Apple has released macOS Big Sur for download today, finally releasing its desktop operating system for the masses. The company announced November 12 would be the download date for macOS Big Sur at its ‘One More Thing’ Mac event this week.
The availability of macOS Big Sur comes ahead of its new Apple Silicon-powered Mac computers, specifically the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro and Mac mini, set to launch next week. Early benchmarks of the new M1 chip from Apple have been mindblowing. When early reviews launch either tomorrow or early next week, that’s when we’ll see some real-world testing results.
Apple says macOS Big Sur “brings a fresh, new design, enhancements to Safari, Messages, Maps, and privacy, and is engineered for Apple’s powerful M1 chip”.
macOS Big Sur Compatibility list:
You can download macOS Big Sur by going to the Apple icon in the menu bar, then selecting ‘About This Mac’ and then clicking ‘Software Update’.
Before you update to macOS Big Sur, you definitely want to backup any critical files. Apple’s servers will be busy during the initial download period in the morning, so if you’re not in a hurry, wait until the evening or a day or two later, to see if there are any major bugs or compatibility issues (there’s always something).
Update Nov. 12, 1:33pm PST: Apple servers have melted and downloads have come screeching to a halt. Try your download later tonight or tomorrow, folks.
