macOS Big Sur

Providing some indication as to how the pre-release operating system may have been viewed internally at Apple during its development cycle, documentation accompanying the initial beta release of macOS Big Sur referred to its version as "10.16", and when upgrading from prior versions of macOS using the Software Update mechanism to early beta releases, the version referred to was "10.16".{{cite news|last1=Gallagher|first1=William|title=Apple turns macOS up to 11 - or to 10.16|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/06/22/apple-turns-macos-up-to-11---or-to-1016|access-date=14 March 2021|publisher=AppleInsider|date=22 June 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024005502/https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/06/22/apple-turns-macos-up-to-11---or-to-1016|url-status=live}} An exception to this was the Developer Transition Kit, which always reported the system version as "11.0". macOS Big Sur started reporting the system version as "11.0" on all Macs as of the third beta release.

To maintain backwards compatibility, macOS Big Sur identified itself as 10.16 to legacy software and in the browser user agent.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-11-0-big-sur-the-ars-technica-review/|title=macOS 11.0 Big Sur: The Ars Technica review|first=Andrew|last=Cunningham|date=November 12, 2020|website=Ars Technica|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607133944/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-11-0-big-sur-the-ars-technica-review/|url-status=live}}

Unlike macOS Catalina, which supported every standard configuration Mac that Mojave supported, Big Sur drops support for various Macs released in 2012 and early 2013. Big Sur runs on the following Macs:{{cite web |url=https://www.apple.com/macos/how-to-upgrade/ |title=macOS Big Sur How to Upgrade |website=apple.com |access-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130200659/http://www.apple.com/macos/how-to-upgrade/ |url-status=deviated}}{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/103111 |title=macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers |website=support.apple.com |access-date=March 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130205643/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211238 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}

• iMac (Mid 2014 or later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2013 or later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)
• Mac Mini (Late 2014 or later)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or later)
• Developer Transition Kit (only up to Big Sur 11.3 beta 2{{Cite web|title=Apple Developer Documentation|url=https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11_3-beta-release-notes|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401093832/https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11_3-beta-release-notes|archive-date=2021-04-01|access-date=2022-11-07|website=developer.apple.com}})

By using patcher tools (such as OpenCore Legacy), macOS 11 Big Sur can be installed on earlier computers that are officially unsupported, such as the 2012 iMac and the 2012 MacBook Pro.{{cite web|date=November 2021|title=Opencore Legacy Patcher - Monterey + Big Sur|url=https://macresearch.org/opencore-legacy-patcher-monterey-big-sur/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115203449/https://macresearch.org/opencore-legacy-patcher-monterey-big-sur/|archive-date=January 15, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2022|website=Mac Research}} Using these methods, it is possible to install macOS Big Sur on computers as old as a 2008 MacBook Pro and iMac and 2009 Mac Mini running smooth with non-metal graphics.{{cite web|title=Supported Models|url=https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201094731/https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/MODELS.html|archive-date=1 February 2022|access-date=1 February 2022|website=OpenCore Legacy Patcher}}

macOS Big Sur refreshes the design of the user interface, described by Apple as the biggest change since the introduction of Mac OS X. Its changes include translucency in various places, a new abstract wallpaper for the first time and a new color palette. All standard apps, as well as the Dock and the Menu Bar, are redesigned and streamlined, and their icons now have square shapes like iOS and iPadOS apps, and are distinctly more round.{{Cite web|last=Chin|first=Monica|date=June 22, 2020|title=Apple announces macOS Big Sur with a brand-new design|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/22/21295489/apple-macos-big-sur-update-redesign-apps-features-catalyst-wwdc-2020|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622191327/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/22/21295489/apple-macos-big-sur-update-redesign-apps-features-catalyst-wwdc-2020|archive-date=June 22, 2020|url-status=live}} Compared to iOS, Big Sur's icons include more shading and highlights to give a three-dimensional appearance. Its aesthetic has been described as "neumorphism", a portmanteau of new and skeuomorphism.{{Cite web|last=Koloskus|first=Jack|title=Apple, Big Sur, and the rise of Neumorphism|url=https://www.inputmag.com/design/apple-macos-big-sur-the-rise-of-neumorphism|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=Input|date=June 25, 2020 |language=en|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514182916/https://www.inputmag.com/design/apple-macos-big-sur-the-rise-of-neumorphism|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Moorhead|first=Patrick|title=How Apple's WWDC Is A Different Take On Familiarity|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2020/06/24/how-apples-wwdc-is-a-different-take-on-familiarity/|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514182921/https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2020/06/24/how-apples-wwdc-is-a-different-take-on-familiarity/|url-status=live}} System sounds are redone as well.

