macOS Big Sur launches: Completely new interface, faster Safari, ARM support

In parallel with iOS 14, Apple has officially launched the new macOS Big Sur operating system for Macs. macOS Big Sur witnessed a makeover of the interface and paved the way for the ARM platform that is about to be used by Apple for future Macs.

Completely new interface

Apple has brought macOS Big Sur a completely new interface. Although the basic interface of Big Sur is still based on the recent versions of macOS, Apple has brought about the tweaks of icons, menu bars, application toolbars or dock bars.

Control Center

Apple brings macOS Big Sur an interface component that iOS users are familiar with: the Control Center. With Control Center, users can quickly enable / disable features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do not disturb; or adjust some parameters like screen brightness or volume.

Upgraded Safari: Faster, more homepage customization

Safari web browser has been strongly upgraded by Apple on Big Sur. Similar to the rest of the operating system, it also upgraded the interface, which especially the homepage interface. Users can freely change the wallpaper or turn on / off some website sets (such as favorite pages, recently viewed pages or reading lists).

Safari's performance continues to improve, as Apple says it is on average 50% faster than Chrome when opening frequently visited websites. Not only that, Safari also saves more power than Chrome and Firefox, especially useful for laptop users.

New Message Application

The Messages app on macOS Big Sur adds many of the same features as its version on iOS 14, which includes:

- Users can "pin" (pin) a number of people they regularly contact at the top of the Messages application, enabling them to quickly message them without fear of "drifting".

- Group messaging: Support replying to individual messages or "tag" another person in the group.

- Supports Memoji and message effects.

- Ability to search messages more powerful.

Support ARM platform

With Apple officially announcing "retiring" from Intel to switch to using its own Mac chip, macOS Big Sur is also the first version to support ARM chips. Apple said its entire operating system and applications were able to run "smoothly" on its processors. In fact, the entire Big Sur performance is performed on an Apple Mac mini with the A12Z Bionic chip, the same chip that the iPad Pro is using.

Device support

macOS Big Sur will be compatible with the following Mac models:

- MacBook: 2015 and above

- MacBook Pro: Late 2013 and up

- MacBook Air: 2013 and above

- Mac mini: 2014 and above

- iMac: 2014 and above

- iMac Pro: 2017 and above

- Mac Pro: 2013 and above

The first beta of macOS Big Sur for developers will be released today. For end users, they will have to wait until the fall of this year to have the opportunity to experience the official macOS Big Sur.