Big Sur release date – when is Apple’s huge macOS 11 update out?

MAC computers are about to get a major update – and it’s going to be the biggest change in years.

We’ve got all the info on macOS 11 Big Sur that you need, including release date news and rumours, features, compatibility and more.

Apple's macOS 11 Big Sur is the next big update for Mac computers — Apple’s macOS 11 Big Sur is the next big update for Mac computersCredit: Apple

Apple macOS Big Sur – what is macOS 11?

Apple regularly releases big updates to macOS – the software that powers Mac computers.

But 2020’s update is one of the biggest in years, because it makes so many changes.

It also marks the long-awaited leap from macOS 10/ macOS X to macOS 11, which launched way back in 2001.

The new version is called macOS Big Sur, and it’s got geeks seriously excited.

The new Big Sur update introduces a brand new designCredit: Apple

Apple macOS Big Sur release date – when is macOS 11 out?

Apple unveiled macOS 11 Big Sur at its annual WWDC event earlier this year.

Sadly, we still don’t have a confirmed release date for the new update.

We’re very deep into the macOS 11 beta, so it’s likely that a release could be just days or weeks away.

It’s been widely rumoured that we’ll hear more about Mac at a special event in November – including new MacBook models.

So the release of a new version of macOS would almost certainly coincide with that.

Specialist Apple blogs are mooting November 4 as the potential release date, although this hasn’t been confirmed.

It’s worth also noting that Big Sur comes as a completely free upgrade – just like iOS.

Apple Maps is getting major changes in Big SurCredit: Apple

Apple macOS Big Sur compatibility – which Macs support macOS 11?

Apple has already revealed the list of device that will get the macOS Big Sur upgrade.

Here’s what you’ll need:

MacBook models from early 2015 or later
MacBook Air models from 2013 or later
MacBook Pro models from 2013 or later
Mac mini models from 2014 or later
iMac models from 2014 or later
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro models from 2013 or later

If you’ve got an older Mac model then you simply won’t be able to upgrade to Big Sur. Sorry!

Messages has new effects and group chat featuresCredit: Apple

The Big Sur update will come to both laptop and desktop Mac computersCredit: Apple

Apple macOS Big Sur features – what’s new in macOS 11?

The main change is a major design overhaul, which apple is calling the biggest since macOS 10.

Here’s what Apple said: “macOS Big Sur delivers a spacious new design that 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 even more information and power.

“Icons in the Dock have been thoughtfully designed to be more consistent with icons across the Apple ecosystem while retaining their Mac personality.

“Buttons and controls appear when needed, and recede when they’re not

” The entire experience feels more focused, fresh, and familiar, reducing visual complexity and bringing users’ content front and centre.”

Apple says this is the biggest Mac redesign in yearsCredit: Apple

There’s an all-new Control Centre, Notification Centre, and a new design for the core Apple apps.

Safari has received a big upgrade with faster performance and improved battery life for MacBooks.

Apple reckons Safari will now load frequently visited sites 50% faster than Google’s Chrome browser.

Messages has been redesigned with pinned conversations, additional effects, and new group messaging features.

There are enhanced security features in the new Big Sur updateCredit: Apple

The iPhone’s redesigned Apple Maps is also coming to Mac, with new features like Guides, 360-degree Look Around view, and some indoor maps for places like airports and shopping centres.

And Apple says there are some important privacy changes too, including revealing the types of data apps collect before you download them.

It’ll also flag if that data is shared with third parties for tracking.

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