macOS Big Sur 11.3 Update (20E232) is Live! What’s New?

The macOS Big Sur 11.3 (20E232) update is now available for all users!

UPDATED 04/29/21

Apple just released macOS Big Sur 11.3 just one week after Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event. This is the one of the longest beta cycles that we’ve seen. The release had 8 beta and one Release Candidate Update. We have a brand new 24″ iMac with 7 different colors! The previous 11.2 update was released a over 2 and a half months ago.

Apple’s “Spring Loaded” Event Notes:

1. iMac!!! 24″
2. New iPad Pro with M1 Processor & ThunderBolt
3. New Magic keyboard with Touch ID
4. AirTags introduced
5. Apple TV 4k with A12 & Remote
6. 11.3 Big Sur & Safari version 14.1 (one week later)

The new Let’s jump in and find out what’s new in the macOS Big Sur 11.3 Update!

macOS Big Sur 11.3 Patch Notes Summary

1. 53 – Security Fixes
2. 29 – New Features
3. 13 – Enterprise Changes/Fixes
4. 7 – Resolved Issues

Mr. Macintosh macOS Big Sur 11.3 quick 5 min video on all the new features.

My 2nd video that is more of a discussion and deep dive into the 11.3 update.

Table of Contents

• 1. Apple Links
• 2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Big Sur
• 3. Apple Articles of interest related to the macOS Big Sur 11.3 Update
• 4. Undocumented macOS Big SUr 11.3 Update changes & fixes
• 5. Previous Big Sur 11 Beta and Final Releases
• 6. macOS Big Sur 11 Standalone Pkg downloads no longer available.
• 7. macOS Big Sur 11.3 Full Installer.app
• 8. macOS Big Sur Update sizes for Intel and M1
• 9. Apple Silicon M1 Firmware Update
• 10. Intel T2 BridgeOS Update
• 11. Apple Silicon IPSW Restore file Update
• 12. Safari 14.1 Update
• 13. What’s new for enterprise in macOS Big Sur 11.3
• 14. Security Content of macOS Big Sur 11.3
• 15. macOS Big Sur 11.3 (20E232) Release Notes / Patch Notes / Changes

Click “Continue Reading” for the rest of the article.

1. Apple Links

AppleSeed Notes Link = appleseed.apple.com/

Developer Public Link = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes

Direct Link to macOS Big Sur 11.3 Patch Notes –https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11_3-release-notes

macOS Deployment References Changes – https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment-reference-macos/document-revision-history-apd04dff7069/web

2. Mr. Macintosh articles of interest for Apple Silicon & macOS Big Sur

How to reinstall macOS on your Apple Silicon M1 Mac

mrmacintosh.com/how-to-reinstall-macos-on-your-apple-silicon-mac-everything-you-need-to-know/

How to reinstall macOS with Apple Configurator 2 and IPSW Files.

mrmacintosh.com/restore-macos-firmware-on-an-apple-silicon-mac-boot-to-dfu-mode/

Apple Silicon IPSW macOS Big Sur Database

mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/

macOS Big Sur 11 Full Installer Download Database (InstallAssistant.pkg)

https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-full-installer-database-download-directly-from-apple/

3. Articles of interest & info related to the macOS Big Sur 11.3 Update

1. NOTE! Xcode 12.5 REQUIRES macOS Big Sur. – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xcode/id497799835?mt=12

2. Configure SMB Multichannel behavior In macOS Big Sur 11.3 and later. SMB Multichannel is enabled with default settings that are ideal for most organizations and users, but users can make adjustments as needed.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212277

3. Via @PatrickWardle i.e Gatekeeper Bypass Exploit for macOS 11.2.3 < & 10.15 Catalina

Update to macOS 11.3, like now.

Read about, IMHO, the worst macOS bug in recent memory (in terms of its ease of exploitability and potential impact to everyday Mac users).

https://twitter.com/patrickwardle/status/1386732292224155648?s=20

4. Via Mike Boylan @mboylan – Heads up that M1 Mac mini with 10GB ethernet supports the MDM-based LOM feature introduced in Big Sur and announced at WWDC 2020.