The new OS also brings further integration with Apple's SF Symbols, enabling easier use by third-party developers as UI elements for their applications through AppKit, SwiftUI, and Catalyst, which makes it possible to unify third-party applications with the existing Apple-made design language.{{cite web|author1=Apple Inc.|date=June 22, 2020|title=SF Symbols 2|url=https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/sf-symbols/overview/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=apple.com|publisher=Apple Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622182550/https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/sf-symbols/overview/|archive-date=June 22, 2020|url-status=live}}

An interface with quick toggles for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness and system volume has been added to the menu bar. This interface is functionally and visually similar to the Control Center on iOS and iPadOS.

The Notification Center is redesigned, featuring interactive notifications and a transparent user interface. Notification Center also features a new widget system similar to that in iOS 14, displaying more information with more customization than previously available.

macOS Big Sur is the first release of macOS for Macs powered by Apple-designed ARM64-based processors, a key part of the transition from Intel x86-64-based processors.{{Cite press release|title=Apple announces Mac transition to Apple silicon|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/06/apple-announces-mac-transition-to-apple-silicon/|date=June 22, 2020|access-date=June 22, 2020|publisher=Apple Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622185215/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/06/apple-announces-mac-transition-to-apple-silicon/|archive-date=June 22, 2020|url-status=live}} The chip mentioned in demo videos, and used in the Developer Transition Kit, is the A12Z Bionic. On November 10, 2020, Apple announced the first Mac Apple silicon chip, the Apple M1, in the Late 2020 Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/10/apple-event-live-updates.html|title=Apple announces its first new laptop with its own chip instead of Intel's|first=Michelle|last=Gao|publisher=CNBC|date=November 10, 2020|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183012/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/10/apple-event-live-updates.html|url-status=live}} Apple has said that it will support Intel Macs "for years to come",{{cite web|last1=Blumenthal|first1=Eli|title=Apple still plans to support Intel-based Macs for years to come|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-still-plans-to-support-intel-based-macs-for-years-to-come/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=Cnet|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623141455/https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-still-plans-to-support-intel-based-macs-for-years-to-come/|url-status=live}} and most software that has not been ported to run on ARM Macs can use Rosetta 2, an update of a compatibility mechanism originally developed for the PowerPC-to-Intel x86 transition. Likewise, Apple also introduced an updated universal binary format, Universal 2, which allows developers to package their applications so that they can run natively on both ARM64 and x86-64 processors.{{Cite web|last=Axon|first=Samuel|date=2020-06-22|title=This is Apple's roadmap for moving the first Macs away from Intel|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/06/this-is-apples-roadmap-for-moving-the-first-macs-away-from-intel/|access-date=2021-06-09|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623082629/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/06/this-is-apples-roadmap-for-moving-the-first-macs-away-from-intel/|url-status=live}}

On Macs based on Apple silicon, macOS Big Sur can run iOS and iPadOS applications natively and without any modifications needed from developers, aside from allowing the app to be available on the Mac App Store. The first Macs with this capability are those that use the Apple M1 SoC (system on a chip).

