Here are the 5 best features of macOS Big Sur and how to use them

This story is part of Apple event, our comprehensive coverage of the latest news from Apple HQ.

Apple’s latest Mac operating system, MacOS Big Sur, is now available for download. The new operating system, also called MacOS 11, is packed with new and redesigned features that enable a better user experience, including updates to Safari, Messages and Maps.

Big Sur will also be the first version of the operating system to run on Apple. new Macs with the internal M1 silicon chip, as well as its older Intel machines. If you buy a new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or Mac Mini with the M1 chip, MacOS Big Sur is optimized to run on these machines. Apps will run faster and easier, Apple executives said in a virtual event on November 10, and you will also see increased device security.

Even if you aren’t planning on upgrading to a new Mac, Big Sur still has a lot to offer on your current system.

Do you want to get Big Sur now? We have instructions on how to download macOS Big Sur, and on which Macs you can run it, but beware: some users report slow download times and crashes.

Here are five parts of macOS Big Sur with new features that you’ll want to check out when you upgrade and how you’ll use them.

Safari

What’s up: Perhaps macOS Big Sur’s biggest update comes from Apple’s Safari web browser. Apple said this was the biggest update to Safari since it launched in 2003. The revamped browser will load the websites you visit most often faster and offer better tab management capabilities. You will also find enhanced privacy features, including a privacy report button that lets you see how websites are tracking your data and watching if any of your passwords have been compromised by a security breach

A new App Store category for Safari Extensions will let you customize the sites and hours of use for each extension, if you don’t want it to run all the time. And a customizable Safari start page will let you choose from an organized group of wallpapers or use one of your own photos. You can also use it to translate languages ​​from seven different languages ​​with built-in functionality.

How you will use it: Open Safari browser in the same way as you did before. The next step will depend on what you want to do: if you scroll to a website in another language, you can press a button to translate it. If you have multiple tabs open, you’ll see the default website favicons so you can spot the one you want faster. Preview the contents of a tab by hovering over it and click to remove all tabs to the right of a tab. Tap the privacy report button to see what data is being collected on the site you are browsing.

messages

What’s up: the new Messages app in macOS, Big Sur includes ways to pin conversations (similar to a feature in the new iOS 14), options to better handle group messages, a redesigned search feature, and new options for Memoji design and use of message effects.

How you will use it: Pin important conversations to the top of the app for faster access. Direct messages to one person in a group and feed messages to a group, to keep those fat cats in check. Type the name of a person in the group to tag them directly in the conversation. You can choose to be notified of new group messages only when your name is mentioned. Organize your search results by links, photos or matching terms. Add message effects like balloons and confetti, and create and customize your Memoji on the Mac.

Plans

What’s up: Big Sur’s new Maps app includes more options to help you explore new places and share what you find, see detailed indoor maps of major airports and malls, see a 360-degree view of a destination, and use EV routing.

How you will use it: Explore an area with guides from trusted resources or create your own by tagging your favorite restaurants, parks, and vacation spots to create a guide you can share with friends and family. Get a 360 degree view of a destination with a feature called Look Around. View detailed indoor maps of major airports and shopping centers. If you have electric car or scooter, use EV routing, which will take into account factors such as charging stations, weather, altitude and the current charge level of your electric vehicle on your route.

Widgets

What’s up: As iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, MacOS Big Sur brings widgets on your home screen. Widgets are large, dynamic icons that display live information about apps, like the weather or daily step count.

How you will use it: Instead of opening weather, calendar, or fitness tracker apps, use widgets to preview their basic information displayed in a live stream on your home screen. Display different widgets at different times of the day, so you can see the weather in the morning and the news in the afternoon, for example. Create small, medium or large widgets.

IPhone and iPad applications

What’s up: If you buy one of Apple’s next Macs who are fueled by the new Apple silicone chips, your computer will be able to run the iPhone and iPad applications natively.

How you will use it: Go to the Mac App Store to install the new applications. Many iOS apps will work with MacOS apps. If you’ve purchased an app on iOS before, you won’t need to buy it again for macOS – you’ll just download it there, too.

For more information, see how to download macOS Big Sur, and which Macs are compatible with MacOS Big Sur.