macOS reimagined and redesigned

The 17th release of the Apple Operating System, Big Sur is packed-full of changes and new additions. The various menu changes make it feel smoother and more efficient, and the additional customization options offer a more user-friendly system. A new design refresh, the introduction of a new Control Center, as well as various improvements to Safari, is set to greatly improve the overall experience from a usability standpoint.

New system features

MacOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy. Bold new experience. Our IT people believe it is the mobile network account that Big Sur is having a hissy fit about. Basically, after upgrading MacBookPro (16inch 2019 2.6GHz) from latest Catalina to Big Sur I was locked from using account UNLESS I was in the building AND connected to the network via ethernet cable (wifi didn't work). If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires up to 44.5GB of available storage. Learn how to identify your MacBook Pro.

Most noticeable are the new system sounds, from a chime when you boot up your computer and file transfer pings to noise alerts for trashing and locking files. Along with that, the overall interface has also been refined. Sidebars are now full height, the menu bar has been updated to offer wider spacing, the toolbars are remarkably more space-efficient, and they boast a translucent look instead of just a plain white.

Along with these tweaks, your new Control Center is convenient as it places your controls in one place, making it easy to adjust settings when needed. There’s also an updated notification center that brings all your widgets and notifications in one area. Of course, many different useful widgets have been improved as well. Finally, Big Sur boasts a great ‘edit view’ where you can add all sorts of widgets on your screen, and customize them to your liking.

Safari Browser

Safari Browser has seen some changes owing to the system update too. Apple has introduced extensions that let it compete more effectively with Google Chrome. You can also convert your Chrome extensions to your Mac Safari Browser. The search engine also has new website previews that appear when you go over a tab.

Technicalities

This OS update is available for free for your Mac. We find that it’s a big improvement on the Catalina update. It’s a 12.6 GB download, so be prepared to wait for some update time. After installing, you may find that some mentioned features are not available.

Our take

We’re big fans of the update. We love that Apple is catering to its users by providing more advanced customizations. The new features are keeping them relevant and make for a much better user experience.

Should you download it?

Yes, as soon as you can. This Mac update is full of system change goodness that every user will appreciate.

Highs

• Improved notification center
• Safari extensions

macOS Big Surfor Mac

11.0.1

macOS Big Sur elevates the world’s most advanced desktop operating system to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy. Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur.

macOS Big Sur updates improve the stability, performance, or compatibility of your Mac and are recommended for all macOS Big Sur users. After installing macOS Big Sur, choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for the latest updates. Learn more about updating the software on your Mac.

For details about the security content of these updates, see Apple Security Updates. For details about enterprise changes in these updates, see What's new for enterprise in macOS Big Sur.

macOS Big Sur 11.4

macOS Big Sur 11.4 adds Apple Podcasts subscriptions and channels and includes important bug fixes.

Podcasts

• Apple Podcasts subscriptions are available for purchase via monthly and annual subscriptions
• Channels group together collections of shows from podcast creators

This release also fixes the following issues:

• Bookmarks in Safari may get reordered or moved into a folder that can appear hidden
• Certain websites may not display correctly after your Mac wakes from sleep
• Keywords may not be included when exporting a photo from the Photos app
• Preview may become unresponsive when searching PDF documents
• 16-inch MacBook may become unresponsive when playing Civilization VI

macOS Big Sur 11.3.1

macOS Big Sur 11.3.1 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

macOS Big Sur 11.3

macOS Big Sur 11.3adds support for AirTag, includes iPhone and iPad app improvements for Macs with M1, introduces separate skin tone variations for emoji with couples, and adds more diverse voice options for Siri.

AirTag and Find My

• Support for AirTag to keep track of and find your important items like your keys, wallet, backpack, and more, privately and securely in the Find My app
• The Find My network with hundreds of millions of devices can help you find your AirTag, even when it isn’t nearby
  
• Lost Mode notifies you when your AirTag is found, and you can enter a phone number where you can be contacted

iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1

• Option to change an iPhone and iPad app's window size
• Support for displaying the highest resolution version of an iPhone or iPad app in full screen
• Keyboard support for iPhone and iPad games designed to use device tilt
• Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad support for iPhone and iPad games that support game controllers

Emoji

• Support for separate skin tones for each individual in all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji
• New face emojis, heart emojis, woman with a beard emoji

Siri

• Siri now includes more diverse voice options

Apple Music

• Autoplay keeps music playing by automatically playing a similar song, once you've reached the end of a song or playlist
• City charts showcase what's popular in over 100 cities from all over the world

Podcasts

• Podcasts Show Pages are redesigned to make it easier to start listening
• Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your Library for quick access
  
• Download behavior and notification settings can be customized on a show-by-show basis
  
• Top Charts and popular categories in Search help you discover new shows

News

• Redesigned News+ feed enables Apple News+ subscribers to quickly find, download, and manage magazine and newspaper issues
• All-new Search experience that helps you find relevant topics, channels, and stories

Safari

• Start Page section order can now be customized
• Additional WebExtensions API lets developers offer extensions that replace the new tab page
  
• Web Speech API lets developers incorporate speech recognition into their webpages for real-time captioning, dictation, and voice navigation
  
• WebM and Vorbis video and audio format support

Reminders

Big Sur Os Requirements

• Ability to sort Today Smart list
• Support for syncing the order of reminders in lists across your devices
• Option to print your reminder lists

Gaming

• Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller or Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller support

Mac computers with the M1 chip

• Hibernation support

About This Mac

• About this Mac displays Apple warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage in the Service tab when signed in with Apple ID
• Support for purchasing and enrolling in AppleCare+ for eligible Mac computers from About This Mac

This release also fixes the following issues:

• Reminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hours
• iCloud Keychain might not turn off
• AirPods audio routing to incorrect device for Automatic Switching
• AirPods Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated
• External 4K monitors may not display in full resolution when connected over USB-C
• Login window may not display properly after restarting Mac mini (M1, 2020)
• The Dwell feature may not work in the Accessibility Keyboard

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices, and require an Apple ID.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.3

macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2

macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 prevents MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air (2020 or later) models from incurring damage when they are connected to certain third-party, non-compliant powered USB-C hubs and docks.