5. Via @mikeymikey

Mobile Device Management Settings guide – updated today (for en-US, more later)

https://support.apple.com/guide/mdm/document-revision-history-mdm59f1ff26e/web

Security Certifications and Compliance Center guide – updated today (for en-US, more later)

https://support.apple.com/guide/sccc/document-revision-history-sccc53b1b736/web

About the security content of iTunes 12.11.3 for Windows

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212319

4. Undocumented macOS Big Sur 11.3 update changes & fixes

• 1. New setup assistant language screen menu and voice over.
• 2. Username & Password login window option now respected.
• 3. M1 Apple Silicon M1 Restore now properly erases all settings during a DFU Apple Configurator 2 restore. This includes saved WIFI endpoint and password settings.
• 4. Rosetta 2 NOT REMOVED but is updated. It sometimes is not activated after the macOS Big SUr 11.3 Update finishes and requires an additional restart. This is the case for all older (Intel) Based apps. (Universal) apps are fine.
• 5. macOS Big Sur 11.3 IPSW File will no longer install on Mac Mini DTK – Developer Transition Kit. Apple said this two months ago and made good on that promise.

5. Previous Big Sur 11 Beta and Final Releases

• 38. Big Sur 11.3 (20E232) – (04/26/21) – Current Release
• 37. Big Sur 11.3 RC Release Candidate 04/20/21
• 36. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 8 (20E5231a) – 04/14/21
• 35. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 7 (20E5229a) – 04/09/21
• 34. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 6 (20E5224a) – 04/01/21
• 33. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 5 (20E217a) – 03/24/21
• 32. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 4 (20E5210c) – 03/16/21
• 31. Big Sur 11.2.3 (20D91) – (03/08/21) – My Release Notes
• 30. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 3 (20E5196f) – 03/02/21
• 29. Big Sur 11.2.2 (20D80) – 2/25/21 – My Release Notes
• 28. Big Sur 11.3 Beta 2 (20E5186d ) – 02/17/21
• 27. Big Sur 11.2.1 (20D74) – 02/09/21 – My Release Notes
• 26. Big Sur 11.3 Beta (20E5172i) – 02/02/21
• 25. Big Sur 11.2 Final (20D64) – 02/01/21 – My Release Notes
• 24. Big Sur 11.2 RC 3 (20D64) – 01/28/21
• 23. Big Sur 11.2 RC 2 (20D62) – 01/25/21
• 22. Big Sur 11.2 RC (20D53) – 01/21/21
• 21. Big Sur 11.2 Beta 2 (20D5042d) – 01/13/21
• 20. Big Sur 11.2 Beta 1 (20D5029f) – 12/16/20
• 19. Big Sur 11.1 Final (20C69) – 12/14/20 – My Release Notes
• 18. Big Sur 11.1 RC (20C69) – 12/10/20 – My Release Notes
• 17. Big Sur 11.1 Beta 2 (20C5061b) – 12/03/20 – My Release Notes
• 16. Big Sur 11.1 Beta 1 (20C5048k) – 11/17/20
• 15. Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B50) – 11/19/20 – My Release Notes
• 14. Big Sur 11.1 Beta (20C5048k) – 11/17/20 – My Release Notes
• 13. Big Sur 11.0.1 Final (20B29) – 11/12/20 – My Release Notes
• 12. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5022a) Beta 2 RC – 11/05/20 My Release Notes
• 11. Big Sur 11 Beta 11.0.1 (20B5012d) Beta 1 – 10/28/20 – My Release Notes
• 10. Big Sur 11 Beta 10 (20A5395g) – 10/14/20 – My Release Notes
• 9. Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) – 09/29/20 – My Release Notes
• 8. Big Sur 11 Beta 8 (20A5374i) – 09/22/20 – My Release Notes
• 7. Big Sur 11 Beta 7 (20A5374g) – 09/17/20 – My Release Notes
• 6. Big Sur 11 Beta 6 (20A5364e) – 09/03/20 – My Release Notes
• 5. Big Sur 11 Beta 5 (20A5354i) – 08/19/20 – My Release Notes
• 4. Big Sur 11 Beta 4 (20A5343i) – 08/04/20
• 3. Big Sur 11 Beta 3 (20A5323l) – 07/22/20
• 2. Big Sur 11 Beta 2 (20A4300b) – 07/07/20 – My Release Notes
• 1. Big Sur 11 Beta 1 (20A4299v) – 06/22/20 – My Release Notes

6. macOS Big Sur 11 Standalone Pkg downloads no longer available.

Note: Starting with macOS Big Sur, Combo and Delta update pkg’s aka packages are not available as standalone downloads.

