Apple rolls out sixth El Capitan beta build in two months

By Brad Bourque August 3, 2015

The next version of OS X is called El Capitan, focuses on refining Yosemite — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Since announcing the OS X El Capitan beta at WWDC, Apple has released a steady stream of developer betas, with the sixth build so far rolling out through the software update application. The build, which is labeled “15A244d” doesn’t note any major changes in the update notes, and comes hot on the heels of the previous two updates.

Mac OS X El Capitan falls on the odd half of Apple’s major OS updates. Instead of revamping the interface or adding massive software updates, this version of the OS simply expands on the functionality of Yosemite while improving under the hood performance. The integration of Metal from iOS is said to drastically improve the graphics and animations at the core of the OS, for a smoother experience overall.

In addition, essential apps like Notes and Safari have been updated with new features and better iCloud integration. Spotlight has been revamped too, to float around like its own application instead of being stuck in the menu bar, and a new font has been implemented called San Francisco, which Apple developed originally for the Apple Watch, but is now making its way to the desktop OS. Likewise, this update is likely just bug fixes and more polish on the way to a final version, which should hit non-developer Apple computers in September, although no firm release date has been set yet.

If you’re a registered developer, or a participant in the El Capitan beta, the update may already be available via the Software Update program, or the beta landing page. No major compatibility or functionality issues have been reported with this build yet, but we’ll keep an eye out and update this post if there are.

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Brad Bourque is a native Portlander, devout nerd, and craft beer enthusiast. He studied creative writing at Willamette…

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