New MacOS 11 Big Sur

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5 New Features to Explore in MacOS Big Sur​

Apple brings a new look to the Mac's interface, plus several major improvements to Safari, Messages, and Maps.
big sur on macbook pro

Overall, the entire operating system looks closer to a mobile OS


IT'S THAT TIME of year again—a big new update has arrived to macOS, Apple's bdesktop operating system for its Macs. For several years, Apple has been naming its annual software releases after California locales, and this year we're treated to Big Sur. If you want to be technical, it's macOS 11.

You get a fresh look, widgets, and a whole lot more. Before we dive into some of the top new features, here's how to install it.

How to Download and Install Big Sur
Before downloading anything, your first step is to back up your Mac. You never know what can happen! You can back it up via Time Machine if you have an external storage drive, or you can use iCloud if you have enough space. This support page walks you through both methods.


If you have a Mac from 2013 or newer, there's a good chance your device is compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur. Here's the exact list straight from the horse's mouth:

  • MacBook (2015 or later)
  • MacBook Air (2013 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
  • Mac mini (2014 or later)
  • iMac (2014 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (2013 or later)
If you're unsure about your model, click the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your Mac's screen, then select About this Mac. Apple has a more in-depth guide here on finding your specific Mac to see whether it's supported.



You'll need to be running OS X 10.9 or later, and you need 4 GB of memory plus 35.5 gigabytes of unused storage. The Big Sur update is about 12 gigs. You should install it when you aren't in a rush to use your Mac, as the whole process can take about an hour.


To update, click the Apple icon on the top left, then choose System Preferences > Software Update > Upgrade Now. From there, just let the Mac do its thing. Now, on to the goodies.
A Fresh Look
What's New in macOS 11 Big Sur Our Full Feature Roundup


You'll first notice that everything looks … different. Big Sur isn't a substantial visual overhaul, but there are small design tweaks that make the interface look a little more iPad-esque. Corners, whether you're looking at apps or the dock, are rounded. App icons are a squircle shape instead of round. Colors are bolder, grays are darker, and various icons and menus have been compressed to take up less room (looking at you, Finder). Overall, the entire operating system looks closer to a mobile OS and a great deal more modern.

A Control Center, Plus Widgets!


Safari Improvements


Apple says Big Sur brings the "biggest update to Safari since its original launch in 2003." It's speedier than ever (50 percent faster than Chrome, according to Apple), and you can finally watch 4K HDR content on YouTube and Netflix. If you're like me and have dozens of tabs open at any given time, you'll like that you can now hover over a tab to see a preview of what's there. Plus, Safari now shows favicons in the tabs, so it's much easier to find the tab you're hunting for.

New Maps


Upgraded Messages


Other Updates
There are several smaller updates in Big Sur. Head to Apple's macOS 11 web page to see the full list, but here are a few standouts.

  • iPhone and iPad Apps on Macs with the M1 Chip: This applies only if you have one of the new MacBooks with Apple's own M1 chip. You're able to download some iPhone and iPad apps! Just search for an app in the Mac App Store, and you'll see a new tab to find iPhone and iPad apps. Not every app is available—developers have to opt in to desktop support, and it could take months or longer for some to bring their apps over.
  • Better Spotlight Search: Spotlight, the Mac's search tool, is now faster, and you can preview many of the results right from the Spotlight interface, including web pages, weather, and files.
  • Nutrition Label in the App Store: Before downloading an app on the App Store, you'll find a Nutrition Label of sorts at the bottom. It shows a preview of data the developer will collect via the app and other data that may be used to track you. Developers have to provide this information starting December 8.
  • Automatic AirPods Switching: If you have AirPods and they're connected to multiple Apple devices, the earbuds can now automatically switch to your Mac when it's turned on. You'll see a banner notification asking for permission.
Take your time to get to know many of these helpful new features. If you have an iPhone or iPad, check out our guide on all the new features iniOS and iPadOS 14. And if you own an Apple Watch, we've got a roundup of all the new goodies in watchOs 7
 
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