2020-006 Security Update for Mojave & High Sierra + Safari 14.0.1
Security Updates 2020-006 for macOS Mojave 10.14 (18G6042), High Sierra 10.13 (17G14042) & Safari 14.0.1 are now Available.
With the release of macOS Big Sur, Apple also released Security Updates for both macOS Mojave and High Sierra. Catalina was issued a 10.15.7 Supplemental Update to address the same security issues in 2020-006.
NOTE: Apologies for the tardiness of this article, Big Sur and Apple Silicon really took my attention away. I didn’t forget about everyone who asked me when my Security Update article would come out. I will always test the update out first so you don’t have to deal with issues.
You can read more about the 10.15.7 Supplemental update below.
Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B50) Released to block install for 2013-2014 13-inch MacBook Pro Users.
Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B50) was released to block 2013 & 2014 13″ MBPro’s from installing the OS. This move looks to be related to the Big Sur install problems with these models.
UPDATE 12/14/20 – Apple has added the Mac-189A3D4F975D5FFC BoardID back to the newly released macOS Big Sur 11.1 Full installer! It looks like Apple has found and fixed the issue with the installer that was causing problems! This means that you can now download, install and reinstall Big Sur 11.1 on your 2013-14 13″ MacBook Pro again.
UPDATE 11/25/20 – If you attempt to install Big Sur on your 13″ 2013-2014 MBPro, you might get this error.
Installation of macOS could not continue. installation requires downloading important content. That content can’t be downloaded at this time. Try again later.
If you are wondering about the Big Sur Installer issue for the 2013 & 2014 13″ MacBook Pro users, I wrote about the situation earlier this week.
To review, if you have a 2013 or 2014 13″ MacBook Pro and attempted to install macOS Big Sur, it was possible that the installer could brick your Mac.
When I say “brick” I mean that it boots to a black screen and is 100% non responsive. You can’t boot to recovery, USB installers, reset the pram or SMC.
The only option for users is to bring it in for repair. The reports say that Apple is saying that the logic board needs to be replaced at a price over 500$. Even worse some are being told it’s a vintage product and they can’t parts. This is FALSE, Apple will keep stock of parts up to 7 years.
Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago. Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple TV vintage products continue to receive hardware service from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores, subject to availability of inventory, or as required by law.Apple.com – https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624
Hopefully Apple will cover the cost of the repair for free.
The solution for now? Release a new macOS Big Sur Installer that removes both models from the Big Sur compatibility list.
The link below shows the list of Big Sur compatible Macs
If you can’t install macOS Big Sur on certain 13-inch MacBook Pro computers from 2013 and 2014. Follow these steps if you can’t install macOS Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) or MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014). When you install macOS Big Sur on these Mac models, the installer might say that the update cannot be installed on this computer, or your Mac might start up to a blank screen or circle with a line through it.
Apple.com
The most important part of this article is this line
“or your Mac might start up to a blank screen“
This is exactly what will happen to some users if they install macOS Big Sur on their 2013 or 2014 13″ MacBook Pro.
Let’s look at the other parts of the note.
“the installer might say that the update cannot be installed on this computer“
This is because both models have been removed from the new Big Sur installer compatibility list.
“or your Mac might start up to a blank screen or circle with a line through it“
This might happen if you make a new USB installer of Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B50) and attempt to boot to it.
Removed from the Big Sur Compatible List?
The macOS installer has a file inside called the distribution file. For this release it’s called 001-83532.English.dist.
Compatible Macs for install are listed in this file as BoardID for older devices and DeviceIDs for newer models. The boardID we are looking for is
Mac-189A3D4F975D5FFC
This BoardID is for the MacBookPro11,1 or the 2013 & 2014 13″ MacBook Pro.
I keep a database of all Mac BoardID and DevicesIDs here
You can see the list of supportedBoardIDs – Mac-189A3D4F975D5FFC was removed from 11.0.1 (20B50)
This means that (for now anyway) you will not be able to install macOS Big Sur on your 2013 or 2014 13″ MacBook Pro.
Will Apple fix this issue and add them back later?
Unknown at this time. It’s possible that Apple will fix issue the Big Sur installer is causing to these models. They could then add the models back to the compatibility list later.
How to Restore BridgeOS on a 2018+ T2 Mac using Apple Configurator 2. How to Boot your Mac into DFU Mode
With Apple Silicon Macs, you can install macOS just like you can with iOS! I will show you how to boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode so you can Restore macOS.
UPDATED 06/04/21
This article will go over how to restore macOS on your new Apple Silicon Mac. Your first line of defense for installing macOS on Apple Silicon should be macOS Recovery. But if for some reason you are having problems with that you can boot your Apple Silicon Mac with a Big Sur USB installer drive. I wrote an article covering all the changes to macOS Recovery here.
Order of that you should follow for reinstalling macOS on Apple Silicon.
1. macOS Recovery – Hold down the power button to enter the Boot Picker Menu (downloads macOS Big Sur over the internet 1-2 hours)
2. System Recovery – (Separate hidden partition – Will boot automatically if macOS Recovery is erased or damaged)
3. macOS Big Sur USB Installer Drive – External boot for macOS Installers is enabled by default on Apple Silicon – (Installs from USB 30-40 Min)
4. Apple Configurator 2 REVIVE option – This option will reinstall macOS Recovery if erased or damaged (retains user data on the hard drive)
5.Apple Configurator 2 RESTORE option – This option will Reinstall macOS Recovery, ERASE your hard drive and reinstall macOS (Fast install! 10 min)
Use macOS Recovery on a Apple Silicon M1Mac
Keep in mind, just like last time, some of the instructions for booting your Apple Silicon Mac are confusing. If you thought booting to DFU mode was a little difficult on T2 Macs… wait until you try on Apple Silicon. For one thing the ports used are the exact opposite of what was used on T2 Macs! Plus the process to get the Mac into DFU mode has changed! That’s why I’m writing this article, to better explain the instructions.
Mr. Macintosh video – how to boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU mode + reinstall macOS
Boot your M1 Mac Mini to DFU mode + Reinstall macOS Big Sur with Apple Configurator 2! UPDATED
Mr. Macintosh Deep Dive Tutorial on how to Restore macOS + Boot to DFU mode
Install macOS Big Sur on Multiple Macs using Apple Configurator 2!
Table of Contents
1. Updates
2. List of Apple Silicon Compatible Macs
3. Setup and Cable Requirements before you begin
4. Download Apple Configurator 2 app
5. How to Boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode
6. Which Firmware version is your Mac on?
7. Instructions for the M1 13″ MacBook Pro & Air (2020)
8. Instructions for the M1 Mac Mini (2020)
9. Instructions for the M1 24″ iMac (2021)
10. You made it! Apple Configurator 2 Steps
11. Download macOS ISPW file
12. Begin Apple Silicon macOS Revive / Restore
13. Finishing Up
14. Can I Downgrade from an older version of macOS via IPSW Files?
UPDATE 4/13/21 – New DEEP DIVE video on using Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on multiple M1 Macs.
UPDATE 3/17/21 – I’ve added a new video that shows you how to use Apple configurator 2 to install macOS on multiple M1 Macs.
