macOS Big Sur is Apple’s biggest update for Mac computers: here’s everything that’s new

There was a delay in the last macOS arrives but Big Sur is finally here. Apple has traditionally released new operating system updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac together, but this year, when the first two arrived in September, macOS was rolled out two days ago. macOS Big Sur brings a host of new features and this is possibly one of the biggest updates Apple has rolled out for MacBooks and other Apple computers. We’ve been using the beta of macOS Big Sur for a while now and here’s everything new with it:

macOS Big Sur: a redesign

This may be the biggest design upgrade Apple has made to macOS in years. The changes are more visible and not so subtle. For example, the Dock has new icons for apps – they’re squarer because Apple ditched the more rounded look. Dock apps look well spaced and feel less crowded. The text in the menu bar is also based on appearance. If you use your MacBook in dark mode, the menu bar text also becomes dark, which was not the case before.
One of the most interesting features – borrowed from the iPhone – that macOS Big Sur brings is the Control Center. The Control Center is now placed at the top right from where you can access Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections and manage sound and light levels.

The other feature iOS borrowed is the all-new Notification Center, which lets you respond to notifications without opening a particular app.

macOS Big Sur: Messages, Safari gets more features

Messages on the Mac have always been a bit sloppy compared to the iPhone and iPad. Not anymore because macOS Big Sur is absolutely right. You get features like pinned messages, group messaging, and even memos. One of the India centric features is expressive messaging support. For example, if you wish someone Happy Diwali through Messages, you will see fireworks in the background. The function will be applicable for greetings sent in 23 Indian languages.
Apple has also added 20 new document fonts designed uniquely for India.

Privacy has always been on Apple’s mind, and with macOS Big Sur, Safari has new features. The privacy reporting feature will let tracker users know that Safari has prevented them from being profiled on various websites. This is a great feature to have, and you will be surprised at how many sites are looking to track your information and data in a week. There are more customizations available on Safari including a new start page where you can add a personal background image as well. Safari also has a built-in translation function – finally after many years – thanks to which it can detect and translate entire web pages from seven languages.

macOS Big Sur: New Battery Features, More

The optimized battery charging feature is also available on MacBooks with macOS Big Sur. Seen with earlier versions of iOS, the feature fundamentally improves battery health as it “ sustains ” the battery after 80% charge levels. So if you plug your Mac in for longer hours, it maximizes battery life in the long run. One can also see the detailed battery usage history for the last 24 hours up to 10 days. Note that this feature is available on MacBooks that come with Thunderbolt 3.

The Photos app on Mac has editing tools, including for videos. Features like filters and adjustments can now also be applied for video editing.

Other important things to know

macOS Big Sur is roughly 11 to 12 GB in size, and depending on your data speed, the download may take about an hour. Models compatible with macOS Big Sur are: MacBook 2013 and later; MacBook Pro (late 2013 and later); iMac 2014 and later, iMac Pro 2017 and later. MacBook 2015, Mac Pro 2013 and later, and Mac mini 2014 and later are also compatible with macOS Big Sur.
Overall, macOS Big Sur has a new look, a host of new features that make using the MacBook more fun and useful.