Another year brings another version of macOS. In just a few hours, you can upgrade your Mac to macOS Big Sur, also known as macOS 11. This new version of Apple’s desktop operating system features the biggest interface change since Mac OS X. While you won’t find lots of flashy features, everything will look different.
Should you upgrade your Mac to Big Sur? Is your Mac compatible with the new operating system? How should you prepare for this big change? In this article, I’ll answer those questions, so you’ll be ready to update your Mac to macOS Big Sur when Apple releases it.
Compatibility
First, check if your Mac is compatible with Big Sur. Any Mac released in mid-2012 or later can run Big Sur, and some older Mac Pros can run it too.
- MacBook Pro (late 2013 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- iMac (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Mini (2014 and later)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
If you’re not sure about your Mac’s year or model, click the Apple menu and choose “About This Mac.” You’ll see the model and year listed there.
Check Software Compatibility
All Apple software should work with Big Sur, and many new major apps will too. However, some programs you use might not be ready yet. App developers get several months to update