If you wish to check for an update, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your desktop and select System Preferences > Software Update. All you have to do is click Install Now on the notification and macOS will do the rest. When the general release is out, your Mac should tell you there is an update available. Once everything is backed up, you are ready to proceed. A potential alternative is a dedicated backup service that will save your data remotely. Backups can also be housed on an external hard drive. If you have Time Machine set up (Opens in a new window), it will make hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. Here are the devices that will get the new operating system:īefore you upgrade your OS, it's always a good idea to back up your files first. Many current Macs will support Big Sur, though not all. While a new ARM-based fleet of Mac computers is coming, that doesn't mean you have to go out and get a whole new computer right away.

If you want to jump in early, you can always sign up for the public beta the next time around just know that they can be unstable and mess with your existing apps. The Big Sur public beta launched in August, which hopefully gave Apple enough time to work out all the kinks before today's official release. Big Sur also gives Safari a customizable start page, more powerful tabs, new translation options, and a new Privacy Report. Expect changes to Safari, Messages, and Maps, along with an iPad-like Control Center and widgets feature. Big Sur replaces Catalina and introduces a significant redesign to go with the company's new ARM-based computers.īig Sur has a more stylized design than its predecessor that focuses on ease of navigation.

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