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1

macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 addresses an issue that may prevent the battery from charging in some 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models.

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.

macOS Big Sur 11.2

macOS Big Sur 11.2 improves Bluetooth reliability and fixes the following issues:

• External displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
• Edits to Apple ProRAW photos in the Photos app may not save
• iCloud Drive could turn off after disabling the iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents Folders option
• System Preferences may not unlock when entering your administrator password
• Globe key may not display the Emoji & Symbols pane when pressed

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.

macOS Big Sur 11.1

macOS Big Sur 11.1 introduces support for AirPods Max, TV app enhancements, Apple News widgets, and privacy information on the App Store. This release also includes bug fixes for your Mac.
AirPods Max

• Support for AirPods Max, new over-ear headphones
• High fidelity audio for rich sound
• Adaptive EQ adapts sound in real time to the personal fit of ear cushions
• Active Noise Cancellation to block out environmental noise
• Transparency mode to hear the environment around you

Apple TV

• An all-new Apple TV+ tab makes it easy to discover and watch Apple Original shows and movies
• Enhanced search so you can browse by category such as genre and see recent searches and suggestions as you type
• Top search results shown with the most relevant matches across movies, TV shows, cast, channels, and sports

Apple News

• Apple News widgets are now available in Notification Center

App Store

• New privacy information section on App Store pages that includes a developer-reported summary of the app’s privacy practices
• In-game dashboard within Arcade games recommends new Arcade games to play

iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1

• New window options for iPhone and iPad apps let you switch between landscape and portrait orientations or expand a window to fill the entire screen

Photos

Big Sur Os Release Date

• Apple ProRAW photos can be edited in the Photos app

Safari

Big Sur Os Compatibility

• Ecosia search engine option in Safari

Air Quality

• Available in Maps and Siri for locations in China mainland
• Health recommendations are provided in Siri for the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Mexico at certain air-quality levels
• Data in Maps and Siri reflects updated national scales for Germany and Mexico

Big Sur Latest Version

This release also addresses the following issues:

• QuickTime Player might quit when opening a movie with a timecode track after upgrading from macOS Catalina
• Bluetooth connection status was not displayed in Control Center
• Reliability of unlocking your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch
• Trackpad scrolling speed may be faster than expected on MacBook Pro models
• LG UltraFine 5K Display may incorrectly display at 4K resolution on Macs with M1

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.

macOS Big Sur 11.0.1

Design

• New design for apps makes it easier to focus on your content and take action with space efficient toolbars and full height sidebars
• Updated menu bar features wider spacing and a new translucent material that becomes more vibrant when you interact with it
• Refreshed system sounds include the boot chime and sounds for transferring files, moving items to the trash, locking files, and more

Control Center

• Control Center puts your favorite menus and controls in one handy place in the menu bar so you can quickly adjust settings as you work
• Additional controls appear when you click to expand Control Center menus
• Support for pinning favorite menus from Control Center to the menu bar

Notification Center

• Updated Notification Center brings notifications and widgets together in one view
• Interactive notifications display additional information and actions when you expand them
• Beautiful, new data-rich widgets for Calendar, Clock, Notes, Photos, Podcasts, Reminders, Screen Time, Stocks, and Weather
• Edit view lets you to add new widgets and customize their size
• Support for widgets from third-party apps

Safari

• World’s fastest desktop browser with industry-leading performance and energy efficiency*
• Customizable new start page lets you set a background image and decide what appears, including Reading List, iCloud Tabs, Privacy Report and more
• Expanded extensions support and new dedicated category in the App Store for discovering new extensions
• New tab design featuring favicons in tabs, and website previews that appear when you hover over a tab
• Translation (beta) for English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian or Brazilian Portuguese [US-English and Canadian-English only]
• Privacy Report gives you visibility into how Safari keeps your browsing your business, with an overview of trackers blocked by Intelligent Tracking Prevention
• Safari password monitoring securely screens saved passwords for any that may have been involved in a data breach
• Safari privacy prompts for extensions let you choose when a website can work with an extension

Big Sur Os Requirements

Messages

• Pinned conversations keep up to nine of your favorite threads at the top of the list
• Mentions let you direct a message to an individual in a group conversation
• Inline replies let you reply to a specific message earlier in the conversation
• Message effects for balloons, confetti, lasers and more
• #images helps you find and add trending GIFs to messages
• Memoji makes it simple to create a personalized character and send stickers that match your mood and personality

Maps

• Guides offer recommendations for places to go and things to do, curated by a selection of trusted brands
• Look Around to explore cities in a high-resolution, interactive 3D experience
• Indoor maps for major airports and shopping centers
• Cycling directions helps you find bike-friendly routes to your destination
• Electric vehicle routing helps you plan trips for supported vehicles that you add on iPhone

Big Sur Os Tips

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices.

Download Big Sur Os

* Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection, and other factors.