14 DAY TRIAL // An internal beta build of Microsoft Edge for Mac has recently leaked to the web straight from Microsoft servers.
What’s important to know, however, is that this build beta isn’t an official release, albeit the download is served by Microsoft’s servers.
Most likely, this is an internal build of Edge beta for macOS, but as Twitter user WalkingCat notes, everyone can install it on Apple computers.
This beta build is version 76.0.182.22 (direct download link), so it’s even older than the Canary and Dev builds that are available on the Mac right now. The latest Microsoft Edge Canary for Mac version is 77.0.235.0, while in the Dev channel, the newest release is 77.0.230.2.
Older than Dev and Canary
Now, the most important question: should you install this beta build on your Mac?
Not really, and the simple fact that it’s an older version than the Canary and Dev build is an indication that if you want to test the browser, these are the releases that you should go for. Edge is already on Chromium 77 in Dev and Canary, while the beta is still based on Chromium 76.
Microsoft is pushing hard for Microsoft Edge to become a fully-featured browser even beyond Windows.
The transition to the Chromium engine allows Microsoft to bring Edge to all operating systems where this platform is available, and these include not only older Windows, but also macOS. It’s believed that a Linux version could also land at some point, albeit a confirmation on this project is yet to be offered.
Meanwhile, no word has been said on when we should expect Microsoft to release the stable version of Edge. What we know so far is that Microsoft might be targeting the spring of 2020 for the launch of Edge stable for Windows 10, as the browser could replace its native sibling in the OS in the 20H1 OS feature update.