Here are the 7 big news

Today is D-Day macOS Big Sur is available on Apple computers (provided they are compatible) with many novelties. This year, Apple wants to mark a turning point with software that borrows many ingredients from iOS and iPad OS.

A way to bring all products together and create a familiar environment on each machine. Clever, because during the presentation of the new Macbook Air, Pro and Mini with M1 chip, Tim Cook announced that half of the Mac buyers were newbies.

MacOS Big Sur marks a turning point in its name. Apple stamps an 11 (in Arabic numerals) and replaces the X (in Roman numerals). But what does macOS Big Sur actually bring, besides better optimization, to machines that are equipped with the M1 chip? We like to admit that there are too many improvements to cover in one article. Still, we identified 7 important new features.

Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur?

Before we go any further, let’s take a look at the machines that can house macOS Big Sur. Apple also once again excels with excellent tracking Macs over five years old can run this new operating system. Here is the full list of affected models:

Mac mini: Mid 2014 and later
iMac: Mid 2014 and later
iMac Pro: 2017
Mac Pro: Late 2013, Late 2019
MacBook: early 2015 and later
MacBook Air: Mid-2013 and later
MacBook Pro: Late 2013 and later

All new interfaces inspired by iOS

As we told you above, this year marks a real transition for Apple. And it shows at first glance. macOS Big Sur looks like a perfect mix between iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Windows, menus, buttons, icons, everything changes.

Apple is relying on a new graphics charter that is transparent (as evidenced by the new floating dock), which creates consistency with what we find on its operating system for iPhone and iPad. The icons also borrow the lines from mobile devices. The softer animations also help a feeling of lightness. macOS Big Sur is blowing fresh air on an interface that has been developing in small steps for 20 years! Bright.

control center

Always in the continuity of iOS and iPadOS, macOS Big Sur welcomes a control center for the first time. This novelty is likely to change the way you use your Mac. Most of the settings that were previously found in the menu bar and in the system settings are summarized in the upper right corner.

This control center is easier to access and easier to manage. It summarizes general settings such as wireless connections, Please do not disturb, Volume, brightness, AirPlay streaming, etc. You can add other things like accessibility or battery information. However, you cannot change the layout in the head office. For now.

Widgets

Like iOS 14, macOS Big Sur welcomes the famous Widgets. If we would have liked to have positioned them directly on the desk, we would have to be content with their integration into the Message center (Accessed by clicking on the clock and much more readable than the previous version).

Here the widgets are closer to what we can find on the iPad. Blocks are stacked on top of each other so you can add, remove, or simply change their arrangement. Of course, developers can offer their own widgets thanks to them WidgetKit. Enough to breathe new life into one control center which until now looked more like a mess than a real practical feature.

safari

Once is not custom Apple continues to improve Safari. In addition to the conventional optimizations (faster, less energy), the web browser receives some interesting functions.

Start with the homepage and now group your favorites, most visited websites and other information in a much nicer interface. Small noteworthy detail: you can now change your background image to your liking.

Apple also improves security and allows you to analyze what data is collected from the websites you visit. Finally, The management of tabs has been significantly improved for example, grouping pages from the same site into a single tab.

Messages

Approved by iPhone users, the application Messages a lot of delay had accumulated under macOS. Apple is catching up with Big Sur. You can now pin a conversation to the top of the message list.

Mostly, Group discussions should be easier since you can now identify a group member directly in the message. All of this is accompanied by new functions for creating Memoji. Not really useful in and of itself, but still fun.

plans

The new version of plans is enriched by many functions that are unfortunately reserved for certain cities. Thus, the cycle routes appear to subscribers who are absent in France, while it is undoubtedly the most interesting novelty.

Rest assured, Apple had other great ideas. We think of, for example integrating guides to plan a trip and visit the locations. If you don’t feel like doing your own research, integrate services like Lonely planet should save you valuable time. Great idea for globetrotters … it gets easier when you travel.

Applications for iPhone and iPad

Yes, you can open your iPhone’s Instagram app directly on macOS Big Sur. The software now allows Run any app from the App Store on your Mac.

To launch an application, nothing could be easier: go to your Mac’s App Store and download the application in question. If it’s paid and you’ve already bought it with your iPhone, it’s free to download on your Mac (assuming you’re using the same account, of course).

One more thing

As mentioned in the introduction, macOS is full of other aesthetic and practical novelties. We think of, for example automatic switching to AirPods, Battery settings, Screen time (also inspired by iOS) or even photo and video editing tools.

We’re sure this new macOS (you have it?) Will be greeted with open arms by regular Apple computers (this is our case). New buyers should find their way around quickly if they have already used an iPhone or iPad.