After considering numerous beta updates, Apple has finally released the macOS Big Sur 11.3 on April 26, 2021. The company adds some extremely fascinating improvements in Apple Music, gaming controllers, Apple News+, Podcasts, and security patches with this big release. The macOS 11.3 Big Sur is available to all Apple’s compatible systems.
How to update to macOS Big Sur 11.3
- Click on System Preferences.
- Go to Software Update
- If you see an update is available on your system, then click to update the software.
- You can also update the software to macOS BigSur 11 3 by clicking on the Apple logo in the menu bar and choose software update.
macOS Big Sur 11.3 features
New Security Update
macOS 11.3 fixes a severe code vulnerability called a zero-day exploit. Due to this security flaw with Apple’s GateKeeper system, a group of hackers was able to distribute malware. Now the new security update completely blocks this vulnerability. Older versions of macOS were not affected by the same bug, but this security update for Mojave and Catalina also fix Gatekeeper’s weaknesses.
iOS/iPadOS apps Compatibility on the M1 Mac
If you have M1 Mac and want to use iPhone and iPad apps and play the games on it. Now with macOS 11.3 update, iOS/iPadOS apps will be compatible to run on your device. The most significant enhancement will undoubtedly be the new Touch Alternatives settings pane, which will allow users to connect gestures on their touch screen device to the Mac keyboard or mouse.
Enhancement in Games controller support
Apple, in their macOS BigSur 11 3, has added new Controller Emulation features, which allow the user to play games on M1 Macs with these games controller functions using keyboard and mouse. Users will experience a new Games Control feature in the game’s options, allowing them to connect the keys on a Mac keyboard to the usual controls on a Games Controller.
macOS BigSur 11.3 also includes support for the PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X/S controllers.
Improvement in the Safari features
The Start Page will have more customization options. With customizing controls, users will be able to rearrange the sections. Furthermore, new extension types will allow developers to write extensions for features that may be seen on the new tab page. A new Web Speech API will also be available for developers to add speech recognition into their websites.
Addition in new Emoji
Apple has added 214 new emoji in macOS Big Sur 11.3. There are new smileys, kissing couples, two new hearts, ladies with beards, and skin tones for interracial couples.
More diverse voice options for Siri
Apple says that the update brings More diverse voice options for Siri. It means you may now select which voice will be used during setup. Male and Female are no longer used to describe their sounds. Instead, UK customers will receive Voice 1 and Voice 2, while US users will have four voices to choose from the option.
New features in the Apple Music
With a new Autoplay feature in macOS Big Sur 11.3, Apple Music will continue to play the same music even after the current playlist is finished.
A new City Charts feature will generate playlists based on what’s hot in various places across the world. There is one more new feature that will display upcoming and live special events depending on your preferences.
Latest Safari Improvements
You may now rearrange the Start Page sections, that include your favorite websites, Reading List, and Siri Suggestions.
Reminders
You will be able to conveniently navigate Reminders by various criteria after the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update. Users will now be able to manually move Reminders up and down any list using drag and drop. Now, you can also print the Reminders.
Apple News with Search Tab
Apple has added search tab to Apple News+. With this new function, a subscriber can easily navigate their magazines and newspapers.
AirTag and Find My network support
macOS now includes compatibility for Apple’s AirTag, a tracking chip that can be used to locate misplaced keys or other objects using the Find My app. There’s now support for the Find My network, which allows the Find My app to show the locations of third-party trackers and devices compatible to Apple’s platform.
HomePod Stereo Support
Previously, macOS users could use AirPlay to transfer audio to a pair of HomePod speakers. However, you had to do this manually every time you wanted to play audio via a pair of HomePod speakers, as the default would only play audio through one. But, you can now change the default setting to stereo-paired HomePods.
About This Mac
Now user can view Apple warranty status and AppleCare+ in the About This Mac section. The user can also purchase and enroll in AppleCare+ right from this section. To view the Mac’s warranty detail the user need to go to Support option under the About This Mac.
Other new features of macOS Big Sur 11.3
- Solves an issue where iCloud Keychain would not turn off.
- Solves the problem of AirPods audio routing to the incorrect device while Automatic Switching, as well as the problem of AirPods Automatic Switching notifications sometimes missing or duplicated.
- Solves the issue where external 4K displays do not display in full resolution when connected through USB-C.
Stay in touch with us to get latest macOS updates and related information so you can keep your Mac up to date.
References
- For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222
- macOS Big Sur 11.3 Release Notes
- What’s inside macOS Big Sur 11.3 version at Apple Support