Time Machine, the backup mechanism introduced back in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, has been overhauled to utilize the APFS file system (introduced in MacOS High Sierra) instead of the outdated HFS+. Specifically, the new version of Time Machine makes use of APFS's snapshot technology.{{cite web|title=macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Release Notes|url=https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11_0_1-release-notes|website=Apple|access-date=December 13, 2020|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202222211/https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11_0_1-release-notes|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Owen|first1=Malcolm|title=APFS changes affect Time Machine in macOS Big Sur, encrypted drives in iOS 14|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/06/27/apfs-changes-affect-time-machine-in-macos-big-sur-encrypted-drives-in-ios-14|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=Apple Insider|date=June 27, 2020|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122040618/https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/06/27/apfs-changes-affect-time-machine-in-macos-big-sur-encrypted-drives-in-ios-14|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Oakley|first1=Howard|title=APFS changes in Big Sur: how Time Machine backs up to APFS, and more|url=https://eclecticlight.co/2020/06/29/apfs-changes-in-big-sur-how-time-machine-backs-up-to-apfs-and-more/|access-date=August 6, 2020|publisher=The Eclectic Light Company|date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606064742/https://eclecticlight.co/2020/06/29/apfs-changes-in-big-sur-how-time-machine-backs-up-to-apfs-and-more/|url-status=live}} According to Apple, this enables "faster, more compact, and more reliable backups" than were possible previously with HFS+-formatted backup destinations.{{cite news|last1=Cunningham|first1=Andrew|title=macOS 11.0 Big Sur: The Ars Technica review|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-11-0-big-sur-the-ars-technica-review/|access-date=6 March 2021|publisher=Ars Technica|date=12 Nov 2020|archive-date=June 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607133944/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-11-0-big-sur-the-ars-technica-review/|url-status=live}} An independent evaluation of this claim found that Time Machine on macOS 11 in conjunction with APFS was 2.75-fold faster upon initial local backup and 4-fold faster upon subsequent backups relative to macOS 10.15's Time Machine implementation using HFS+. A more modest yet nevertheless significant advantage was noted as well for backups to network-attached disks.

New local (i.e. USB- or Thunderbolt-connected) and network-connected Time Machine backup destinations are formatted as APFS by default, though Time Machine can continue backing up to existing HFS+ backup volumes. There is no option to convert existing, HFS+-based backups to APFS; instead, users who want to benefit from the advantages of the new, APFS-based implementation of Time Machine need to start with a fresh volume.

In the new version of Time Machine, encryption appears to be required (instead of merely optional) for local disks, but it remains elective for networked volumes.

It is no longer possible to restore the whole system using a Time Machine backup, as the signed system volume is not backed up.{{Cite web |title=Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac |url=https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mh35860/11.0/mac/11.0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327062250/https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/back-up-files-mh35860/11.0/mac/11.0 |archive-date=2023-03-27 |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Apple Support}} Non-core applications and user data can be restored in full using Migration Assistant, preceded by a system reinstall if necessary.{{Cite web |title=Recover all your files from a Time Machine backup |url=https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mh15638/11.0/mac/11.0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109040132/https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/recover-all-your-files-mh15638/11.0/mac/11.0 |archive-date=2024-11-09 |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Apple Support}}

Spotlight, the file system indexing-and-search mechanism introduced in Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, is faster and the interface has been refined. Spotlight is now the default search mechanism in Safari, Pages, and Keynote.{{cite web|title=New features coming with macOS Big Sur|url=https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/features/|publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=June 25, 2020|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622203758/https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/features/|url-status=live}}

The system volume containing the core operating system is cryptographically signed. Apple indicates this is a security measure to prevent malicious tampering.{{cite web|title=macOS Big Sur Preview - Features|url=https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/features/|website=Apple|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622203758/https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/features/|archive-date=June 22, 2020|url-status=live}} This includes adding an SHA-256 hash for every file on the system volume, preventing changes from third-party entities and the end user.{{cite web|title=Big Sur's Signed System Volume: added security protection|url=https://eclecticlight.co/2020/06/25/big-surs-signed-system-volume-added-security-protection/|website=The Eclectic Light Company|date=June 25, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606064917/https://eclecticlight.co/2020/06/25/big-surs-signed-system-volume-added-security-protection/|url-status=live}}

Software updates can begin in the background before a restart, thus requiring less downtime to complete. Because system files are cryptographically signed, the update software can rely on them being in precise locations, thus permitting them to be effectively updated in place.{{cite web|url=https://tidbits.com/2020/06/22/big-sur-makes-changes-to-many-apple-apps-and-basic-features/|title=Big Sur Makes Changes to Many Apple Apps and Basic Features|publisher=TidBITS|author=Glenn Fleishman|date=June 22, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183003/https://tidbits.com/2020/06/22/big-sur-makes-changes-to-many-apple-apps-and-basic-features/|url-status=live}}

macOS Big Sur supports encryption at the file level. Earlier versions of macOS (10.15 Catalina and older) supported encryption only at the level of entire volumes. As of June 2020, this capability is known to be compatible with Macs based on Apple silicon; it is unclear whether it is compatible with Intel-based Macs.

