The latest major version of macOS, Big Sur, is now available to everyone.
The new-look operating system adds a slew of privacy features, along with upgrades for core apps like Safari, Maps and Messages. Apple designed Big Sur to get the most out of its M1 processor, which will debut in the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini models.
The new Control Center should be pretty familiar to iOS users. You’ll manage many of your Mac’s key settings from there. The Notification Center, meanwhile, now blends your widgets and notifications together in a single place. If your Mac’s compatible with macOS Big Sur, you can upgrade from the software update option in system preferences.
The full list of Macs that can run Big Sur are as follows:
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (late 2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later — i.e., all models)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)