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