Version 11.0 of the macOS operating system, introduced in November 2020. This is the first time since 2001 that the version number is not 10. The previous OS was 10.15 (see
Catalina).
Big Sur includes numerous cosmetic changes to the menu bar, icons, sidebars and Dock. A Control Center consolidates settings used most often, and notifications can be grouped. Big Sur is cryptographically signed to prevent tampering.
Safari has many new features. The Start page can be customized, and the App Store added a Safari extension category. Hovering over a tab displays a small preview of the page behind the tab.
A conversation in Messages can be pinned to the top of the list, and inline replies start a new thread. Memojis can be created on the Mac and instantly shared. Maps was updated for large screens, and curated guides let users explore new places to eat and shop. Electric charging stops are included. See
macOS.