More Info – eclecticlight.co/2020/12/17/apple-has-stopped-providing-standalone-installers-for-macos-updates/

6. macOS Big Sur 11.3 Full Installer.app

The full installer of MacOS Big Sur 11.3 is now available.

http://swcdn.apple.com/content/downloads/40/42/071-29172-A_50FL5BT4I6/5w0xm8c31yigcf2iov4n4mlsvnw1upzo2q/InstallAssistant.pkg

In the link below, I have a listing and links to all of the Beta & Final versions of the macOS Big Sur Full installer.

https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-full-installer-database-download-directly-from-apple/

InstallAssistant.pkg = Full download. Installing this package will add the full “Install macOS Big Sur.app” to your applications folder.

Link – macOS Big Sur Mac App Store

Size = 12.43GB

Requirements – macOS Big Sur 11 Requirements

8. macOS Big Sur Update sizes for Intel and M1

Apple Silicon M1 Update

Update size for Apple Silicon M1 Mac devices.

11.2.3 Update Size = 5.71GB

11.2.2 Update Size = 2.44GB – (3.37GB Actual)

11.2 Update Size = 2.5GB – (3.43GB Actual)

11.1 Update Size = 3.26GB – (4.19GB Actual)

11.0.1 Update Size 3.66GB – (4.59GB Actual)

Intel Big Sur Delta Update

This is the update is for updating from 11.2.3 > 11.3

Size = GB – (Checking Actual)

Intel Big Sur Combo Update

This is update is for updating from 11.0.1 > 11.3

Size = 5.71GB

9. Apple Silicon M1 Firmware Update

This update has a new firmware update. This version number is reported in System Information under “System Firmware Version“

Apple Silicon M1 Firmware Update = 6723.101.4

Previous Firmware Updates

• 13. Big Sur 11.4 Beta 1 = 6723.120.33.0.1
• 12. Big Sur 11.3 Final = 6723.101.4
• 11. Big Sur 11.2.3 Final = 6723.81.1
• 10. Big Sur 11.2.2 Final = 6723.81.1
• 9. Big Sur 11.2.1 Final = 6723.81.1
• 8. Big Sur 11.2 Final = 6723.81.1
• 7. Big Sur 11.2 RC 2 = 6723.81.1
• 6. Big Sur 11.2 Beta 2 = 6723.80.17
• 5. Big Sur 11.1 Final – 6723.61.3
• 4. Big Sur 11.1 Beta 2 – 6723.61.3
• 3. Big Sur 11.1 Beta 1 -6723.60.62
• 2. Big Sur 11.0.1 – 6723.50.2
• 1. Big Sur 11.0 – 6723.41.11

10. Intel T2 BridgeOS Update

The Version of BridgeOS for your T2 Security Chip (2018-2020 Intel Macs) was updated.

BridgeOS version = 18.16.14556

Size = 466MB

Previous T2 Bridge Updates

• 17. 11.3 Prod = 18.16.14556.0.0
• 16. 11.2.3 Prod = 18.16.14347.0.0 – Build version 5
• 15. Previous 11.2.2 Prod = 18.16.14347.0.0
• 14. Previous 11.2.1 Prod = 18.16.14346.0.0
• 13. Previous 11.2 Prod = 18.16.14346.0.0
• 12. Previous 11.1 Prod = 18.16.13030.0.0 Build Version 11
• 11. Previous 11.1 RC = 18.16.13030.0.0
• 10. Previous 11.1 Beta 2 = 18.16.13026.5.2
• 9. Previous 11.1 Beta = 18.16.13017.5.3
• 8. Previous Beta RC2 = 18.16.12560.5.1
• 7. Previous Beta 11 = 18.15.12551
• 6. Previous Beta 10 = 18.16.12402.5.2
• 5. Previous Beta 9 = 18.16.12390.5.1
• 4. Previous Beta 8 = 18.16.12380 Build Version 3
• 3. Previous Beta 7 = 18.16.12380
• 2. Previous Beta 6 = 18.16.12370.5.1
• 1. Previous Beta 5 = 18.16.10358.5.2

11. Apple Silicon IPSW Restore file Update

Apple has released the full IPSW restore file for Apple Silicon Macs. I keep track of all of them in my Apple Silicon Firmware Database

https://mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/

• 7. macOS Big Sur 11.3 = UniversalMac_11.3_20E232_Restore.ipsw
• 6. macOS Big Sur 11.2.3 = UniversalMac_11.2.3_20D91_Restore.ipsw
• 5. macOS Big Sur 11.2.2 = UniversalMac_11.2.2_20D80_Restore.ipsw
• 4. macOS Big Sur 11.2.1 = UniversalMac_11.2.1_20D74_Restore.ipsw
• 3. macOS Big Sur 11.2 = UniversalMac_11.2_20D64_Restore.ipsw
• 2. macOS Big Sur 11.1 = UniversalMac_11.1_20C69_Restore.ipsw
• 1. macOS Big Sur 11.0.1 = UniversalMac_11.0.1_20B29_Restore.ipsw

12. Safari Update

Safari has also been updated to version 14.1 and is included in the 11.3 update.