UPDATE 1/14/21 – Apple has released Apple Configurator 2 Version 2.13.3, be sure to update. I’ve also added a new Apple Silicon Mac Mini M1 Video above.
UPDATE 11/18/20 –Apple has released Apple Configurator 2 Version 2.13.2! Make sure you update. If you are still running 2.13.1 or below you will get an error when you click the restore button.
UPDATE 11/17/20 –Added a new section #6 to explain the problem booting to DFU mode if your Apple Silicon Mac is on it’s factory firmware of 6723.41.11
This is a list of Apple Silicon Macs that this process is compatible with.
1. 2020 M1 13″ MacBook Pro
2. 2020 M1 MacBook Air
3. 2020 M1 Mac Mini
4. 2021 M1 24″ iMac
3. Setup and Cable Requirements before you begin.
You will need to meet the following requirements –
(The Host Mac will do the work and the Target Mac is the Mac you need to Restore)
1. USB-C Mac as the Host Machine.
2. The Host Mac must have at least macOS 10.15.6 and Apple Configurator 2.13.1 or newer installed.
3. Internet access on the Host Mac – “You may need to configure your web proxy or firewall ports to allow all network traffic from Apple”
4. USB-C to USB-C Cable – The white Apple USB-C Charge will work fine. (USB-C Cable MUST Support Power & Data). Apple notes that a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3 cable is not supported but I’ve tested it and it works fine.
5. The Host Mac can have the cable plugged in anywhere.
6. The Target Mac MUST have the USB-C Cable Plugged in to the Left Hand side USB-C port. For Laptops the port closest to the back of the Mac or screen) For the Mac Mini it’s the port closest to the ethernet port. (BOTH LOCATIONS ARE OPPOSITE of the T2 Mac BridgeOS restore locations!)
If you don’t meet all the prerequisites booting to DFU Mode or Upgrading macOS Firmware might fail.
4. Download Apple Configurator 2
Download Apple Configurator 2 app. Version 2.13.1 or higher is required.
If you do not have Apple Configurator 2, you can download it now from the Mac App Store with this link.
5. How to Boot your Apple Silicon Mac into DFU Mode
With all the startup keyboard commands you can issue a Mac, booting into DFU Mode should be pretty simple right?
NOPE! (x2 this time for Apple Silicon!)
You have to follow a very particular sequence to get this to work. I have attempted to find the exact way to get this to work every time. Even then sometimes the system will refuse to Boot into DFU mode.
Apple’s Instructions
You can find Apple’s instructions for booting into DFU mode here.
If these instructions do not work fo you continue below.
Press the power button.
While holding down the power button, at the same time press all three of the following keys for about 10 seconds:
The right Shift key
The left Option key
The left Control key
After 10 seconds, immediately release the three keys but continue to hold down the power button until it appears in Apple Configurator 2.Note: You won’t see any screen activity from the Apple notebook computer.
Apple’s instructions for booting your Apple Silicon MacBook Pro & Air into DFU mode. Image: Apple Inc
6. Which Firmware version is your Mac on?
Did you update your Mac to Big Sur 11.0.1 from 11.0 when it arrived? If you didnt the firmware will be
6723.41.11
To find the firmware version click the Apple icon > About this Mac > System Report.
Look for System Firmware Version.
If you are on Big Sur 11.0 and firmware version 6723.41.11 you will need to boot to the macOS Recovery selection screen first before attempting to boot into DFU mode.
If you updated your Mac to 11.0.1 and are running Firmware Version 6723.50.2 or newer you can follow the normal instructions. You can boot to DFU mode from power off instead of booting to the macOS recovery selection screen first.
7. My Instructions for the M1 13″ MacBook Pro & MacBook Air
It has proven difficult to get an Apple Silicon Mac into DFU mode. You could try Apple’s instructions above multiple times and STILL not get into DFU mode.
Once you have meet all of the pre requisites above, follow the instructions below to should get you into DFU Mode every time.
1. The Target Mac must be OFF to begin.
2.Hold down the Power button,RightShift, Left Control and Left Option keys for 10 Seconds (count 1 one thousand) then let go of every key except for Power . Keep holding down the power button for an additional 8 seconds until you get to 18 seconds total. If you count more than 20 seconds and don’t see the DFU icon, you will have to try the process again.
3. When the Target Mac is booted into DFU mode correctly, the host will show a big DFU icon in Apple Configurator 2.
4. After you see the DFU picture pop up on the AC2 Host Mac you can let go of the Power Button.
macOS recovery screen you can now start the DFU mode keyboard command process
Visual instructions for booting your Apple SIlicon Mac into DFU Mode
8. Instructions for the M1 Mac Mini (2020)
The Mac Mini 2020 instructions are to use the USB-C port is closest to the Ethernet port.
How to boot a M1 Mac Mini 2020 into DFU mode to restore macOS – Image: Apple Inc
1. Disconnect the power cord from the Mac Mini.
2. Plug USB-C/Thunderbolt cable into the USB-C port next to the ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end into the Host Mac.
4. While holding down the power button, connect the Mac Mini to power and continue to hold the power button for about 3-5 seconds
5. You should now see the DFU logo on the Host Mac.
9. Instructions for the M1 2021 24″ iMac
The 24″ M1 iMac (2021) instructions are to use the USB-C port is closest to the magnetic power port. The instructions are the same for both the 2 and 4 port version.
How to boot a M1 iMac 2021 into DFU 2 or 4 port version. Use the USB-C port closest to the magnetic power plug. – Image: Apple Inc
1. Disconnect the magnetic power cord from the iMac.
2. Plug USB-C cable into the USB-C port next to the power port.
3. Plug the other end into the Host Mac.
4. While holding down the power button, connect the iMac magnetic power plug continue to hold the power button for about 3-5 seconds
5. You should now see the DFU logo on the Host Mac.
10. Instructions for the M1 2021 24″ iMac
11. Instructions for the M1 2021 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro
12. Instructions for the M1 2022 Mac Studio
10. You made it! Apple Configurator 2 Steps
The hard part is now over. Now we can restore macOS on the Target Mac. When you first open Apple Configurator 2 the screen will look like this.
This is what you will see if the Mac is NOT booted to DFU mode.
This is what you will see when the MacBook is connected correctly with your USB-C cable and booted to the recovery selection screen.
Once your Mac is booted to DFU mode, you will see this screen on Apple Configurator 2. You are now ready for the next step.
When you see a big DFU icon when your Mac is properly booted into DFU Mode.
11. Download macOS ISPW file (Optional)
Apple Configurator 2 version 2.13.2 will automatically download needed IPSW file just like it can for iOS. Let’s say that you want to download the IPSW so you can restore multiple times for testing, you can get it from my database below.
Once you’ve downloaded the macOS IPSW file, you are ready for Restore.
12. Begin Apple Silicon macOS Revive / Restore
1. Revive Option
The revive option will ONLY reinstall macOS Recovery. Go to step 2 for Restore.
You are now ready to restore either macOS Recovery with revive by Clicking Actions > Advanced > Revive Device.
Right Click on the DFU icon – Select Advanced > Revive Device
Revive will reinstall macOS Recovery on your Apple Silicon Mac. This option retains user data.