• Bilingual dictionaries in French–German, Indonesian–English, Japanese–Simplified Chinese and Polish–English
• Better predictive input for Chinese and Japanese users
• New fonts for Indian users
• The "Now Playing" widget has been moved from the Notification Center to the Menu Bar
• Podcasts "Listen Now" feature
• FaceTime sign language prominence
• Network Utility has been replaced with a message that it has been deprecated
• A new startup chime was added (it was absent on all machines released from 2016 to 2020) and is now enabled by default; an option was added in System Preferences to enable or disable this functionality.{{cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/06/23/macos-big-sur-brings-back-startup-chime/|title=macOS Big Sur Brings Back Startup Chime|first=Juli|last=Clover|date=June 23, 2020|website=MacRumors|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183052/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/06/23/macos-big-sur-brings-back-startup-chime/|url-status=live}}

{{Prose|section|date=November 2021}}

File:MacOS 11.0 Beta - Safari 14 homepage.png

Big Sur includes Safari 14, which was also released for macOS Catalina and macOS Mojave on September 16, 2020. Safari 14 includes features such as a new home page in which users can customize what features are visible in addition to being able to set a custom wallpaper. It also allows the viewer to preview a page and favicon before visiting it.{{cite news|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=September 17, 2020|title=Safari 14 is now available for macOS Catalina and Mojave|publisher=The Verge|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/17/21441116/safari-14-macos-catalina-mojave-big-sur-browser-features-improvements-tabs-start-screen|access-date=September 20, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183104/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/17/21441116/safari-14-macos-catalina-mojave-big-sur-browser-features-improvements-tabs-start-screen|url-status=live}}

Safari 14 also includes built-in web page translations in English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Chinese and Portuguese as well as support for 4K HDR content from Netflix on Macs with an Apple T2 chip, although none of these were made available for macOS Catalina and Mojave.{{Cite web|title=Macs Need T2 Security Chip to Play 4K HDR Netflix in macOS Big Sur|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/10/01/macs-need-t2-security-chip-4k-netflix-big-sur/|access-date=October 2, 2020|website=MacRumors|date=October 2020 |language=en|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183105/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/10/01/macs-need-t2-security-chip-4k-netflix-big-sur/|url-status=live}}

Privacy features such as iCloud Keychain (which notifies users of compromised passwords), extension privacy management and Privacy Report (which monitors privacy trackers and further increases Safari's security) were added for Safari 14.{{Cite web|title=Apple Developer Documentation|url=https://developer.apple.com/documentation/safari-release-notes/safari-14-release-notes|access-date=2021-03-01|website=developer.apple.com|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183054/https://developer.apple.com/documentation/safari-release-notes/safari-14-release-notes|url-status=live}} Users were now also able to import password from Google's Chrome browser in addition to being notified of compromised passwords.

Safari 14 also supports WebExtensions API, the WebP image format as well as VP9 decoding, the latter of which allows for the playback of 4K and HDR content from YouTube. In addition, it allowed for better performance and power efficiency.

Safari 14 ended support for Adobe Flash Player in September, three months prior to its end-of-life on December 31, 2020.

The Messages app was rewritten to be based upon Apple's Catalyst technology{{Cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|date=2020-06-22|title=WWDC 2020: Apple leaves Intel and retires Mac OS X – as it happened|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/live/2020/jun/22/apple-expected-to-reveal-new-macs-iphone-updates-and-more-live|access-date=2022-02-20|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131063603/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/live/2020/jun/22/apple-expected-to-reveal-new-macs-iphone-updates-and-more-live|url-status=live}} to enable it to have feature parity with its iOS counterpart. The new version of the app included a refined design as well as the ability to pin up to nine conversations that can sync across iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Users were also now allowed to search for messages and share their names and photos. Photo thumbnails could now also be used for group chats on the app.

