Apple released the latest macOS update; they call it macOS Big Sur back in November 2020. The Big Sur comes with a version number starting from v11.0. It is claimed to be the successor of the previous release – macOS Catalina. With the release, Apple brings many new features and a complete overhaul on the interface of the operating system to the macintosh family, but what’s the catch?
Let’s look at the compatible Macs entitled for macOS Big Sur
It is crucial to know whether your Macs are supported for the update. With every update that Apple releases, they will surely put the older devices into their “GoodBye” List. So, what are the Macs that are capable of going to macOS Big Sur?
- MacBook : Early 2015 and newer
- MacBook Air : Mid 2013 and newer
- MacBook Pro : Late 2013 and newer
- Mac Mini : Late 2014 and newer
- iMac : Mid 2014 and newer
- iMac Pro : 2017 and newer
- Mac Pro : Late 2013 and newer
If your Mac device is not on the list, don’t feel sad. Just buy a new one. 😛
Features and Improvements on the macOS Big Sur
With the macOS Big Sur update, Apple has revamped the Mac Operating system interface completely to give it a fresh look to keep everyone enticed. They made significant changes to the icons, notification bar, safari, Message App, App Store, etc. To keep this post short and sexy, I am not going to write about this as I believe there are many articles out there writing about the feature.
You can read up a list of changes implemented by Apple on macOS Big Sur on Wikipedia.
Complaints On macOS Big Sur
Everything has its good and bad side, so does the macOS Big Sur. We have witnessed the drawbacks and gathered a few feedback from the users that you may want to know if you have not had the guts or lucky enough not to click the “Update” yet.
- Slowing Down In Performance : This is inevitable as each release will kick the older device out of their support list. For those still capable of upgrading, but your machine is 3 years old or older, you will experience some delay when launching some applications.
- Huge File Size : Update to macOS Big Sur requires us to download the installer from the App Store. However, as the file size is getting bigger, each update and this update requires 12-15 Gigabytes of free disk space. As we know, Mac comes with small disk space; for some users who maximize their disk space, you may want to be alert on this.
- Incompatibility Of Applications : Some of us use third-party applications. With the update, some of the third-party applications may not be compatible with big Sur. At least, while the developer is still configuring the app to make it compatible with Big Sur for the time being. (NOTE : If you update macOS Catalina, you should be free from this problem).
- Battery Not Lasting : With great features and a better user interface, it drains more juice on your Mac. Your Mac MAY not last as long as it could before upgrading to macOS Big Sur.
Note: ALL the above points mentioned are things that we gathered from our customers or witnessed during usage. It may not be the same for you.
Things To Do Before Updating to macOS Big Sur
You should be aware of a few things before updating to Big Sur, and your Mac must be ready before updating. We have developed a checklist for you to ensure that your Macbook or iMac is ready before updating.
- Make sure your Mac is compatible with the update – It may sound stupid to repeat again, but this is the most basic reminder before updating. To find out whether your device is compatible with the update, click here to scroll up to the compatibility list.
- Make sure your Mac has sufficient storage – YES! This is extremely important that I have to emphasize on! Downloading macOS Big Sur installation file requires between 12-15 Gigabytes of free space in your Mac. Executing the macOS Big Sur installation file will require a minimum of 35 gigabytes (at least) for the installation to be successful. Make sure you have enough space before executing. (NOTE : How to check your storage on your Mac)
- Backup Your Mac Before Updating – If you do not have sufficient space, delete some unwanted files on your computer or throw some into the cloud or external hard drive. Then DELETE them from your trash before clicking the “INSTALL” button. If you do not have enough storage, the execution will be stuck. You will end up seeing a reboot loop. You MAY potentially have to sacrifice by wiping your hard drive clean and reinstalling a brand new operating system – which means starting fresh!
I cannot stress the 3 points above more than anything else because you can ruin your Mac if you don’t make sure your Mac is ready for the update.
Possible To Downgrade Back to macOS Catalina/ macOS Mojave?
We have some customers who are not used to the interface and the machine’s performance after updating to macOS Big Sur, and they have requested to back off and revert to the previous operating system. Now the question is, is it possible for us to DOWNGRADE from MACOS BIG SUR To OLDER VERSIONS? The answer is YES! How do you do that? You can do that through internet recovery, or you can bring it to us, and we will make sure your workhorse can perform like it used to be.
Send us a service request to book a slot with us to bring in your Mac.
Should You Update to macOS Big Sur?
It has its own Pros and cons for Big Sur. There may still be some bugs in the system which apple is fixing through future updates.
In my personal opinion, I love new stuff, and I will click on the UPDATE button. However, if you are using a machine more than 3 years old, I recommend holding your horses until it is more stable (at least for a couple more months).
For iMac or Mac Mini, which are still running on the original specs, to operate smoothly with Big Sur, I would recommend at least upgrading to Solid State Drive (SSD). Submit a service request to get our help to speed up your Mac.
EXTRA : How To Check Macbook/iMac Storage
Again, it is extremely important to make sure you have enough storage capacity before you execute macOS Big Sur Update. How do you check your available storage capacity on your Mac?
Step 1 : Go To LaunchPad (icon is for macOS Catalina (or before) below )
Step 2 : Type in “Disk Utility” in the search column on top. (Highlighted with a red cube)
Your “Disk Utility” icon may vary from mine as I am running on Big Sur.
Step 3 : Open up Disk Utility
You should be able to see your available storage by following the steps above.
If you have any further questions or need help on fixing or upgrading your Mac or iMac, you can send us a service request feel free to contact us via our contact page or our Live Chat (the white icon on the bottom right corner of the screen). We will try our best to respond to you at our soonest possible.
Last but not least, take care and stay safe out there!