2. Restore Option.
Restore will Reinstall macOS Recovery, ERASE your SSD hard drive and reinstall macOS.
2. Restore option – Reinstall macOS Recovery, ERASE your SSD hard drive and reinstall macOS.
You will now see a warning message. Do you want restore “MacBook Pro” to it’s Factory settings and latest firmware version?
Restore warning you the Restore process will erase your data and reinstall macOS
Click the Restore Button to begin. Step one will download the latest macOS IPSW Firmware file directly from Apple.
You can also drag the macOS IPSW File over to the DFU icon to begin the restore.
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 IPSW Restore File – Drag this file over to the DFU logo to begin the restore.
After dragging the macOS 11 IPSW File over to the DFU logo you will get this pop up. You can select Restore to erase your drive and reinstall macOS. The process will only take about 15 minutes.
Ready to restore macOS, click Restore to begin.
Reinstalling macOS Big Sur from the IPSW file.
Step 2. Unzipping macOS
Step 2. Unzipping
Step 3. Installing macOS
Step 3. Installing BridgeOS
13. Finishing Up
If you would like to see more information you can click View and see a new activity window.
Apple Configurator 2 Activity window.
The entire process will only take a while. Most of the time is spent downloading the huge 13GB macOS Big Sur IPSW File. This is why it’s nice to keep the IPSW on an external hard drive or something. When you drag the IPSW File over to Apple Configuator 2, the restore will be super quick! Normally it only takes about 10 min!
When complete the Mac will automatically Boot up.
14. Can I Downgrade from an older version of macOS via IPSW Files?
The answer is YES, follow the link below for an explanation.
But only if the IPSW file is still signed by Apple. If Apple stops signing the IPSW file you will need to change the Boot Security to allow this. (Keep in mind Apple has not stopped signing any macOS installers yet, so we will see.)
15. Thanks
Hat tip goes out to macrumors forum user Nrwrit3r for the macOS Recovery menu workaround for older firmware!
NOTE 11/17/20! UNTIL I’M ABLE TO GATHER APPLE SILICON DATA I WILL LEAVE THE T2 BRIDGEOS TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION HERE.
I can’t get my Mac to boot into DFU mode. This is the toughest part of the whole process as I mentioned above. Keep trying the steps I listed above. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to get his to work.
You can use System Information to see if the USB-C port lists your Mac in DFU Mode.
System Information showing a Mac plugged in booted to DFU Mode.
BridgeOS Restore Error 79- The OS Cannot be restored on this device. The Operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 79 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0x4F (79)] – If you get this error it means that the BridgeOS update has failed and is unable to complete. The system will be unable to boot. When powered on the screen will be black. The Mac will have to be brought to an Apple Store for Service.
BridgeOS Restore Error – The OS Cannot be restored on this device. The Operation couldn’t be completed.
BridgeOS Restore Error 10 – The BridgeOS Restore failed! This is most likely because the host Mac was 1 or 2 OS Versions behind the Target Mac. The Host and Target Mac need to be on the same OS Version.
If your Target Mac is on 10.15, then your Host Mac needs to be on 10.15.
The OS Cannot be restored on this device.
The operation couldn’t be completed. (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 10 – Failed to handle message type StatusMsg) [AMRestoreErrorDomain – 0xA (10)]
BridgeOS Restore Error 10 – The Host and Target Mac need to be on the same OS Version.
Host Mac and Target Mac Disconnected during restore. – Error 4005
The OS Cannot be restored on this device.
Gave up waiting for device to transition from RestoreOS state to BootedOS State. [com.apple.MobileDevice.MobileRestore – 0xFA5 (4005)]
BridgeOS Restore Error 0xFA5 (4005)
This error will come up when the restore process has been interrupted.
Or, you might get this using Apple Configurator 2 version 2.12.1, as the process never seems to complete properly. If the Target Mac awakes to the login window the process is complete even though the progress bar is at 100%. After unplugging the USB-C cable you will get the error above.
Apple Configurator 2 Reports RECOVERY instead of DFU Status.
Apple Configurator 2 Reports RECOVERY instead of DFU Status.
If you see RECOVERY this means that BridgeOS is unable to boot and is the default status when you power on the Mac.
Failed BridgeOS Restore due to OS Version Mismatch! The Target Mac is a previous OS i.e 10.14 trying to restore a 10.15 Mac, the update will fail with an Error 10
If the Mac already failed the Upgrade, it could already be in this status. If so, you can attempt a BridgeOS restore.
Configurator could not perform the requested action. Apple Controller devices do not support this action.
This means that you selected Actions > Update, which is not supported. You need to select Actions > Advanced > Revive Device
Apple Configurator 2 BridgeOS Firmware Download Location.
Thanks MrMacintosh Reader Max C for letting me know the location of the BridgeOS Firmware files.
UPDATE 01/02/21 – This article is only for Apple Silicon M1 Macs
Use a USB installer with Big Sur 11.2 to reinstall macOS
Enter macOS recovery. If you have FileVault 2 enabled, click the Recovery Assistant menu and then select “Erase Mac”. If you don’t have FileVault 2 Enabled or have already erased the drive, click utilities from the top menu bar and then click Terminal. Enter in the command resetpassword This will bring you back to the Recovery Assistant menu. Click the Recovery Assistant menu bar item at the top and then select “Erase Mac”.
UPDATE 11/19/20 – It looks like Apple has fixed the issue! I’ve just finished reinstalling macOS Big Sur from macOS Recovery and from a USB Installer drive. Everything works now!
UPDATE 11/18/20 –I originally reported that this error would happen on a factory build of Big Sur 11.0 (20A2411) but it also happens if you are running 11.0.1 (20B29). To review…
It doesn’t matter if you are using macOS Recovery or Big Sur USB Installer, you will be unable to reinstall Big Sur!!!
The only way to recover is by using a 2nd Mac with Apple Configurator 2!!
When the macOS is reinstalling the Mac will attempt to personalize the version that is being installed. You will get this error.
An error occurred preparing the update. failed to personalize the software update. Please try again.
macOS Big Sur Reinstall on an Apple Silicon Mac running the shipping version 11.0 (20A2411) Credit MacRumors Forum user craigslorach.
Mr. Macintosh Update video on the issue with additional steps.
Mr. Macintosh video that explains the issue.
Can this issue be fixed?
YES! The ONLY way to fix this issue is to use Apple Configurator 2 and reinstall macOS with a 2nd Mac.
Today Apple released macOS Big Sur Beta 11.1 Beta (20C5048k) to Developers
MacOS Big Sur 11.1 Beta was released on November 17th, 2020. The release comes on Apple Silicon M1 Mac Day! One big change is the version number.
macOS 11.1
This means that instead of getting 11.0.2, we will get 11.1. Next year it seems we will get macOS 12. This is a big change and it looks like Apple is trying to follow the iOS and iPad version system.
If you need to rebuild your Apple Silicon Mac, be sure to check out both of my new articles.
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 Beta 2 Release Candidate (20B5022a) Release Notes
Overview
The macOS 11.1 SDK provides support to develop apps for Macs running macOS Big Sur 11.1 beta. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 12.3 beta, available from Beta Software Downloads. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 12.3 beta, see Xcode 12.3 Beta Release Notes.
