Is your Mac compatible with macOS 11.0 Big Sur?

The Apple Mac will get a completely overhauled operating system in autumn 2020 with macOS 11.0 Big Sur. Among other things, this is already designed for the upcoming Apple computers with their own "Apple Silicon" SoC, with which the manufacturer of Intel processors wants to say goodbye. But which Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur? Which Mac, iMac, Mac mini and which MacBook get the macOS 11.0 upgrade? Here you will find the official list of compatible computers and notebooks from Cupertino, an overview of the most important innovations and other sources - e.g. B. my WWDC20 Keynote Summary ;)

Is your Mac compatible with macOS 11.0 Big Sur?

The iPhone had previously been rumored that all models running iOS 13 would also get along with iOS 14 become. There were no such rumors about Apple computers. But that doesn't matter, because after yesterday's presentation of the new operating system, the manufacturer from Cupertino has now published a list that provides information on Macs, MacBooks and iMacs that are compatible with Big Sur. Here is the list of Mac models compatible with macOS 11.0:

• MacBook 2015 and newer
• MacBook Pro late 2013 and newer
• MacBook Air 2013 and newer
• iMac 2014 and newer
• iMac Pro 2017 and newer
• Mac Pro 2013 and newer
• Mac mini 2014 and newer

Important new features for macOS 11 compatible Mac computers

As part of the WWDC20 keynote on June 22, 2020, the summary of which I linked you to at the beginning, the new look and the new functions were impressively demonstrated. In text form, Apple offers at this point an overview of the new functions and possibilities of macOS 11.0 Big Sur. Here are the most important points in German:

• New macOS: A completely new design combines a slim, clear look with familiar and popular elements; App icons have been reworked, but the core of them has been retained; the same applies to the sounds of the operating system and its menus
• Control Center: The Control Center known from the iPhone comes with the macOS 11.0 Big Sur upgrade on the Mac; Individual controls can be placed directly on the menu bar using drag and drop
• Notifications: The right sidebar for notifications and the today overview has also been revised so that, for example (as with the iPhone) notifications are grouped and widgets in three different sizes are used
• Safari: The web browser for macOS 11 compatible Macs offers more efficiency and speed, the start page can be customized even more, tabs have been redesigned and can be managed more quickly, privacy and security can be monitored with new functions (e.g. privacy report) passwords are examined for data abuse
• Messages: The messages app has a search function, group chats, direct answers and mentions that can be used in it, as well as other features; Memojis also come with their own design options on the Mac
• Maps: Guides make it easier to discover new regions and cities; There will also be new functions for using bicycles and driving an e-car; Indoor maps show what is in individual buildings (e.g. where there is a gate at the airport); Etc.
• And a lot more

Not so many old Macs getting the macOS 11 upgrade

Which Apple Mac models get macOS 11.0 Big Sur? This question is now answered with the above list. For everyone who wants more extensive compatibility (as with macOS 10.15 Catalina) were hoping the device selection is a bit disappointing. While the Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air from 2012 were compatible, Apple computers supported by macOS 11 now start in 2013, 2014 or 2015. So if you use an Apple MacBook Pro 2012 that is currently still running well (see picture), you will have to be content with Catalina in the future or buy a new or more up-to-date laptop for Big Sur. 

Apple WWDC 2020 Keynote in the video

Now you know which Apple Mac is compatible with macOS 11.0 Big Sur, which MacBook gets the macOS 11 upgrade and which iMacs can be used with it. You can find out what the whole thing will look like in the end thanks to the WWDC20 Keynote, this year's June Special Event from Apple. You can do this later as a video on YouTube as well as using the following embedded player;)

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He appears as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with problems of a technical nature. In his free time he drives electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with his iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions for current bugs.