MacOS Big Sur is the latest version of Apple’s operating system for desktops and laptops. It signifies a major overhaul to the Mac OS experience, moving the platform out of Version 10 after nearly 20 years.
Here we highlight the new visual design, better on-screen controls, an improved internet browsing experience, and so on. If you’re still on the fence about upgrading from Catalina, this roundup should change your mind.
Here are the best features in MacOS Big Sur we know you’ll love.
MacOS already looked pretty, but MacOS Big Sur ups the ante.
The menu bar supports gradients that shift in colors to better blend in with the wallpaper. Meanwhile, the dock’s curvy figure is more iPad-like, bringing the two platforms closer together visually. The result is a subtle update, but one that looks utterly gorgeous.
Finder
Apple redesigned many features to make them easier to use. For example, many apps have condensed toolbars so they are no longer in the way and are organized more efficiently. Apps like Finder and Mail include new sidebars that enable you to quickly get where you need to go.
Control Center: Easier on-screen controls
On-screen controls, from volume to display brightness, now use a similar horizontal slider. It may seem like a small change, but it brings the Mac in line with the iPhone, the iPad, the Apple Watch — even the Touch Bar. Your muscle memory will be thankful.
In the screen’s upper-right corner, you can access key controls at a glance. Need to dive a little deeper? Just click on a setting to get more options. Even better, you can drag settings out of the Control Center and onto the menu bar, giving you an even faster way to adjust the Mac to your liking.
Notification Center
That methodology applies to Notification Center as well. The Mac’s System Preferences app has always felt a bit disorganized, and it has never been as quick or as easy to find settings as we would like. Notifications can now be grouped together.
Widgets
The widget library helps you discover new options, and they now come in various sizes. You can’t put them on your desktop yet like on the iPad, but it’s a big change to how Notification Center functions.
Message App
Apple’s Messages app for MacOS has been falling behind its iOS counterpart for a while now. Big Sur deals with some of these issues and provides some much-needed solutions.
For example, you can expect to see conversations placed at the top of the window, mirroring your favorite iOS device. More fun features such as Memoji and share stickers are also available on the new MacOS version. Many of the effects on your iPhone are in this version.
You can also find new updates like a redesigned photo selection menu and an enhanced search bar. The new Messages app is a useful way to stay connected and work all in one place.
Sources: Blake, Alex. ” MacOS Big Sur: The 4 best features you’ll love” Digital Trends, March 12, 2021
Loyola, Roman. “Everything you need to know about Apple’s new Mac OS” Macworld December 27, 2020