Accessibility
Known Issues
InfoVox voices from AcapellaGroup aren’t currently supported by VoiceOver. (64880915)Workaround: Choose an alternate voice such as Alex or Siri.
Mac Catalyst
Known Issues
Full-screen mode might zoom content beyond the borders of your display. (70103920)
The zoom-to-fit state isn’t currently preserved across app launches. (70885745)
When you present a view controller with page sheet or form sheet presentation style, the size of the view controller’s root view is, by default, determined by the value returned from the presented view controller’s preferredContentSize method and the view is not resizable. You can arrange for the presented view controller to be resizable by using Auto Layout to specify the maximum and minimum sizes of its root view. To enable this, set the canResizeToFitContent property of the application’s main window to YES. One way to do this is to override the willMove(toWindow:) or didMoveToWindow() methods of a view in the main view controller. (65254666)For example:- (void)willMoveToWindow:(UIWindow *)newWindow { [super willMoveToWindow:newWindow]; newWindow.canResizeToFitContent = YES;}
Software Update
Known Issues
A known issue prevents booting back into macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 after installing macOS Big Sur 11.1 beta onto a separate volume on Macs with Apple silicon. (71353899)
Using either macOS Recovery or a bootable installer to reinstall macOS Big Sur 11.1 beta on Macs with Apple silicon isn’t currently supported. (71353899)Workaround: Use the Restore option in the latest version of Apple Configurator 2 running on a secondary Mac. Note that this will erase all content from the storage media on the Mac you’re restoring.
How to Reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon Mac. – Everything you need to know!!
Apple Silicon M1 Mac Recovery has changed! The interface, options and the way you reinstall macOS is all new. I will show you everything you need to know.
UPDATED 09/25/21
Apple Silicon Macs started to arrive in customers hands on Tuesday November 17th, 2020. One of the first things we need to understand is how to reinstall or factory erase macOS on Apple Silicon. All the old rules that you had to follow with Intel Macs has now changed. I will show you 3 different ways to reinstall macOS Big Sur on a Apple Silicon Mac.
If you are looking for more information on Apple Silicon Macs, I’ve wrote an article going over everything you need to know.
Right off the bat, we need to understand that Mac Internet Recovery on Apple Silicon is DEAD! Finally you don’t have to worry about IR errors and the problems that come with them.
Internet Recovery will still remain for Intel based Macs. For Apple Silicon we now have 4 different ways to reinstall macOS.
1. macOS Recovery = First line of recovery.
2. System Recovery = Hidden partition for when normal macOS recovery is not available.
3. macOS Big Sur USB Installer Drive. = Boot to a createinstallmedia based Big Sur full installer.
4. macOS System Restore via DFU mode + Apple Configurator 2.
Reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon Table of Contents
1. macOS Recovery
2. macOS System Recovery
3. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
4. macOS Big Sur USB Install Drive
5. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
6. Apple Silicon Security Policy
7. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
8. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
9. Where can I get macOS ISPW Firmware files?
10. Signed? What does that mean?
1. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery
Apple Silicon macOS Recovery is almost exactly the same as it is on Intel Based Macs. One of the major things that has changed is the way that you get into macOS Recovery. Instead of having to remember a bunch of keyboard commands you can now use the power button to get right to the boot picker macOS recovery menu!
Mr. Macintosh video on how to get to the macOS recovery menu on Apple Silicon Macs
Mr. Macintosh How to – Boot to recovery + Erase & Reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon M1 MacBook Pro & MacBook Air!
Mr. Macintosh How to Video – Boot to Recovery + Erase & Reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon Mac Mini M1. I will also show you how to boot from a Big Sur USB installer to reinstall macOS twice as fast!
The video above shows you how to factory restore / erase your Apple Silicon Mac and reinstall macOS.
First line of defense, is macOS Recovery.
2. Apple Silicon System Recovery
Apple Silicon System Recovery is a new hidden recovery option in addition to macOS Recovery. If for some reason macOS Recovery becomes corrupt, System recovery will load which is the same as macOS recovery. You can use it to reinstall macOS and macOS Recovery.
3. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
If something serious goes wrong with your Mac and it can’t boot into macOS you will see a new startup screen. (The blinking folder icon has been retired). You will now see a screen like this
Apple Silicon Startup problems – Prohibited sign – Credit Martin Nobel – https://twitter.com/martinnobel_/status/1321645315502432256
This screen has a new Apple Support URL support.apple.com/mac/restore which will tell you that you need to restore macOS firmware via Apple Configurator 2 and a 2nd mac running 10.15.6 or newer. Restoration will now work the same on the Mac as it does on iOS iPhones and iPads.
4. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer
On Apple Silicon external boot remains, but has changed.
External Boot for the macOS installer is now enabled by default
You no longer need to enter Security Options to enable External Boot!
Now you can build out an USB Installer of macOS Big Sur and boot your Apple Silicon Mac to it.
Mr. Macintosh Video on how to create a macOS Big Sur USB Install Disk for Apple Silicon or Intel.
Mr. Macintosh Video on how to use a USB Installer to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon!You can now boot a USB macOS installer without enabling external boot in Security options! It’s enabled by default.
5. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
If all options to reinstall macOS fail you can now use Apple Configurator 2.
1. Revive = Will restore macOS Recovery Only. (User data remains)
2. Restore = Will will download macOS and macOS recovery and reinstall them (THIS WILL ALSO ERASE YOUR HARD DRIVE)
This will help with rapid deployment in lab / school situations.
My Mac T2 BridgeOS Restore article will show you this process. It has not changed except for one thing. In the future the “RESTORE” option will automatically download the newest macOS ISPW file for you and install it. For now you will need to download it and and drag it over to the DFU icon.
Mr. Macintosh quick overview video on how to boot your Apple Silicon Mac to DFU mode. I will also show you how to reinstall macOS in 10 minutes with Apple Configurator 2 and a 2nd Mac.
How to reinstall macOS on a M1 Mac Mini UPDATED VIDEO!
Mr. Macintosh Deep Dive video that goes over the entire process and explains how the enter DFU and Apple Configurator 2 works + Troubleshooting!
How to install macOS on multiple Apple Silicon M1 Macs in about 10 minutes!
I’ve also written an article that goes over the entire new DFU + Apple Configurator 2 Apple Silicon Restore process below.
1.Full Security = “iOS Security” – Only the latest signed version of macOS can be installed on an Apple Silicon Mac.
Full Security
Ensures that only your current OS, or signed operating system software currently trusted by Apple, can run. This mode requires a network connection at software installation time.
WWDC 2020
2. Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple.
Reduced Security
Allows any version of signed operating system software ever trusted by Apple to run.
WWDC 2020
With the new Apple Silicon Security Policy, you can set a security policy for each container! On an Intel based Mac the security policy would be set on the entire system.
New Apple Silicon Security Policy can be set differently on each container.
7. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
Will you be able to install older versions of macOS? A quick review;
Full Security = iOS based security, only the latest signed version of macOS can run on the system.
Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple can run on Apple Silicon
Note: The shipping OS version will be the oldest OS available to install
8. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
Yes!
