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MacOS 11 Big Sur Support & System Requirements

Find out which Apple Mac Computers Support Mac OS Big Sur and get the System Requirements for running Mac OS Big Sur.

macOS Big Sur System requirements for macOS 11.x

What are the Apple Mac OS 11 Big Sur system requirements to run the Apple Mac OS Big Sur operating system software on the Apple Mac computer models? Read our free guide on Apple Mac OS 11 Big Sur.

The Apple Mac OS Big was released on the 12th of November 2020, at the same time as Apple announced the new Apple MacBook Air M1 laptop computer, the late 2020 Apple Mac mini with the M1 CPU, and the new 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer. Of course, the Apple Mac OS 11 Big Sur has been optimised to work best with Apple Mac computers that have the Apple silicon M1 CPU.

Visit the Apple Support website to find out if a newer version of macOS Big Sur has been released. >> Apple Mac Big Sur updates information page >>

Big Sur update 11.6.3 release date – 26th January 2022

We have missed a few macOS Big Sur updates, the best advice is to install he most recent macOS version that your Apple Mac computer hardware can support.

Big Sur update 11.4 release date – 24th May 2021

The Apple Mac OS Big Sur 11.3 update has been the best update for macOS Big Sur with no major issues reported.

Big Sur update 11.1 release date – 14th December 2021

The Apple Mac OS Big Sur 11.0 was the original version with Apple Mac OS Big Sur 11.1 update fixed some of the most crucial issues and problems known with Apple Mac OS Bug Sur.

Big Sur update 11.2.1 release date – 09th February 2021

Apple have released Mac OS Big Sur 11.2.1 update after 11.2 update, the main fixes are for Apple MacBook Pro battery charging update and Apple Mac OS Big Sur security updates. Apple do not make known the the general public on all of the fixes. The best recommendation is to have a Apple Time Machine backup and update to the latest and newest version of Mac OS Big Sur for your Apple Mac computer.

Apple MacOS 11 Big Sur system requirements!

The following Apple Mac computers can install and support macOS Big Sur, these are the Apple Mac computer hardware system requirements to run macOS Big Sur.

The Apple MacOS Big Sur operating system software can be installed on the following Apple Mac computers:-

  • Apple MacBook
  • MacBook 12 inch 2015 and later.
  • Apple MacBook Air
  • MacBook Air 2013 and later.
  • MacBook Air Late 2020 M1 edition.
  • Apple MacBook Pro
  • MacBook Pro 13 inch all models.
  • MacBook Pro 13-inch late 2020 M1 edition.
  • MacBook Pro 16 inch all models.
  • Apple iMac
  • iMac 2014 and later.
  • Apple iMac Pro
  • iMac Pro all models are supported.
  • Apple Mac Pro
  • Mac Pro 2013 and later.
  • Apple Mac Mini
  • Mac mini 2014 and later.
  • Mac mini late 2020 M1 edition.

Apple Mac Big Sur Performance.

A SSD solid state drive is recommended for Apple MacOS Big Sur, in order to make the best use of SSD technology, Apple Mac OS Big Sur is a 64-bit operating system that has been optimised for the use of a SSD solid state drive and the the modern Apple Mac file system.

The Apple Mac Big Sur is better on performance that from Apple Mac OS Catalina and a step up from Apple MacOS Mojave. The advice from Apple is simple.

If your Apple Mac computer is on the Apple list of Apple Mac computers that can run and install Mac OS Big Sur, do a software audit • make a Apple Time Machine backup • download and update to Mac OS Big Sur.

A key question that will be asked is what are the Apple Mac computer hardware system requirements to run and to install Mac OS Big Sur?

In general, most Apple Mac computers that are 2013 /2014 or newer will support Apple Mac OS Big Sur operating system software.

With the Apple M1 CPU Apple silicon technology, Apple M1 computers will take full benefit of Apple Mac OS Big Sur, and the pre-installed Apple Mac Big Sur applications. The Apple iMac range of desktop computers are still using Intel CPU; however, this will change to use M1 CPU to follow after the November 12 M1 Mac range.

Keith Thomas is a Apple MacOS Big Sur Specialist that provides except Apple MacOS 11 Big Sur IT support services. 

Keith Thomas provides a wide range of Apple MacOS Big Sur support services for home users and for small business.

When was Apple MacOS Big Sur announced?

The Apple MacOS Big Sur new Apple MacOS operating system announced at the June 2020 Apple WWDC is a big transformation from the outgoing Apple MacOS Catalina. 