In addition, users could mention contacts by putting the @ symbol in front of their name. They were also able to reply to specific messages. Memojis, 3d avatars were also made available on Messages.{{Cite web|last=updated|first=Alex Blake last|date=2020-11-19|title=Boost your conversations with macOS Big Sur Messages|url=https://www.techradar.com/how-to/boost-your-conversations-with-macos-big-sur-messages|access-date=2022-02-20|website=TechRadar|language=en|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221145217/https://www.techradar.com/how-to/boost-your-conversations-with-macos-big-sur-messages|url-status=live}} On Messages, users could now select photos based on parameters.{{Cite web|title=Meet the new Photos picker - WWDC20 - Videos|url=https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10652/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Apple Developer|language=en|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221145218/https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10652/|url-status=live}}

In India, text message effects were added when users sent certain texts (e.g., texting "Happy Holi" will result in users seeing effects).

File:MacOS Big Sur - Safari Extensions category in App Store.jpg

Refinements and new features of the Mac App Store include:

• A new "nutrition label" section dedicated to the data and information an app collects, also featured in the iOS App Store
• A new extensions category for Safari
• Third party Notification Center widgets, similar to those also added in iOS and iPadOS 14.
• The ability to share in-app purchases and subscriptions on the Mac via iCloud Family Sharing

• Collapsible pinned section
• Quick text style and formatting options
• Scanning enhancements

• New editing capabilities
• Improved Retouch tool
• New zooming feature in views

• "Look Around" interactive street-level 360° panoramas, first implemented in the iOS 13 version of Maps, have been incorporated into the macOS version of Maps.
• Availability of directions for cyclists.
• Electric vehicle routing, based on proximity to charging stations and monitoring of battery levels (on selected car models).
• Guides for exploring new places.

• A file structure has been implemented to allow organization of recordings in folders{{cite web|title=Organize recordings in folders on Mac|url=https://support.apple.com/guide/voice-memos/organize-vmef955050b0/mac|website=Apple|access-date=9 May 2021|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509145054/https://support.apple.com/guide/voice-memos/organize-vmef955050b0/mac|url-status=live}}
• Recordings can be marked as Favorites for easier subsequent access
• Smart Folders automatically group Apple Watch recordings, recently deleted recordings, and Favorites
• Audio can be enhanced to reduce background noise and room reverb

• Calculator Notification Center Widget{{Cite web|title=macOS Big Sur: The MacStories Review|url=https://www.macstories.net/stories/macos-big-sur-the-macstories-review/6/|website=macstories.net|date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=January 23, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183043/https://www.macstories.net/stories/macos-big-sur-the-macstories-review/6/|url-status=live}}
• Option to toggle Font Smoothing in System Preferences
• Removed the option not to have a clock in the menu bar.