Note. The “Shipping version” of macOS on Apple Silicon is the lowest OS that can be installed. An example of this is the M1 iMac which came with 11.3. You can not install Big Sur 11.2 on it.
9. Where can I get macOS ISPW Firmware files?
I started a new database page that will keep track of all macOS Apple Silicone IPSW Firmware files.
Starting with Apple Silicon, macOS OTA (Over The Air) Firmware will be signed by Apple. This means that they control which version of macOS can be installed on your Mac. The difference this time around is that Apple gives us the option to turn Signed Checking OFF. So you will still be able to install older versions of macOS.
Apple Silicon macOS Big Sur IPSW Firmware Restore File Database
How to download Apple Silicon M1 macOS IPSW Restore Files. You can use them with Apple Configurator 2 and a 2nd Mac for quick restores.
UPDATED: 3/25/24
With the introduction of the new Apple Silicon M1 Mac, you can now reinstall macOS with Apple Configurator 2 and IPSW files just like iOS! This page is a database of all macOS IPSW Files. The macOS ISPW firmware files database will be updated when new updates are released.
Table of Contents
1. macOS Sonoma Final IPSW Firmware files
2.macOS Sonoma Beta IPSW Firmware files
3. macOS Ventura Final IPSW Firmware files
4. macOS Monterey Final IPSW Firmware Files
5. macOS Big Sur Final IPSW Firmware Files
6. macOS Vetura Beta IPSW Firmware Files
7. macOS Monterey Beta IPSW Firmware Files
8. macOS Big Sur Beta IPSW Firmware Files
All download links are directly from Apple’s SUS Server.
For more information on how to reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon Mac, I’ve written an article that goes over everything you need to know!
macOS Big Sur running list of install / upgrade problems.
This article is a running list of all known macOS Big Sur install / upgrade issues.
macOS Big Sur launched on Thursday November 12th, 2020. As with any launch of a product or software there will be issues. In the case of Big Sur, the problems started almost immediately. Users started to report download issues when trying to get Big Sur.
As the the week went by, more serious issues started showing up. If you are seeing a one of these issues, feel free leave a comment below.
Mr. Macintosh video that goes over some of the known Big Sur Install issues.
macOS Big Sur Install Issues Table of Contents
UPDATED 2/14/21 – List of macOS Big Sur Installation Issues.
1. Big Sur Full Installer.app Download Problems – “Installation Failed Error Occurred while installing the selected updates.”
2. Big Sur progress gets stuck mid installation – Black Screen with Apple Logo stuck or stopped progress bar
3. Big Sur Install failing and bricking some older 13″ MBPro’s – Installation fails and the Mac has a black screen – Will not respond to any startup commands.
4. Big Sur stuck in endless boot loop. – Some users are reporting after a good install the Mac is stuck in an endless boot loop.
5. Slowness after upgrade to Big Sur – Other have reported that their Mac is very slow after upgrading to Big Sur.
6. Reinstalling macOS Big Sur on Apple Silicon –
7. Big Sur Upgrade Error – An error occurred preparing the software update.
8. If you can’t unlock settings in System Preferences Big Sur 11.1
If more trending issues come in, they will be posted here.
1. Big Sur Full Installer.app Download Problems – “Installation Failed Error Occurred while installing the selected updates.”
UPDATE 11/27/20 – I’m still getting a bunch of people reaching out saying that they are still getting the error even after Apple fixed the issue! I have a fix for you via Hyram Hakkenbecker. You can download the full macOS Big Sur installer directly from Apple’s servers via Safari.
2. Big Sur progress gets stuck mid installation – Black Screen with Apple Logo stuck or stopped progress bar
This issue happens halfway through the Big Sup upgrade or install process. The Mac has already rebooted to the installer and is now on the progress bar. The problem is, something has gone wrong on the install and the progress bar gets stuck at a certain percentage and will never move again.
The progress bar looks to gets stuck at around 40% and will never move again. Below is a screen shot from MacRumors forum user plandersen.
Big Sur install Black Screen progress bar stuck.
What should you do if this issue happens to you?
1. First WAIT! Sometimes the install process takes time. If after a few hours pass and the progress bar has not moved go to the next step.
2. At this point, you have no choice but to power down. I know this sounds drastic, but you literally have no other choice. The good news is, this is also the fix. Many users have reported that this fixes the issue for them. After force powering down the Mac will come back up and and will boot right to Big Sur.
Out of all the reports, this one is the most serious. I do not throw around the “Bricking” term much, as it means that the Mac is usually DEAD. In this situation, if this issue happens to your Mac it will be non responsive.
The reports say that the install starts but after the reboot they get a black screen with nothing on it. Even if the user restarts they will still get the black screen. If they attempt to hold down option, Command R, Reset the Pram, SMC… etc nothing works. In this mode the Mac will NOT respond to any startup keyboard commands
Mr. Macintosh video going over the 2013-2014 13″ MacBook Pro Bricking Issue
Mr. Macintosh UPDATE video going over the 2013-2014 13″ MacBook Pro Bricking Issue
Affected Macs known so far.
13″ MacBook Pro from 2013-2014.
What should you do if this issue happens to you?
In my option, this issue is 100% on Apple to fix for users. If an update or upgrade causes a Mac to become unusable they need to fix it at no cost to the user.
Wait until a possible new fix comes in.
Wait for a Service Program that will cover this issue.
Bring your Mac into service. Apple so far is saying that you will need to replace the logic board. If they say it will cost you to fix the issue, ask for escalation. This issue is not your fault. A macOS update or upgrade should not BRICK your Mac!
(WARNING this is a last ditch attempt. Try at your own risk!) Try disconnecting the I/O board.
Reddit user maknell wrote an great write up covering the issue.
Other users have reported that after installing Big Sur, their Mac will be in an endless boot loop.
What should you do if this issue happens to you?
1. Try to boot into safe mode. Does the the Mac boot correctly? If so something installed on your mac is causing this issue. Maybe it’s an 3rd party application that has installed a Kernel Extension or a LaunchDaemon that is causing the issue.
2. Reinstall macOS
5. Slowness after upgrade to Big Sur – Other have reported that their Mac is very slow after upgrading to Big Sur.
I am starting to see a decent amount people say that after updating to macOS Big Sur from macOS Mojave or Catalina has caused a bunch of weird issues including slowness. The slowness is all over the system, including opening apps, Apple Menu and system preferences just taking a long time to load.
What should you do if this issue happens to you?
Wait! It’s possible that spotlight search is currently indexing and can take some time.
If after a while the system is still slow, open up activity monitor and click on the CPU or Memory tabs. Are any apps or processes taking very large amounts of memory or CPU?
If so kill the process then check system performance.
Still having issues after checking everything? Backup your data and perform a fresh install. I have macOS Big Sur running on a bunch of Macs even all the way back to the 2014 model. They all run very well. Almost all of them had a fresh install. This might be the way to go.
6. Reinstall macOS Big Sur on Apple Silicon Mac = An error occurred preparing the update. failed to personalize the software update. Please try again.
If you try to reinstall macOS on your new M1 Apple Silicon Mac you will get an error. The issue requires a 2nd Mac to fix!