All new Apple MacOS design.

Apple MacOS Big Sur is a new design for MacOS and is a big change from the outgoing Apple MacOS Catalina operating system.

With a new design and the ability to run Apple iOS 14 apps and Apple iPadOS 14 apps it’s a new big change for Apple. 

Apple MacOS Apple Silicon M1 support.

All new Apple Mac computers from 2022 will use a new Apple Silicon chip technology. The 13-inch MacBook Air M1 and the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2020 M1 are available. The 24-inch 2021 M1 iMac all new design is also available.

Apple will launch more M1 or M1X • M2 Apple Mac computers, the rumours are March 2022.

MacOS Big Sur now supports the new Apple Silicon processor M1.

New Apple Mac computers from 2022 will bring new levels of performance to the Apple MacOS 2022.

Update 24th October 2022: MacOS Ventura 13.0 released to the general public 18:30 pm UK GMT Time.

If you have a Apple M1 or Apple M2 computer, then for the very best performance upgrade to MacOS Ventura 13, MacOS Ventura on a Apple M1 iMac desktop computer is about 6.37Gb to download, and the MacOS Ventura upgrade from MacOS Monterey once MacOS Ventura is downloaded takes about 25 minutes to complete, Apple MacOS Ventura seems to be better for performance than for macOS Monterey on using Apple Safari, and on Microsoft Edge.

Update 22nd September 2023: macOS Sonoma macOS 14.0 to be released to the general public 18:00 pm UK GMT Time to help support Apple iOS 17, Apple Watch OS 10, and help support the launch of the new Apple iPhone 15, and new Apple iPhone 15 Pro, and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone range.

New Apple MacOS Big Sur version 11.x features.

Of course, Apple MacOS Big Sur will bring the next level of Apple MacOS security to the Apple Mac and Apple have said that Privacy is going to be the very best for a computer operating system software version.

Apple has updated all of the applications that come with Apple MacOS Big Sur, so the best possible application experience is possible.

New Apple Safari.

All new Apple Safari which will simply, become the best web browser available, with the best web browser performance possible.

The new automatic language translation in Apple Safari makes it simply to read websites from around the world.

The Apple Safari Chinese to English translation will be a welcome and used feature for our Apple Mac engineers. 

New Apple Mail.

Apple Mail now has a new look and feel with colour and a new way to work with email on your Apple Mac computer.

New Apple Photos.

The new Apple Photos for MacOS Big Sur brings a new experience to Photos on the Apple Mac computer, now with Apple iPadOS features and iOS features used to further enhance Apple Photos.

New Apple Maps.

The Apple Maps application on MacOS Big Sur is now better than Google Maps, the team at Apple have done a great job.

How to upgrade to Apple MacOS Big Sur.

  1. Make a backup of your Apple Mac computer to Apple Time Machine.
  2. Check the system requirements for running Apple Mac OS Big Sur.
  3. Review your Third-Party applications are supported.
  4. MacOS 11 Big Sur was available on the 12th of November 2020 to install and download.
  5. For newer Apple Mac computers, use macOS Sonoma if this is shown as an update in the software updates panel on macOS.

What are the major benefits of Apple Mac OS Big Sur.?

Apple Mac Big Sur is better than Microsoft Windows 10, and the design and look and feel is simply stunning.

MacOS Big Sur makes Privacy even better, and MacOS Big Sur security is by far, the very best modern secure Apple MacOS operating system.

Third-Party Applications Support.

Adobe and Microsoft have been working with Apple engineers at Apple and Adobe.

Microsoft software applications from 2019 fully support the new Apple MacOS Big Sur operating system software.

Microsoft.

Microsoft Office 365 2019 for Mac is Mac Big Sur ready today.

To upgrade to Microsoft 365 also known as Office 365 for Mac or Office for Mac 2019.

Mac OS Catalina is needed to support the newest version of Microsoft 365 for Mac.

Microsoft 365 for Mac is still supported for macOS Big Sur, with Office for Mac 2021 Edition.

Adobe.

The newest versions of Adobe Lightroom is compatible and Adobe Photo Shop is fully compatible with MacOS Big Sur.

Apple macOS Big Sur Technical Support.

Keith Thomas provides Apple mac OS Big Sur Technical support for home users and for small businesses. And for Currys PC World • John Lewis • Peter Jones • Harrods • Apple Store UK customers by Remote Mac IT Support service.

