It’s been some time since the release of the macOS update Big Sur. While there are definitely patches, bug fixes, and features this update focuses mainly on the aesthetic of the software. I decided to look over what this update has to offer and list what is truly beneficial. I also will briefly cover any negatives of this update
Preface
I believe no matter how good the update is, or how cool it looks, the consumer should wait before it’s initial release to the public. Unless you have good reason to work on it, waiting is the safest option. If anything, you could potentially avoid future headaches.
This doesn’t mean I’m against updates. On the contrary, I’m pro-software updates for computers. The majority of the time, software companies push out updates to fix vulnerabilities and you should be ready to do those. Keep in mind staying on Catalina or even Movaje (predecessor OS versions to Big Sur) is supported so from a security standpoint, you’re fine.
I’m simply stating that you need to be aware of what you’re updating. There could be also cases where the software company removes features you’ve been using. We all know that with every big software update, there could be new bugs and vulnerabilities that require getting patched shortly after the release. It’s good to take some time in reading up the release notes and seeing others’ reactions to the software before making your own decision.
OS GUI Re-vamp
Apple made a similar approach to Microsoft by overhauling the User Interface of the OS. This varies from app icons, layouts, functionality, etc. You will notice the Finder, Dock, and navigation bar with a slick look. As you look and navigate through the software, you should notice a big similarity with iOS.
One big change I like is the Control Center being implemented to the navigation bar. This allows many features to be quickly changed without cluttering the navigation bar like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, display brightness, etc.
I think this is a step in the right direction. What better way to provide a seamless experience between devices than to make the OS similar in completing tasks. I personally like the look and functionality of iOS on my phone and to see these features show up is awesome.
Safari Customization
Apple also decided to focus on improving its web browser Safari. This is also a similar approach to Microsoft working on their Edge browser. Aside from trying to improve its performance, there are features that are subtle that I like such as website preview when hovering over tabs or native translation to accommodate language preference. I think the best feature though is the Privacy Report. This security feature helps promote safe browsing and provide the user info on the site you’re visiting. Specifically, it shows what cross-site information when on any random site. If other sites have trackers on the webpage that are mainly used for targeted advertising. It also allows you to prevent this cross-site info and cookies if you prefer
I also think this was a good idea. I think providing transparency and allowing to do secure browsing is awesome!
Map
For Maps, they are deciding to integrate features from iOS and from Google Maps. They are adding the street view, maps for indoor locations, and even look at Guides for the area your searching.
I personally use the native Maps app on my iPhone and I’m glad they are deciding to merge the interface of it to the Macbook. I’m intrigued to see the indoor map in action even if it doesn’t apply to every building you go to.
Messages
This falls in the seamless experience category for updates by providing iOS features everyone enjoys. This includes Typing indicator, Memeojis, Effects, editing group names, and #images (gifs). They also are adding pinning conversations to the top of the window and improving searching capabilities.
This was a good idea to implement all these features on iOS. The Messages app on Mojave was limited and this would improve it immensely. One subtle change I personally like will be the Mentions feature. In some conversations, I don’t allow notifications but this will notify me still if someone in a group needs my attention
Battery Preferences
Apple is adding Battery settings in System Preferences. You’ll be able to see the battery usage history for the last 24 hours and the past 10 days. It will provide settings to configure how to optimize the power usage based on if you’re on battery or charging. It will also be based on certain things you’re running such as video streaming. There is also an ability to check the battery health stats like condition and maximum capacity.
This is probably the feature I’m looking forward to the most. I think this will help users understand more if their battery is truly an issue and finding ways to improve its longevity.
Home
For those interested in Home automation, they’ve added two features I find fascinating. They have included facial recognition for cameras for your setup
They have also given users the ability to add Activity Zones to the camera view. That way you can have your cameras alert you if activity happens to that zone.
I don’t have anything set up for this to use, but based on learning about this, I think it’s pretty cool to see this.
Photos
For the Photos app, they are providing more tools to enhance and edit photos. It provides more granular control the moment you open the photo from the Apple computer.
I believe this is a smart decision. Having the native OS provide tools to improve the photos is beneficial for the common user. If you need more control and tools than that, then you can resort to third-party software such as Adobe Creative Cloud.
Potential Downsides
With each OS upgrade, there is usually a number of people that deal with installation issues, battery issues. However, the update is not behaving properly on 2013-14 Macbooks.
There are also applications not ready to support Big Sur. To this day, my work’s antivirus software is not compatible with the Big Sur OS so we immediately informed our users to not upgrade. Hopefully, in the near future, this won’t be a big problem.
There is also info I’m sure I don’t want to opt into yet. It appears that the new update logs application data on the computer. What is alarming is that this data to Apple unencrypted. This data varies, but from what I found out, the data contains, the computer, the application, the location of the computer, a timestamp. Hearing this makes me question how this will truly be administrated. Supposedly if the server that obtains the application log data is having issues, then you might be able to use the application. Although this is no issue when you’re not on the internet, it is still alarming that this could be happening. Also these devices are designed to be on internet so being offline sounds like a band-aid more than a fix.
I’ve added resources below explaining my findings.
Takeaway
Working with others, many people get nervous around updates. I don’t blame them as you don’t know what to expect with the changes the developer makes. A general rule is to wait a month or so to allow the developer to patch the update if issues occur. Here are steps to consider when deciding to take the plunge of upgrading
Backup your data: Regardless of situation, have your data and OS backed up. One way or another, the device can be replaced, but your data can’t unless you are proactive about it. Whether you use Time Machine for OS updates, or some cloud provider for solely data (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.)
Do your research: Just like you’re reading this article, find out what exactly you’re opting into on the updates. Even subtle changes that don’t show visual appearances can be impactful. Great example was the decision to no longer support 32-bit apps on the Catalina OS. Better to be prepared and make a decision than be caught off-guard.
Evaluate and Execute: After doing your research, you need to answer if it’s worth updating or waiting. Does the update have issues, does this impact applications you use currently? If so, is the impact enough to workaround or halt the update? Is your device able to handle the update or will you have to buy a new device?