7. Big Sur Upgrade Error – An error occurred preparing the software update.
If you attempted to upgrade to macOS Big Sur and you did not have enough free space on your hard drive the upgrade will fail! This will also leave you in an upgrade install loop. Even worse, if you have Filevault encryption enabled you will be locked out of your data!
Mr. Macintosh Deep Dive full report of this issue + full walkthrough and fixes for multiple situations!
8. If you can’t unlock settings in System Preferences Big Sur 11.1
If you can’t unlock settings in System Preferences If System Preferences doesn’t accept a valid administrator password when you click the lock to make changes, try these solutions.
macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 – Installation failed An error occurred while installing the selected updates.
macOS Big Sur was launched at 12:00PM CST. A few hours later, users started to report download problems.
UPDATE 02/20/21 – I’m still getting a bunch of people reaching out saying that they are still getting the error even after Apple fixed the issue! You can download the full macOS Big Sur installer directly from Apple’s servers via Safari.
What this will do is download the entire InstallAssistant.pkg file. Install this package and it will put macOS Big Sur into your /Applications folder!
UPDATE 11/12 7:30PM CST – The download is working in the Software Update pane now. LET THE BIG SUR DOWNLOADING COMMENCE!!!
UPDATE 11/12 7:00PM CST – Some users are reporting that the download is starting to work. installinstallmacos.py is working for me but I’m still getting the error in the Software Update pane.
If you were able to download the full Big Sur installer before this issue happened, then you are one of the only people with a full installer right now! Maybe you can burn it to a Dual Layer DVD and sell it on ebay haha! (will have to be a blu-ray disc as a DL dvd is only 8.5GB and the Big Sur Installer is 12.2GB LOL)
This is the error you will get on Big Sur when trying to download macOS Big Sur.
My videos explaining the issue is below.
Mr. Macintosh video explaining the macOS Big Sur download issue Update #1
Mr. Macintosh video explaining the macOS Big Sur download issue.
Apple Server issues.
Apple did report a server side issue for macOS Software Updates.
That section was marked as resolved though at 3:30 CST. The problem is, the download is still not working.
The issue is with one file
After digging in, the issue is with one file installassistant.pkg
If you use installinstallmacos.py to attempt to download macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B29)
curl: (22) The requested URL returned error: 403 Forbidden
Could not replicate http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg: Command '[u'/usr/bin/curl', u'-fL', u'--create-dirs', u'-o', u'./content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg', u'--compressed', 'http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/50/49/001-79699-A_93OMDU5KFG/dkjnjkq9eax1n2wpf8rik5agns2z43ikqu/InstallAssistant.pkg']' returned non-zero exit status 22
We do not have access to download InstallAssistant.pkg and get a 403 Forbidden Error.
Once this issue is fixed, I will will let everyone know.
Once access to this file is restored, we should be able to download Big Sur again. I will keep you updated.
Release Candidate (20B28) and the 11.0.1 Final (20B29) Release Notes are the same.
I checked the release notes for 11.0.1 RC and 11.0.1 Final then compared them and did not find any differences.
Big Sur Install HD Space Requirements
To install Big Sur you will need at least 44.5GB of free space! This is up from Catalina’s 35GB requirement.
How to Block macOS Big Sur 11.0.1
You need to be aware of the changes Apple has made to the softwareupdate --ignore binary. I will explain the changes and how to block Big Sur in my article below.
This is the update is for updating from 11.0.1 Beta 2 RC > 11.0.1 Final
Size = 2.21GB
Big Sur Beta Combo Update
This is update should be for updating from Beta 1 – 11.0.1 RC1 > Final
Size = 3.22GB
T2 BridgeOS Update
The Version of BridgeOS for your T2 Security Chip was updated.
BridgeOS version = 18.16.12561.0.0 v6
Size = 444.2MB
Product ID = 001-79709
New features available with macOS Big Sur. – 108 New Changes & Updates.
Key Features and Enhancements
Experience
Updated menu bar
The menu bar is now taller and more translucent, allowing your desktop picture to extend from edge to edge. Words lighten or darken based on the color of your desktop picture. And pull-down menus are larger, with more space between the lines to make everything easier to read.
Floating Dock
The redesigned Dock is lifted from the bottom of your display and is more translucent, allowing your desktop wallpaper to shine through. And app icons are all-new and even easier to recognize.
New icons for apps
App icons have been redesigned to feel both familiar and fresh. Icons have a uniform shape but retain the stylistic touches and details that give Mac its character.
Lighter window appearance
Windows have a lighter, more spacious appearance that makes them cleaner and easier to work with. Additional translucency and rounded edges designed to match the radii of Mac create a cohesive look and feel throughout macOS.
Redesigned sheets
Sheets in apps have been completely redesigned, removing borders and bezels to put the focus on your content. They automatically dim the background and scale into the center of the app.
New and updated sounds
System sounds are all-new and even more pleasing to the ear. The new system alerts were created using snippets of the originals, so they sound familiar.
Full-height sidebars
A new look for app sidebars makes it easier to find what you want and gives you more space to get things done. Easily track your Mail inbox, access Finder folders, and organize Photos, Notes, Stocks, and more.
New symbols throughout macOS
New symbols in toolbars, sidebars, and controls bring clarity and consistency across apps, helping you immediately recognize where to click. When apps share common tasks — like viewing the inbox in Mail or Calendar — they share the same symbol. There are also localized versions of symbols with numbers, letters, and dates to match your system language.
Control Center
Control Center
Designed just for Mac, the new Control Center consolidates your favorite menu bar items into a single place to give you instant access to the controls you use most. Just click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and adjust Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, and other settings — without opening System Preferences.
Customize Control Center
Add controls for the apps and features you use most, like Accessibility or Battery.
Click for more options
Click to expand the menu. For example, click Display to see options for Dark Mode, Night Shift, True Tone, and AirPlay.
Pin to menu bar
Drag and pin your favorite menu items to the top of your menu bar for easy one-click access.
Notification Center
Updated Notification Center
A redesigned Notification Center puts all your notifications and widgets into a single, dedicated column. Notifications are automatically sorted by most recent, and redesigned Today widgets deliver information at a glance.
Interactive notifications
Do more with your notifications on Mac for Apple Podcasts, Mail, Calendar, and more. Simply click and hold the notification to take action or get more information. Reply to an email, listen to the latest podcast, and even expand a Calendar invitation to see where the event falls in your day.
Grouped notifications
Notifications are grouped by thread or app. Expand each group to see earlier notifications. You can also disable grouped notifications if you prefer to see them individually.
Redesigned widgets
Experience brand-new widgets and beautifully redesigned widgets for Calendar, Stocks, Weather, Reminders, Notes, and Podcasts. Widgets also come in different sizes, so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Customize widgets
Easily add new widgets to Notification Center by clicking Edit Widgets. Then customize the size to show the amount of information you want to see and drag it into your widget list.
Discover more third-party widgets
Discover new third-party widgets for Notification Center on the App Store.
Safari
Customizable start page
Customize the new start page to make it your own. You can set a background image and select new sections to display on the start page — including Favorites, Siri Suggestions, Reading List, iCloud Tabs, and even a Privacy Report.