If you need help with macOS Big Sur, or help with macOS, or you need help wtih a Apple Mac computer, then simply complete our online website contact form for assistance.

macOS Big Sur upgrade support.

Our Apple MacOS Big Sur specialists are able to provide upgrade assistance to both home users and for companies that need help with upgrading from Apple Mac OS Catalina to Apple MacOS Big Sur, or from Apple MacOS Mojave to Apple MacOS Big Sur. Our Apple Mac computer engineers are experts in helping Apple customers with the upgrade to Apple MacOS Big Sur operating system software update.

Apple macOS Big Sur Consultancy.

Are you looking to find a Apple macOS consultant that can help you with macOS Big Sur on your Apple iMac computer or Apple MacBook Air or Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer?

Our Apple Mac computer consultants are able to provide Apple Mac computer consultancy to both home users, small businesses. companies.

Apple macOS Big Sur Training.

Are you new to macOS Big Sur?

Do you need Apple macOS Big Sur training, so you can can get around macOS Big Sur?

And learn how to use the macOS Big Sur Finder, or learn how to use Apple Mac Mail in macOS Big Sur, or learn how to use the Apple iCloud using macOS Big Sur.

Apple MacOS Big Sur PC to Mac migrations.

Do you need to transfer your data from Microsoft Windows PC to macOS Big Sur?

The Apple macOS Big Sur operating system has support for PC Windows 10 to macOS Big Sur data transfer and migrations.

Apple macOS Big Sur FAQ questions.

Do you have questions about macOS Big Sur, read our FAQ on the macOS Big Sur questions that are asked?

What are the system requirements to use macOS Big Sur?

Hardware requirements:-

Apple MacBook
MacBook 12-inch 2015 and later.
Apple MacBook Air
MacBook Air 2013 and later.
M1 MacBook Air late 2020.
Apple MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro 13 inch all models.
MacBook Pro 16 inch all models.
Apple iMac
iMac 2014 and later.
Apple iMac Pro
iMac Pro all models are supported.
Apple Mac Pro
Mac Pro 2013 and later.
Apple Mac Mini
Mac mini 2014 and later.
Mac mini late 2020 M1 models.
38.5Gb of free storage space is needed to install macOS Big Sur.

Can i upgrade from macOS Big Sur to macOS Monterey?

In most cases Yes!
Most Apple Mac computers that are using macOS Big Sur can upgrade to macOS Monterey.
The older MacBook and MacBook Air laptop do not support macOS Monterey.

How can i downgrade from macOS Big Sur to macOS Catalina

Apple does not recommend that macOS Big Sur is downgraded to macOS Catalina.
You may find that your Apple Photos for Mac Library may not open after it’s been upgraded from macOS Catalina to macOS Big Sur.
However, a workaround is to upload all of your data to the Apple iCloud first, then erase your Apple Mac computer and then install macOS Catalina.
To downgrade from macOS Big Sur to macOS Catalina will need the storage volume to be erased.

Will macOS Big Sur install to a MacOS Extended formatted storage volume?

No.
macOS Big Sur can only install to a APFS storage volume.
If you erase your internal or external storage volume and you need to install macOS Big Sur choose APFS with a GUID partition using the macOS recovery console, Disk Utility.

Can macOS Big Sur be installed to a external storage volume?

Yes.
If you have an Apple Mac computer that meets the macOS Big Sur system requirements, macOS can be installed to an external USB storage volume.
If you have an Apple iMac computer that is 2014 or newer with a SATA Hard Disk, by installing macOS to an external USB 3.0 SSD will make the Apple iMac computer 66% to 70 faster for most users.

Contact Keith Thomas for macOS Big Sur technical support service by Remote IT support service.

  • We provide a wide range of Apple Mac IT support services.
  • And Apple IT Consultancy services.
  • Expert Apple Telephone Technical Support service.
  • Apple Remote IT support service.
  • Our onsite Apple IT support service will resume as soon as possible.
  • We can help you get ready for Apple MacOS Big Sur.
  • We provide expert Apple IT technical support and expert Apple advise.

How to get macOS Big Sur Support for your Apple Mac computer?



MacOS 11 Big Sur Compatibility.

MacOS 11 Big Sur is a 64-bit MacOS operating system software, so applications that are 32-bit will not run or install on a Apple Mac computer that has MacOS 11 Big Sur installed. one example is Microsoft Office for Mac 2008, and Microsoft Office 2011, the most recent version of Microsoft office for Mac is Office for Mac 2021.

