Apple today released macOS Big Sur , the latest version of its most advanced desktop operating system. The release is available to Mac users as a free software update. The update brings a new design and significant improvements to core apps like Safari , Messages , and Maps . It also enhances security user privacy and . Big Sur is designed to take full advantage of the power of the M1 chip to make the macOS experience even better for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air , and Mac mini . The combination of Big Sur and M1 delivers new features, enhanced performance, and more apps . But it retains everything users love about macOS.
New design
Big Sur offers a new design that makes navigation easier while giving users. The design includes a distinctive color and material and other features that satisfy most users. In addition, the new design of the applications makes it easier for users to stay focused on their content and interact with different applications. Buttons and controls appear when they need to be used and disappear when they are not needed. This makes things simpler and brings only relevant content to the fore, making it easier for users.
The all-new “Control Center” allows users to instantly access and control features (like Do Not Disturb), displays, keyboard brightness, and more, right from the menu bar. Users can also see more relevant information at a glance in the updated “Notification Center.”
Safari: Enhanced speed and privacy
The new macOS Big Sur update makes the Safari browser even faster. JavaScript engine allows it to outperform other browsers, loading sites much faster than Chrome. On new Macs with M1, the Safari browser is now up to 1.5x faster at executing JavaScript.
Additionally, streaming on popular platforms is more “vivid” and “clear”, while YouTube and Netflix have also been added in 4K HDR . In terms of design, tabs have been configured in a way that makes browsing in Safari faster and more efficient. More tabs appear on the screen, page previews appear when hovering over tabs, and default favicons are displayed for easy identification.
Another upgrade to the Safari browser is all about providing a more personal experience when browsing the web. For example, there will be a new customized homepage where users can add a personal background image, iCloud Tabs , and more.
The Safari browser has a built-in translation and can detect and translate entire web pages from seven languages. Finally, new extensions that a user can easily find and download in the Mac App Store.
When it comes to privacy , macOS Big Sur provides a new innovative “Privacy Report” that gives users an instant snapshot of the trackers that the Safari browser blocks. There are also tools available that monitor saved passwords that may have been compromised. Finally, users will have the ability to prevent extensions from accessing sites they visit. Safari asks users to choose when and which sites can work with a Safari extension.
Messages: New features
Messages on Mac offers new tools to help users manage their favorite group conversations. Users can “pin” conversations to the top of their Messages list for quick access. Search has been redesigned so users can quickly find links, photos , and more. Plus, Messages for Mac works across iPhone , iPad , and Apple Watch , so conversations stay in sync.
Messages are also more funas users can add balloons, confetti, create and customize Memoji right on their Mac , and express themselves with automatically generated Memoji stickers that match their mood and personality. Plus, sending images, GIFs , and videos is a breeze.
New group messaging features enhance interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. There are built-in replies, which users can use to reply directly to a message in a thread. There’s also the ability to message an individual from within a group conversation. This is done simply by typing their name and choosing to receive notifications only when their name is mentioned.
Maps: Discover your next adventure
Maps has been redesigned and has new features to help users explore the world on their Mac. Users can discover places they want to visit and things to do, as well as create custom guides of favorite restaurants, parks and vacation ideas. Look Around provides a captivating 360-degree view of a destination, and new detailed maps help navigate major airports and shopping malls. Finally, for the first time, bike and electric vehicle trips can be routed on a Mac and sent directly to iPhone .
Privacy: Transparency and more user control
Mac user privacy is very important to Apple, and macOS Big Sur further enhances it by offering more transparency and giving users more control over their data. Users will be able to read information about data that applications collect (contact information or location). They will also be able to find out whether this data is shared with third parties. Therefore, users will be able to choose whether they want to use a particular application.
Developers: More apps than ever
With Big Sur, Apple’s 28 million developers have access to tools that let them do amazing things on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. Developing apps is even easier, as macOS provides a suite of technologies that simplify the transition to Apple Silicon. For example, Xcode 12 makes it easy for developers to update their existing Mac apps to Universal 2 application binaries, adding native support for both M1 and Intel-based Macs in a single app. And with Neural Engine (now coming to Mac), developers have new opportunities for amazing machine learning.
macOS Big Su also brings Rosetta 2, the new technology that allows existing Intel apps that haven’t yet been upgraded to Universal to run seamlessly on Macs with Apple Silicon. With the power of Metal and M1, some of the most demanding apps will perform even better with Rosetta 2. Developers can also choose to make iPhone and iPad apps available to Mac users.
When Mac Catalyst with macOS Catalina, developers were able to bring iPad apps to the Mac. Now, apps automatically inherit the new Big Sur design, and developers have access to powerful new APIs for greater control over their apps. Finally, SwiftUI is getting a major upgrade, allowing developers to write entire apps and widgets with shared code across Apple platforms, while easily adding custom Mac features.
macOS Big Sur is available for download. More information can be found here.
Source: www.apple.com