Improved performance
Safari was already the fastest desktop browser — and now it’s even faster. Safari loads frequently visited sites 50 percent faster on average than Chrome.1
Improved power efficiency
Safari is optimized specifically for Mac, so it’s more efficient than other browsers on macOS. Stream video for up to one and a half hours longer and browse the web for up to one hour longer on a Mac notebook compared with Chrome or Firefox.2
Favicons in tabs
Default tab favicons help you easily identify open tabs at a glance.
See more tabs at once
The new tab bar design displays more tabs onscreen at once so you can quickly move between them.
Website previews
When you just want a peek at what’s on a tab, hold the pointer over it to get a quick preview of the page.Beta
Translation
Translate entire web pages in Safari.3 When you encounter a compatible page, just click the translation icon in the address field to translate into English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Russian, or Brazilian Portuguese.
Safari extensions on the App Store
An all-new extensions category on the App Store showcases Safari extensions with editorial spotlights and top charts, making it easier to discover great extensions from developers. All extensions are reviewed, signed, and hosted by Apple for your security.
WebExtensions API support
New support for the WebExtensions API and migration tools allows developers to bring Chrome extensions to Safari — letting you personalize your browsing experience with new Safari extensions from your favorite developers.
Grant extensions website access
Keep the websites you visit and tabs you use even more private. Safari asks you which websites a Safari extension can work with — and you can grant access for one day or all the time.
Privacy Report
Safari uses Intelligent Tracking Prevention to identify trackers and help prevent them from profiling or following you around the web. A new Privacy Report shows how Safari protects your browsing across every website you visit. Go to the Privacy Report from your Safari menu and you’ll get an in-depth overview of every cross-site tracker prevented over the last 30 days.
Privacy Report for each website
See the privacy practices for every website you visit. Just click the Privacy Report button in your Safari toolbar for a summary of all cross-site trackers prevented by Intelligent Tracking Prevention.
Start page Privacy Report
Add a Privacy Report to your start page — so every time you open a new window or tab, you can see how Safari protects your privacy.
Import passwords and settings from Chrome
Easily import history, bookmarks, and saved passwords from Chrome into Safari.
Password monitoring
Safari securely monitors your passwords, automatically keeping an eye out for any saved passwords that may have been involved in a data breach. If a breach is discovered, Safari helps you upgrade existing passwords and even generates secure passwords automatically. Safari keeps your data private and doesn’t reveal your password information to anyone — even Apple.
Messages
Pin conversations
Pin your favorite conversations to the top of your list. New messages, Tapbacks, and typing indicators animate in right above the pin. And when there are unread messages in a group conversation, you’ll see the most recent participants circle around the pinned conversation.
Multiple pinned conversations
You can have up to nine pinned conversations that sync across Messages in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Search
It’s easier than ever to search all your past messages for links, photos, and phrases. A new search experience for Messages organizes your results into links and photos and highlights matching terms. It also works great with keyboard shortcuts — just press Command-F to open.
Share your name and photo
Automatically share your name and photo when you start a conversation or when the other person responds in a message. Share with everyone, just your contacts, or not at all. You can even choose to use a Memoji, image, or monogram for your photo.
Group photos
Set an image for your group conversations using a photo, Memoji, or emoji. Group photos are automatically shared with all members of the group.
Mentions
Direct a message to an individual in a group conversation by typing the person’s name or using the @ sign. And choose to receive notifications only when you’re mentioned.
Inline replies
Messages allows you to reply directly to a specific message in a group conversation. See all related messages in their own view to easily keep track of a thread.
Message effects
Celebrate special moments with balloons, confetti, lasers, and more. Or send a message loudly or gently, or even slam it. Send a personal message with invisible ink that remains blurred until you swipe over it with your cursor.
#images
Find trending images and GIFs and quickly add them to any message. Discover popular memes when you open #image, or search by keyword to find images relevant to your conversation.
Memoji editor
Easily create and edit a Memoji that reflects you. Choose from a wide range of hairstyles, headwear, facial structures, and other features to create one of over a trillion possible combinations.
Memoji stickers
Express yourself with Memoji stickers. The stickers are automatically generated for your personalized Memoji character, making it quick and easy to share with friends.
Enhanced photo picker
Use the updated photo picker to quickly access and share your recent photos and albums.
Maps
Guides
Discover the best places to eat, shop, and explore in cities around the world with Guides created by brands you trust.4 Save Guides so you can easily get back to them later. And Guides update automatically when new places are added so you always have the latest recommendations.
Create your own Guides
Create Guides for all your favorite places, like “best pizzerias in Chicago,” or soon‑to‑be‑favorites, like “sites to see in Paris.“ Then share them with friends and family.
Look Around
Explore select cities with an interactive 3D experience that lets you pan 360 degrees and move smoothly through streets.
Cycling routes
Plan your cycling route right on your Mac.5 See the elevation for your ride, how busy a street is, and whether there are steep inclines or stairs along the way. When you’re ready to ride, send your route directly to your iPhone.
Electric vehicle routing
When you’re planning a trip with an electric vehicle, Maps automatically adds charging stops along your route and accounts for charging time when calculating the ETA.6 Add your electric vehicle on iPhone, and Maps will keep track of the current charge and charger type to help you plan the best route.
Indoor maps
Browse detailed indoor maps of major airports and shopping centers around the world. Find out which restaurants are past security at the airport, where the nearest restroom is, or where your favorite store is at the mall.
Live updates for shared ETA
When friends send you a shared ETA, you can get live progress updates on the map so you’ll know when they’re expected to arrive.
New maps available in more countries
Detailed new maps are coming to more countries later this year, including Canada, Ireland, and the UK. See detailed roads, buildings, parks, marinas, beaches, airports, and more.
Congestion zones
Major cities like London and Paris have congestion zones to help reduce traffic in dense areas. Maps lets you see congestion zone tolls and even helps route you around them.7
License plate restrictions
For cities in China that limit driving through dense urban areas, you can see if you have access based on your vehicle’s eligibility.8 Enter your license plate number to find out whether you can go through the city or need to reroute. License plate information is stored securely in Maps and never leaves your device.
Privacy
Privacy information on the App Store
A new section on each app’s page on the App Store helps you understand the privacy practices of the app before you download it.9 It’s similar to the way nutrition labels help you understand what’s in food before you buy it.
Self-reported privacy practices
Developers self-report their app privacy practices on the App Store.9 See the types of data their app might collect — like usage data, contact information, or location — and whether that data is shared with third parties.
Displayed in a simple format
Just as nutrition labels are convenient and easy to read, an app’s privacy information on the App Store is displayed in a consistent, simple format.9 This lets you quickly and easily see the app’s privacy practices.
Software Updates
Faster updates
Once macOS Big Sur is installed, software updates begin in the background and complete faster than before — so it’s easier than ever to keep your Mac up to date and secure.
Signed system volume
macOS Big Sur introduces a cryptographically signed system volume that protects against malicious tampering. It also means that your Mac knows the exact layout of your system volume, allowing it to begin software updates in the background while you work.
