macOS Big Sur for Mac

Overview

macOS Big Sur is an operating system released by Apple for its Macintosh desktop and laptop computers. Distributed as a complimentary update for compatible Macs, it represents the seventeenth major iteration of macOS. Big Sur follows macOS Catalina and comes before macOS Monterey. This version is notable for being the first macOS release to run on Apple’s ARM64-based processors.

Visual refresh and interface changes

• Native support for Apple silicon, enabling the OS to run on ARM64-based processors and new Mac hardware.
• A sweeping redesign of the user interface that Apple describes as the most substantial visual update since the early Mac OS X era.
• Updated app layouts and a reorganized menu bar that prioritize clarity and easier interaction with content.
• Refreshed Control Center and revamped Notification Center with improved third-party widget support, along with upgraded messaging features and curated guidance in Maps.

Safari: speed, extensions and privacy improvements

• Enhanced privacy tools such as a Privacy Report summarizing blocked trackers, password-monitoring features, and extension privacy prompts to help protect user data.
• Redesigned tabs and a customizable start page to help organize and personalize browsing sessions.
• Broader extension support and support for in-browser translation features to expand Safari’s capabilities.
• Performance and efficiency improvements that position Safari among the fastest desktop browsers in independent benchmarks.

Performance, compatibility and security

Big Sur brings system-level enhancements that improve day-to-day performance while strengthening security. The update tightens integration across Apple devices and services, and the Apple silicon transition provides a foundation for faster, more power-efficient computing on new Macs. Overall, users can expect smoother operation, better ecosystem cohesion, and stronger protections compared with earlier macOS releases.

Availability

The update is offered as a free upgrade for eligible Mac users. As a major system release, it introduces both visual and technical changes intended to modernize the macOS experience across desktops and notebooks.