The rollout of Big Sur came with several problems.{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/its-been-a-rough-launch-for-big-sur-1845686868|title=It's Been a Rough Launch for Big Sur|last=Song|first=Victoria|date=2020-11-16|website=Gizmodo|access-date=2020-11-17|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514184354/https://gizmodo.com/its-been-a-rough-launch-for-big-sur-1845686868|url-status=live}} Upgrading to the initial public release of Big Sur (version 11.0.1) bricked some computers, rendering them unusable. Many of these were 2013 and 2014 MacBook Pros, though problems were also observed on a 2019 MacBook Pro and an iMac from the same year.{{cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/15/macos-big-sur-update-bricking-some-macbook-pros/|title=macOS Big Sur Update Bricking Some Older MacBook Pro Models|last=Charlton|first=Hartley|date=2020-11-16|website=MacRumors|access-date=2020-11-16|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183124/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/15/macos-big-sur-update-bricking-some-macbook-pros/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/apple-macos-big-sur-macbook-air-pro-brick-b1723552.html|title=Apple's MacOs Big Sur Update 'Bricks' Some Older Macbooks, Users Complain|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=2020-11-16|website=The Independent|access-date=2020-11-16|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514184408/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/apple-macos-big-sur-macbook-air-pro-brick-b1723552.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2020/11/16/apples-new-big-sur-update-bricking-older-macs/|title=Apple's New 'Big Sur' Update Bricking Older Macs|last=Koetsier|first=John|date=2020-11-16|website=Forbes|access-date=2020-11-16|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183144/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2020/11/16/apples-new-big-sur-update-bricking-older-macs/|url-status=live}} The initial rollout also disrupted Apple's app notarization process, causing slowdowns even on devices not running Big Sur.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-big-sur-launch-appears-to-cause-temporary-slowdown-in-even-non-big-sur-macs/|title=macOS Big Sur launch appears to cause temporary slowdown in even non-Big Sur Macs|last1=Axon|first1=Samuel|last2=Hutchinson|first2=Lee|date=2020-11-12|website=Ars Technica|access-date=2020-11-17|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183205/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/11/macos-big-sur-launch-appears-to-cause-temporary-slowdown-in-even-non-big-sur-macs/|url-status=live}} Users also reported that the update was slow or even might fail to install.{{Cite news|last=Potuck|first=Michael|date=2020-11-12|title=Apple confirms widespread outages affecting downloads, more|url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/12/apple-widespread-outages-big-sur-downloads-catalina-imessage/|access-date=2020-12-14|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183154/https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/12/apple-widespread-outages-big-sur-downloads-catalina-imessage/|url-status=live}} macOS Catalina and Big Sur apps were taking a long time to load because of Gatekeeper issues.{{Cite web|author=Johnson, Jeff|title=Untitled|url=https://twitter.com/lapcatsoftware/status/1326990296412991489|date=November 12, 2020|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-date=June 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604181956/https://twitter.com/lapcatsoftware/status/1326990296412991489|url-status=live}}

The issues with the COVID-19 pandemic meant it was hard for users to visit an Apple Store to get their machines fixed.{{cite web|url=https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252034110?answerId=253867522022#253867522022|title=MacBook Pro bricked after failed Big Sur update|work=Apple Forums|access-date=5 December 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183204/https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252034110?answerId=253867522022#253867522022|url-status=live}} Shortly afterwards, Apple released a series of steps explaining how these Macs could be recovered.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrycollins/2020/11/20/macbook-bricked-by-big-sur-heres-how-to-fix-it/?sh=46498cb5663e|title=MacBook Bricked By Big Sur? Here's How To Fix It|first=Barry|last=Collins|work=Forbes|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183225/https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrycollins/2020/11/20/macbook-bricked-by-big-sur-heres-how-to-fix-it/?sh=46498cb5663e|url-status=live}}

Certain Apple applications running on early versions of Big Sur were reported to bypass firewalls, raising privacy and security concerns.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/apple-macos-big-sur-macbook-air-pro-brick-b1723552.html|title=Apple's MacOS Big Sur update bricks some older MacBooks, users complain|newspaper=The Independent|date=November 16, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514184408/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/apple-macos-big-sur-macbook-air-pro-brick-b1723552.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/apple-macos-big-sur-update-is-bricking-some-older-macbook-pro-models-report-9020621.html|title=Apple MacOS Big Sur Update is bricking some older MacBook Pro models|work=Tech2|date=November 17, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183215/https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/apple-macos-big-sur-update-is-bricking-some-older-macbook-pro-models-report-9020621.html|url-status=live}} This was addressed with the release of macOS Big Sur 11.2, which removed the whitelist for built-in programs.{{cite web|url=https://www.patreon.com/posts/46179028|title=Hooray, no more ContentFilterExclusionList|last=Wardle|first=Patrick|date=2021-01-13|website=Patreon|access-date=2021-02-13|archive-date=February 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218222536/https://www.patreon.com/posts/46179028|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211911|title=What's new for enterprise in macOS Big Sur|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=2021-02-01|website=Apple Support|access-date=2021-02-13|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204234422/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211911|url-status=live}} Conversely, security experts have reported that Big Sur will check an application's certificate every time it is run, degrading system performance. There have been reports that the operating system sends a hash back to Apple of every program run and when it was executed.{{cite news|url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/security-experts-level-criticism-at-apple-after-big-sur-launch-issues/|title=Security experts level criticism at Apple after Big Sur launch issues|work=Tech Republic|date=November 18, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183248/https://www.techrepublic.com/article/security-experts-level-criticism-at-apple-after-big-sur-launch-issues/|url-status=live}} Apple responded that the process is part of efforts to protect users from malware embedded in applications downloaded outside of the Mac App Store.

