Update: macOS Sierra Public Beta 1 is now live.

Apple is releasing the first macOS Sierra public beta today for anyone wanting to test drive Siri on the Mac or any of the other new features included. Previously, macOS 10.12 has only been available to registered developers with access to a paid account; the public beta program is a free alternative that allows non-developers to test Apple’s latest software updates before their general release.

macOS Sierra public beta 1 follows just days after the release of the second developer preview of macOS 10.12 which included the Auto Unlock feature that works with Apple Watch. Both macOS Sierra and iOS 10 public betas should be available shortly. In the meantime, catch up on our macOS Sierra coverage below:

Aside from Siri, macOS Sierra enhances the Photos app with new object recognition and search features, a new slideshow tool called Memories, the return of the Places view and more. Later this fall, Apple Pay will also be available on the Mac through Safari. Universal Clipboard will allow you to sync what you copy and paste between Macs, iPhones, and iPads, and iCloud Drive gains Desktop and Documents folder syncing. Other changes include picture-in-picture support for video, new Optimize Storage options for saving hard drive space, and enhancements to Messages.

Stay tuned to the Apple Beta Software Program site for availability today.

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