To get help with MacOS 11 Big Sur compatibility Keith Thomas provides an onsite an remote Apple Mac computer software audit service for both home computer users, and for companies and for Apple Store customers, that need professional onsite and remote MacOS 11 Big Sur IT support and assistance with MacOS 11 Big Sur compatibility.

Apple MacOS 11 Big Sur applications should run ok with Apple macOS Monterey, and MacOS Ventura.

Mac OS Big Sur Support by Keith Thomas – Apple Specialist and Apple Mac Computer Expert provides a same day and a same hour onsite and remote MacOS Big Sur support service for home computer users, and for companies and business that need to get professional help with using and troubleshooting Mac OS Big Sur. Keith Thomas also provides Mac OS Big Sur training and Apple Mac computer training courses for people who are new to the Apple Mac computer, or have just upgraded to MacOS Big Sur and they need onsite or remote MacOS Big Sur IT support service and assistance.

Mac OS Big Sur Support for Supported Apple Mac Computers.

MacOS Monterrey has superseded macOS Big Sur, if you have a Apple Mac computer that meets the macOS Monterey system requirements and you have enough storage volume space then macOS Monterey gives macOS security updates. How to upgrade macOS and macOS Monterey system requirements.

Mac OS Big Sur Training courses.

Mac OS Big Sur Training service by Keith Thomas, provides Apple Mac OS Big Sur computer training courses for people who are new to the Apple Mac computer and need to get professional Apple Mac computer training on how to use Mac OS Big Sur on your Apple iMac desktop computer or on your Apple MacBook Air or Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer. Apple Mac Computer Training by Keith Thomas.

The best way to learn Mac OS Big Sur is to get professional computer training on how to use Mac OS if you are new to Apple and Apple Mac Computers.

If you are new to the Apple Mac computer and you have a new iMac desktop PC computer or a new Apple MacBook Air or a new Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer, one of the best ways to learn how to use a new Apple Mac computer is to get professional Apple Mac computer training on how to get around a new Apple Mac computer.

Our Apple Mac OS Big Sur computer training courses are designed to help you provide the Apple Mac computer training skills that you need to know.

Ask our Apple Mac computer training consultants questions or simply follow our Apple Mac computer training course on Mac OS Big Sur.

Mac OS Big Sur Training course overview.

Did you know that you can learn how to use Mac OS Big Sur in under 30 minutes to 60 minutes!

Our Apple Mac OS Big Sur computer training courses are by Remote online computer training.

  • Learn how to use the Mac OS Finder.
  • Understand all about the Mac OS desktop computer screen.
  • Learn how to use the Apple Dock and how to customise the Dock
  • Find out how to use Apple Menu Items.
  • Learn all about the Mac OS System Preferences and Control Panels
  • Get to know how to manage and organise your files and folders with Mac OS Big Sur.
  • Find out how to setup your Apple Mac computer to meet your own needs and requirements.
  • Learn how to use Apple Mac Safari and Apple Mac Mail.
  • Ask our Apple Mac computer training consultants questions about Apple and Mac OS Big Sur.
  • Learn how to open, close and quit an application.
  • Find out about how to use the Apple Mac computer keyboard and special keys on the keyboard.

Apple Mac computer training questions and answers.

What is the best way to learn how to use Mac OS Big Sur?

The best way to learn how to use a new Apple Mac computer is to start by learning how to use the Mac OS Finder, and learn about the Apple Mac computer desktop, and the dock, and the Apple Menu items.

How long does it take to learn how to use Mac OS Big Sur?

If you read a book on Mac OS Big Sur it can take you weeks to learn how to use Mac OS Big Sur. With personal one to one and online Mac OS Big Sur computer training Mac OS can be learned in about 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

Do you provide Apple Mac OS Big Sur to Apple Mac OS Monterey computer training course?

Keith Thomas provides Apple Mac OS Big Sur to Apple Mac OS Monterey computer training courses.

Where can i get Microsoft Windows PC to Apple Mac OS Big Sur computer training lessons in the UK?

Keith Thomas provides Microsoft Windows PC to Apple Mac OS Big Sur computer training courses in the UK by Remote Mac Training service and onsite Apple Mac computer training service across Surrey Hampshire Berkshire Wiltshire and London.

How can i book a Apple Mac OS Big Sur computer training course online?

Complete our online Apple Mac computer training form to book or to make a Apple Mac computer training enquiry with Mac Computer Training.

How to get Mac OS Big Sur Training service in the UK?