Some users have reported problems connecting external displays to Macs running Big Sur 11.1 and 11.2.{{cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/02/03/macos-big-sur-external-display-issues/|title=Some Users Having External Display Connection Issues With macOS Big Sur 11.1 and 11.2|first=Juli|last=Clover|date=February 3, 2021|website=Macrumors|access-date=February 3, 2021|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183302/https://www.macrumors.com/2021/02/03/macos-big-sur-external-display-issues/|url-status=live}}

When upgrading Macs from 10.13, 10.14 and 10.15 to Big Sur the upgrade process could become stuck for seemingly unclear reasons. Only a full system restore from backup would solve this problem. In October 2021, a solution became known that required removal of up to several hundred thousand excess temporary files in the system folders. The problem was fixed in December 2021 in the Big Sur 11.6.2 Full installer.{{cite web|title=macOS Upgrade to Big Sur Failed! Stuck Progress Bar fix & Prevention!|url=https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-upgrade-to-big-sur-failed-stuck-progress-bar-fix-prevention/|website=Mr. Macintosh|date=21 October 2021|access-date=October 22, 2021|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021063613/https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-upgrade-to-big-sur-failed-stuck-progress-bar-fix-prevention/|url-status=live}}

In 2021, there were reports of two pieces of malware that infected macOS and include both x86-64 and ARM64 code. The first one was detected in early 2021.{{Cite news|title=Malware Is Now Targeting Apple's New M1 Processor|language=en-us|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/apple-m1-malware/|access-date=2021-02-23|issn=1059-1028|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183317/https://www.wired.com/story/apple-m1-malware/|url-status=live}} The second one, Silver Sparrow, was detected on nearly 30,000 Macs in February 2021.{{Cite web|last=Goodin|first=Dan|date=2021-02-20|title=New malware found on 30,000 Macs has security pros stumped|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/02/new-malware-found-on-30000-macs-has-security-pros-stumped/|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Ars Technica|language=en-us|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514183311/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/02/new-malware-found-on-30000-macs-has-security-pros-stumped/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-18|title=Silver Sparrow macOS malware with M1 compatibility|url=https://redcanary.com/blog/clipping-silver-sparrows-wings/|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Red Canary|archive-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527075907/https://redcanary.com/blog/clipping-silver-sparrows-wings/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-22|title=Thousands infected with 'mystery' virus|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/home-entertainment/computers/red-canary-warn-silver-sparrow-malware-infected-30000-m1-apple-mac-computers/news-story/0f7b8ee5e97f5a8ed71354e0daaa3473|access-date=2021-02-23|website=NewsComAu|language=en|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521163454/https://www.news.com.au/technology/home-entertainment/computers/red-canary-warn-silver-sparrow-malware-infected-30000-m1-apple-mac-computers/news-story/0f7b8ee5e97f5a8ed71354e0daaa3473|url-status=live}}

The public release of macOS 11 Big Sur began with 11.0.1 for Intel Macs. Version 11.0 was preinstalled on Apple silicon Macs, and Apple advised those with that version to be updated to 11.0.1.{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/HT201222|access-date=2020-11-12|title=Apple security updates|website=Apple|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204234423/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222|url-status=live}}

See Apple's main pages for Big Sur release notes: for [https://support.apple.com/HT211896 consumers], for [https://support.apple.com/HT211911 enterprise], as well as their current [https://support.apple.com/HT201222 security content page].

{{reflist}}

• {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018064504/https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur/|date=October 18, 2021|title=macOS 11 Big Sur}} – official site

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{{S-ttl|title=macOS 11 (Big Sur)|years=2020}}

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16

Category:2020 software

Category:Products and services discontinued in 2023

Category:ARM operating systems

Category:X86-64 operating systems