After months of waiting, we finally know when macOS Big Sur is being released to MacBook and iMac users across the globe. Apple revealed the rollout news during its “One last thing” event this evening with November 12 the date that Mac fans need to put in their diaries. That means this Thursday is when Big Sur will become available and there are loads to look forward to as this is one of the biggest upgrades Mac fans have seen in a long while.
Big Sur features plenty of updates but perhaps the biggest change to this OS is a whole new look which Apple says will deliver a spacious new design which makes navigation easier, while putting more controls at users’ fingertips.
Everything from the curvature of window corners to the palette of colours and materials has been refined, and new features provide better information and improved power.
Even the icons in the Dock have changed with Apple stating that they have been thoughtfully designed to be more consistent with icons across the Apple ecosystem.
Something else that many Mac fans will be excited about is an update to the Messages app.
This blockbuster message upgrade is long overdue and includes new tools to better manage important conversations and share expressive chats.
This new operating system also includes an all-new Control Centre, which should help deliver quick access to controls straight from the desktop and there’s an upgraded Notification Centre panel which includes more interactive alerts and redesigned widgets are available providing users with more relevant information at a glance.
Speaking about the changes, Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said: “macOS Big Sur is a major update that advances the legendary combination of the power of UNIX with the ease of use of the Mac, and delivers our biggest update to design in more than a decade.
“With its modern and clean look, huge improvements to key apps including Safari, Messages, and Maps, and new privacy features, we think everyone is going to love the breakthrough experience that macOS Big Sur offers.”Here’s the full list of device that can run Big Sur.
macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with…
Apple MacBook | 2015 and newer • MacBook Air | 2013 and newer • MacBook Pro | “Late 2013” model and newer
iMac | 2014 and newer • iMac Pro | 2017 and newer • Mac Mini | 2014 and newer
Mac Pro | 2013 and newer
