Upgrade Mac: What’s New in macOS Big Sur?

Once a year, Apple releases a new version of the Mac’s operating system. This system ensures that work can be done on the computer. Apple will make the latest version available in October; macOS 11 Big Sur. With every upgrade of the operating system, Apple tries to improve the way the computer works. In this article, we’ll discuss the innovations that come with macOS 11 Big Sur.

A first look at macOS 11 Big Sur immediately reveals one major difference from the previous version of the operating system: its appearance. Apple has thoroughly overhauled the appearance of a number of parts. Starting with the Dock, the bar at the bottom of the screen with programs and apps icons. These icons in macOS Big Sur are more like the icons on an iPhone or iPad. They are squares with rounded corners. Previously it was rounds. The menu bars at the top of the screen have also been redesigned. They have gone white and translucent in macOS Big Sur. The design has also been adapted within various apps. Similarly, the frequently used Finder window has a fresh new look.

With the arrival of Big Sur, the Mac gets a control panel. Users of the iPhone and iPad already know this, but the panel is now also making its appearance on the Mac. The control panel can be opened at the top right of the screen via the icon of two sliders. The panel contains buttons for various options, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, dark mode and sound. The existing message center has been given a new look. From now on, widgets and notifications are displayed simultaneously and notifications are grouped per app.

On a Mac, the Internet browser Safari is installed by default. It has now been completely overhauled by Apple. Both the appearance and the functionalities have been renewed. For example, the start page is customizable. From now on you decide which items show in a new Safari tab. Your reading list, favorites or a privacy report. Users also personalize the browser in Big Sur with a background of their choice. There are also new options at the rear. For example, Safari introduces ‘Smart Tracking Prevention’ to prevent third parties from tracking your surfing behaviour. In a weekly report, the browser shows how it protected your privacy on visited websites.

This better protection of privacy can also be found in the App Store. This is where users download new apps. From now on, each app will state exactly what data it collects. This provides more clarity about your privacy.

The above points are not the only changes. For example, Apple has tackled the Maps app and added new options. And new software updates run in the background, making it easier and faster to keep your Mac up to date. Also, the Photos app has been given more editing options for both videos and photos. For example, a video can now be cropped and adjusted as desired.

Unfortunately, not all Macs can make the switch to macOS Big Sur. A number of older versions are no longer available, including all models from 2012. The models below can be upgraded:

• MacBook 2015 or newer
• MacBook Air 2013 or later
• MacBook Pro 2013 or later
• iMac 2014 or newer
• iMac Pro 2017 or later
• Mac Pro 2013 or later
• Mac mini 2014 or newer

At this time, you cannot install macOS Big Sur on the Mac yet. Apple is expected to make the new version of the operating system available in October. We will keep you informed.