Apple just dropped the public beta for MacOS High Sierra. Here's how to get it.

The next version of MacOS is ready for testing.

Apple just released the first public beta for High Sierra, the next version of MacOS. The update brings enhancements to many of Apple's native apps, like Photos and Mail, as well as under-the-hood performance improvements to graphics and video encoding.

If you want to take it for a spin, you can sign up for Apple's beta program and download it right now.

As with any beta release, the update is bound to have bugs, so Apple recommends you only install beta software on a secondary device. It's also a good idea to make sure you have a current backup, just in case something goes wrong.

But, if you're okay with the risk, there's a lot to look forward to in the High Sierra update, even if it's more of a refresh of last year's Sierra update.

Apple has made significant improvements to the Photos app, with a revamped user interface and new editing tools; Safari, which can now prevent auto-play videos; and Mail, which now comes with faster search.

There's also Apple's new File System, as well as enhancements to Siri, Notes, and Spotlight (which are also integrated in iOS 11). And, for VR developers and enthusiasts, High Sierra will be the first version of MacOS to support virtual reality.