Apple's latest iteration of macOS has arrived. Big Sur replaces Catalina and introduces a significant redesign to go with the company's new ARM-based computers.
Big Sur has a more stylized design than its predecessor that focuses on ease of navigation. Expect changes to Safari, Messages, and Maps, along with an iPad-like Control Center and widgets feature. Big Sur also gives Safari a customizable start page, more powerful tabs, new translation options, and a new Privacy Report.
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. 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. Here's how to upgrade today.
Check Compatibility
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. Many current Macs will support Big Sur, though not all. Here are the devices that will get the new operating system:
- MacBook from 2015 and later
- MacBook Air from 2013 and later
- MacBook Pro from late 2013
- iMac from 2014 and later
- iMac Pro from 2017 and later
- Mac mini from 2014 and later
- Mac Pro from 2013 and later
Back Up Your Mac
Before you upgrade your OS, it's always a good idea to back up your files first. If you have Time Machine set up, it will make hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. Backups can also be housed on an external hard drive. A potential alternative is a dedicated backup service that will save your data remotely. Once everything is backed up, you are ready to proceed.
How to Get macOS Big Sur
When the general release is out, your Mac should tell you there is an update available. All you have to do is click Install Now on the notification and macOS will do the rest. 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. You will also be able to download it from the official Big Sur page.
Your Mac will check for an update. If an update is available, click Upgrade Now to go through the installation process. Your device may need to be restarted before Big Sur is officially installed.
Sign Up For the Public Beta
Next time around, you can sign up for the public beta ahead of time to get an early look at the next OS version that will eventually replace Big Sur. The public beta is typically more stable than the developer beta, but it still may not have everything that will be in the final version.
The purpose of the public beta is to give a small number of users early access in order to discover any bugs or glitches that have yet to be found by Apple or its developers. Go to the beta website, scroll down the page, and click Sign Up. Apple will send a notification when it's available for download.
Join Apple's Developer Program
Apple's developer program is intended for app developers who want to ensure their products are compatible with the latest updates. However, anyone who wants to get their hands on the latest software can sign up. Be aware that this developer beta is not a finished product, so some features and apps may not work as intended or at all.
If you want to enroll in Apple's developer program it's $99 per year, meaning you'll only need to sign up one time in order to get access to further OS updates down the line. You will need an Apple ID protected with two-factor authentication, and you must share some basic personal information with Apple to get set up. Then, as new versions of the OS arrive, you'll get first dibs. If you have more than one Mac, it might be a good idea to install this on a computer that isn't your primary device.