The improvements added to macOS 10.12.4 aren’t quite as impressive as iOS 10.3 but there are some new goodies. Apple is bringing Night Shift mode to the Mac after adding it to iOS devices last year. It endured the summer beta program, and is now available through the Mac App Store for anyone to download and install. (macOS High Sierra’s initial install screen.) We’re always grateful that new versions of the operating system go through an extensive beta process, but it always seems a few issues will still be lurking, ready to pop up.
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
Check compatibility
macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers:
Wormball (chris wade) mac os. MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers. Wall builder mac os.
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers. Wall builder mac os.
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, macOS Big Sur requires 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur. Tenacious mac os.
Make a backup
Before installing any upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Get connected
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
Download macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
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Begin installation
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Allow installation to complete
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Stay up to date
After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. You can also use Software Update to check for updates: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or get macOS Big Sur automatically
If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Big Sur will download conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. A notification will inform you when macOS Big Sur is ready to be installed. Click Install to get started, or dismiss the notification to install later. When you're ready to install, just open the file named Install macOS Big Sur from your Applications folder.
Learn more
- If the installer shows a list of apps that are not optimized for your Mac, learn about 32-bit app compatibility, then choose whether to proceed with the installation.
- For the strongest security and latest features, upgrade to macOS Big Sur. If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with Big Sur, you might be able to install an earlier macOS.
- You can also use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.
Apple on Thursday issued a second beta version of the upcoming macOS Big Sur operating system to public beta testers, offering members of the Apple Beta Software Program an early look at the software ahead of release this fall.
Today's public beta should share similarities with a fifth developer beta version that was pushed out alongside new test updates to iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14 and watchOS 7 on Wednesday. An initial macOS Big Sur public beta was issued on Aug. 6.
Members of the Apple Beta Software Program can download the macOS Big Sur update through the Software Update option in System Preferences. Those interested in taking a sneak peek at the next-generation operating system can sign up for the program via Apple's website.
According to release notes, Apple plans to seed a more substantial update with macOS Big Sur 11 beta 3, suggesting additional features and improvements will be made available for testing. An incremental update will also be available for those averse to 'unexpectedly large' downloads.
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Big Sur benefits from an updated and refreshed user interface that takes after iOS with rounded windows and more transparency. New features include a new Control Center, a Catalyst version of Messages that more closely mimics the utility of the app on iOS, a significant update to Safari, and more. Perhaps most importantly, Big Sur offers under-the-hood support for the upcoming shift to Apple silicon.
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