Even More
AirPods
Automatic device switching
AirPods automatically switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac paired to the same iCloud account – making it even easier to use your AirPods with your Apple devices.10 When you turn to your Mac, a pop-up banner helps you seamlessly switch the audio over. Automatic device switching works for all Apple and Beats headphones featuring the Apple H1 headphone chip.
Apple Arcade
Friends playing recommendations
See Apple Arcade games that are popular with your Game Center friends right from the Apple Arcade tab and game pages.
Achievements
Visit Apple Arcade game pages to see your achievement progress and explore the goals and milestones you can unlock in games.
Continue playing
Launch the games you’ve recently played across your devices directly from the Apple Arcade tab.
See all games and filter
Browse the entire Apple Arcade catalog. Sort and filter by release date, updates, category, controller support, and more.
Game Center in-game dashboard
The in-game dashboard showcases your and your friends’ game progress at a glance. Quickly access your Game Center profile, achievements, leaderboards, and more from within your game.
Coming soon
Get a sneak peek at upcoming Apple Arcade games and download them as soon as they’re released.
Battery
Optimized Battery Charging
Optimized Battery Charging is designed to reduce the wear on your battery and improve its lifespan by ensuring that your Mac notebook is fully charged when unplugged. Charging learns your daily charging routine and activates only when your Mac predicts that it will be connected to a charger for an extended period of time.
Battery usage history
Battery usage history displays graphs of battery level and usage for the past 24 hours and the past 10 days.
FaceTime
Sign language prominence
FaceTime now detects when a participant is using sign language and makes the person prominent in a Group FaceTime call.
Home
Home status
A new visual status at the top of the Home app gives you a summary of accessories that require your attention, have important status changes to share, or can be quickly controlled.
Adaptive Lighting for smart light bulbs
Light bulbs that change color can be automatically adjusted throughout the day to maximize comfort and productivity.11 Ease into morning with warmer colors, stay focused midday with cooler colors, and wind down at night by removing blue light.
Face Recognition for video cameras and doorbells
In addition to person, animal, and vehicle detection, security cameras can identify people you’ve tagged in the Photos app for richer activity notifications.11 Easily tag people, and choose to be notified based on the person.
Activity Zones for video cameras and doorbells
With HomeKit Secure Video, you can define Activity Zones within a camera’s view to capture video or receive notifications only when motion is detected in those areas.11
Music
Listen Now
The new Listen Now tab is designed for playing and discovering your favorite music, artists, interviews, and mixes all in one place. Listen Now starts with a summary of your Top Picks across your music interests. As you play, Apple Music12 learns what you love and provides new suggestions.
Improved search
Search has been redesigned to give you quick access to the genres, moods, and activities you love. Suggestions now let you do more, such as view an album or listen to a song. New filters let you refine your results to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Notes
Top Hits in search
Top Hits appear at the top of your search results in Notes and surface the most relevant results — making it easier to find what you need.
Quick styles
Access additional text styles and formatting options with a click of the Aa button.
Enhanced scanning
Continuity Camera has never been better. Use your iPhone or iPad to capture sharper scans that are more precisely autocropped, and have them automatically transferred to your Mac.
Photos
Expanded video editing capabilities
Adjustments, filters, and cropping are now supported for video editing so you can rotate, increase exposure, or even apply filters to your videos.
Expanded photo editing capabilities
Now you can apply the Vibrance effect to photos and adjust the intensity of filters and Portrait Lighting effects.
Improved Retouch tool
The Retouch tool now uses advanced machine learning to remove blemishes, dust specks, and other objects from a photo.13
Easy, fluid navigation
Zoom in and out to quickly get to the photos and videos you’re looking for in views across Photos — including Albums, Media Types, Import, Places, and more.
Add context to photos and videos with captions
View and edit captions, previously called descriptions, to add context to your photos and videos in the Info pane. With iCloud Photos enabled, captions sync seamlessly across all your devices, including captions you add on your iOS or iPadOS device.
Memories enhancements
Enjoy a more relevant selection of photos and videos in Memories, a larger selection of music tracks that automatically adapt to the length of your Memory movie, and enhanced video stabilization when playing Memory movies.
Podcasts
Listen Now
Listen Now makes it even easier to find what to play next. Easily resume the next episode in your queue from a more focused Up Next. Enjoy a new section devoted to helping you discover the latest episodes in shows you follow. And browse hand-picked episode recommendations.14
Reminders
Assign reminders
Assign reminders to people you share lists with and they’ll get a notification. It’s great for splitting up tasks and knowing who’s responsible for what so nobody forgets.
Smart suggestions for dates and locations
Reminders automatically suggests dates, times, and locations for a reminder based on similar reminders you’ve created in the past.
Personalized lists with emoji
Personalize the appearance of your lists with emoji and newly added symbols.
Reminder suggestions from Mail
When you’re corresponding with someone in Mail, Siri recognizes possible reminders and makes suggestions for you to create them.
Organize smart lists
Customize your smart lists in the Reminders app. You can easily rearrange smart lists or hide them.
New keyboard shortcuts
Easily navigate your lists and smart lists, and quickly move dates of reminders to today, tomorrow, or next weekend.
Improved search
Find the right reminders by searching for people, locations, and even detailed notes you’ve added.
Spotlight
Improved performance
Spotlight is more optimized for speed. Results appear faster than ever, as soon as you start typing.
Streamlined list of results
Spotlight presents all your results in a streamlined list, making results easier to digest so you can get to the app, website, or document you need even faster.
Support for Quick Look
With support for Quick Look in Spotlight, you can access a full-size, scrollable preview of almost any document.
Integrated in Find menus
Spotlight technology now powers the Find menu in apps like Safari, Pages, Keynote, and more.
Siri
Web answers
Siri can now help you find answers to a broader set of questions using information from across the web. Ask questions like “How do hybrid cars work?” or “What causes seasons?” and Siri helps you find the answer you’re looking for.15
Voice Memos
Folders
Folders let you organize your Voice Memos recordings.
Smart Folders
Smart Folders automatically group Apple Watch recordings, recently deleted recordings, and Favorites — making it even easier to stay organized.
Favorites
Easily mark recordings as Favorites so you can quickly access them later.
Enhance Recording
Automatically reduce background noise and room reverb with a single click.
Weather
Next-hour precipitation
In the medium-size and large Weather widgets, view a minute-by-minute chart that shows the intensity of rain or snow over the coming hour.16
Significant shifts
The Weather widget indicates when the weather will be much warmer, colder, or wetter in the next day.
Severe weather
The Weather widget displays government alerts about certain severe weather events including tornados, winter storms, flash floods, and more.17
International Features
New bilingual dictionaries
New bilingual dictionaries include French–German, Indonesian–English, Japanese–Simplified Chinese, and Polish–English.
Enhanced predictive input for Chinese and Japanese
Enhanced predictive input for Chinese and Japanese results in more accurate and contextual predictions.
New fonts for India
New fonts for India include 20 new document fonts. In addition, 18 existing fonts have been upgraded with more weights and italics to give you greater choice.
Localized message effects in Messages for India
When you send a greeting in one of 23 Indian local languages, Messages will add a corresponding message effect to help you celebrate the moment. For example, send “Happy Holi” in Hindi, and Messages automatically adds confetti to accompany the greeting.