13. What’s new for Enterprise in macOS Big Sur 11.3

This article contains all the changes and fixes that might interest Apple macOS Enterprise Customers & MacAdmins.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211911

Learn about the enterprise content that Apple has released for macOS Big Sur.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 Enterprise Changes

• 1. MDM can now defer major and minor software releases separately.
• 2. SMB Multichannel is now supported and enabled by default. Learn more
• 3. When using MDM to restart a macOS device, you can optionally allow user interaction before restarting.
• 4. MDM can now install and manage iOS apps on Mac computers with Apple silicon.
• 5. Resolves an issue where system extensions already awaiting user approval could not be approved by MDM.
• 6. Resolves an issue where using MDM to remove approval for system extensions did not deactivate the extensions.
• 7. Resolves an issue with content filtering rules when using multiple network extensions simultaneously. 
• 8. Resolves an issue where mobile account creation fails on the first login.
• 9. Updating a Wi-Fi payload that includes a certificate identity no longer creates a duplicate identity.
• 10. Safari now respects user-defined “Always Allow” access settings for SSO certificates.
• 11. Resolves an issue with browsing network file servers hosting a large number of SMB shares.
• 12. Resolves an issue that prevents software updates from initiating at the login window.
• 13. Resolves an issue where app installation may fail if MDM reissues the install command.

14. Security Content of macOS Big Sur 11.3

macOS Big Sur 11.3 Security Document

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212325

15. macOS Big Sur 11.3 (20E232) Release Notes

Overview

macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds support for AirTag, includes iPhone and iPad app improvements for Macs with M1, introduces separate skin tone variations for emoji with couples, and adds more diverse voice options for Siri.

AirTag and Find My

• Support for AirTag to keep track of and find your important items like your keys, wallet, backpack and more, privately and securely in the Find My app
• The Find My network with hundreds of millions of devices can help you find your AirTag, even when it isn’t nearby
• Lost Mode notifies you when your AirTag is found, and you can enter a phone number where you can be contacted

iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1

• Option to change an iPhone and iPad app’s window size
• Support for displaying the highest resolution version of an iPhone or iPad app in full screen
• Keyboard support for iPhone and iPad games designed to use device tilt
• Keyboard, mouse and trackpad support for iPhone and iPad games that support game controllers

Emoji

• Support for separate skin tones for each individual in all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji
• New face emojis, heart emojis, woman with a beard emoji

Siri

• Siri now includes more diverse voice options

Apple Music

• Autoplay keeps music playing by automatically playing a similar song, once you’ve reached the end of a song or playlist
• City charts showcase what’s popular in over 100 cities from all over the world

Podcasts

• Podcasts Show Pages are redesigned to make it easier to start listening
• Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your Library for quick access
• Download behavior and notification settings can be customized on a show-by-show basis
• Top Charts and popular categories in Search help you discover new shows

News

• Redesigned News+ feed enables Apple News+ subscribers to quickly find, download, and manage magazine and newspaper issues
• All-new Search experience that helps you find relevant topics, channels, and stories

Safari

• Start Page section order can now be customized
• Additional WebExtensions API lets developers offer extensions that replace the new tab page
• Web Speech API lets developers incorporate speech recognition into their web pages for real-time captioning, dictation, and voice navigation
• WebM and Vorbis video and audio format support

Reminders

• Ability to sort Today Smart list
• Support for syncing the order of reminders in lists across your devices
• Option to print your reminder lists

Gaming

• Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller or Sony PS5 DualSense™ Wireless Controller support

Mac computers with the M1 chip

• Hibernation support

About This Mac

• About this Mac displays Apple warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage in the Service tab when signed in with Apple ID
• Support for purchasing and enrolling in AppleCare+ for eligible Mac computers from About This Mac

This release also fixes the following issues:

• Reminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hours
• iCloud Keychain might not turn off
• AirPods audio routing to incorrect device for Automatic Switching
• AirPods Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated
• External 4K monitors may not display in full resolution when connected over USB-C
• Login window may not display properly after restarting Mac mini (M1, 2020)
• The Dwell feature may not work in the Accessibility Keyboard

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices, and require an Apple ID.

For more detailed information about this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211896

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222