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Is there no time now?
Apple has announced the release date for its next major version of macOS, Big Sur. For the first time, the operating system is not only available for Intel Macs, but also for future computers with Apple’s M1 chips.
Five months after the announcement of the big Big Sur update and no less than eleven beta versions, Apple has announced a release date. According to Apple, the release will take place on Thursday, November 12.
macOS 11 Big Sur has a fresh design
According to Apple manager Craig Federighi, macOS 11 Big Sur is the “biggest design update in more than a decade”. Apple has revised both the entire user interface, including the control, notification center and desktop elements, as well as the system tones. The goal was to create a uniform look and feel across all Apple devices. In fact, Big Sur is very similar to Apple’s iOS 14.
macOS 11 Big Sur. (Screenshot: t3n; Apple)
The translucent, taller menu bar and full-height display sidebars for each app are new. Additionally, each app is assigned a key color for identification, and Apple has given more space to app icons. Additional innovations include smoothly animated transitions and buttons and controls that are visible only when needed. Additionally, Apple has touched all of its macOS apps and partially revamped them.
Major app updates received the News & Maps app. Among other things, the latter includes guides for places and activities. You can also create lists of favorite restaurants or vacation spots and share them with friends and family.
macOS Big Sur optimized for M1 chips
Apple’s new Macbooks are based on the M1 chip. (Screenshot: Apple: t3n)
In addition, Apple’s Catalyst software, which has been in development for years, is ready with which it is possible to transfer iOS apps to macOS. Developers can use Xcode 12 and Catalyst technology to get their iOS or iPadOS apps running in macOS with little effort and tweaking. Big Sur is expected to react even faster than before to Apple’s new Macs based on internal ARM chips. Furthermore, according to the manufacturer, Macbooks are immediately ready for use as soon as the display is opened.
In addition, Apple’s comprehensive portfolio of Mac software is now in universal format and thus works natively on systems with an M1 chip. With Rosetta 2, Apple offers a solution so that old applications can also run on new computers, so that applications that have not yet been fully adapted by developers still work without modification. Additionally, Apple relies on virtualization to run Linux apps on new Macs. In addition, according to Apple, all iOS apps and games can run on Apple Silicon Macs.
macOS 11 Big Sur: Safari with a major update
macOS 11 Big Sur brings several new features to the Safari browser. (Screenshot: t3n; Apple)
With Big Sur, Apple has repainted its Safari. Like Google’s Chrome, the start page can be customized. However, Apple’s browser should be able to make websites 50% faster than Google’s browser. For the first time, Apple is now also offering extensions that have been offered for years in Chrome or Firefox.
Apple is also integrating more security and privacy features: With the new data protection report for websites visited, the browser tracker can identify and prevent profile creation or internet tracking. Additionally, the browser should now reliably monitor saved passwords and automatically keep an eye on them. If any of these are affected by data misuse, you will receive a warning. According to Apple, Safari also helps update passwords and create secure ones.
With the new Safari, Apple also makes it easier to switch from Chrome: the browser can import your entire history, bookmarks and saved passwords if you want.
Which Macs and Macbooks are compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur?
According to Apple, the big update can be installed on the following Macs and Macbooks:
- Macbook (2015 and later)
- Macbook Air (2013 and later)
- Macbook Pro (Late 2013 and later)
- Mac Mini (2014 and later)
- iMac (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and up, so all models)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
Apple announces the end of the update for the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro 2012 from mid 2012 and early 2013. MacOS 11 Big Sur can no longer be installed on the 2012 and 2013 Mac Minis and the 2012 and 2013 iMacs are also out.
As usual, we recommend that you wait a few more weeks before updating to the new version of the operating system. Even though Apple has released eleven betas, bugs may still be hiding in macOS. If you can’t do anything about it, remember to make a backup first.
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