Tech2 news teamNovember 13, 2020 10:13:30 IST
As announced at the Apple MacBook event on November 10, the new macOS 11 Big Sur update began rolling out on Thursday. The new iteration of macOS is the first version of the operating system to natively support the new Apple laptops and PCs with M1 technology. The new macOS Big Sur brings a new design, improvements to Safari, Messages, Maps and privacy and has been optimized for Apple’s M1 chip. Here’s what’s new in macOS 11, the devices it’s compatible with, and how you can download the update.
macOS Big Sur: Supported Devices
The new macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with iMac 2014 and later, iMac Pro 2017 and later, Mac Pro 2013 and later, Mac Mini 2014 and later, MacBook Air 2013 and later, MacBook Pro late 2013 and later, and MacBook 2015 and later.
macOS Big Sur
macOS Big Sur: How to Download and Install
Apple generally releases macOS updates automatically. However, in case you don’t see a message for the update, you can also download the update manually by heading to System Preferences> Software Update in the Apple menu.
Alternatively, you can open ‘About This Mac’ from the Apple menu and then tap on the latest software update.
You can also download macOS Big Sur directly from the Mac App Store.
Currently, the dedicated macOS page on the Apple website it also had an ‘Update Now’ button at the top right that you can press to download the update.
It is recommended to back up your data and free up space before starting the update process.
macOS Big Sur: What’s New?
Renewed look
Mac OS X Big Sur comes with a simpler layout, new app icons, smoother animations, and an updated app layout for all pre-installed apps. MacOS Big Sur also has a new menu bar. The Mac will now have a control center as well, just like iPhones.
Messages
Messaging in macOS Big Sur offers new tools for managing your favorite group conversations. You can pin conversations to the top of your Messages list, similar to iOS 14. The search function has also been completely redesigned in Messages on Mac to help you quickly find matching links, photos, and terms. Messages for Mac also works seamlessly on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, so conversations stay in sync.
Apple Maps
Maps on Mac has also been completely redesigned. It has a new feature called Guides that lets you discover places to visit and things to do, as well as create personalized guides to your favorite restaurants and parks. You can also share these guides with friends and family. Apple Maps on Mac now lets you see a 360-degree view of a destination.
Apple Maps now also has indoor maps of places like airports and shopping malls.
Bike and EV travel can now also be routed on a Mac and sent directly to an iPhone.
Safari in macOS Big Sur
Safari
Apple claims that Safari is now 50 percent faster than Google Chrome. Apple will allow users to decide which applications and websites can use extensions, how long they want to activate them, among other controls. Safari has also redesigned the tabs to display website previews and use tab space more efficiently.
Privacy
Privacy is touted as a highlight of macOS Big Sur. The Mac App Store will include a new section on each product page that displays a developer-reported summary of an app’s privacy practices. The information provided includes the types of data that applications may collect, such as contact or location information, and whether it is shared with third parties for tracking.
.
