macOS Big Sur will be coming out in the fall. And the beta version is available for public test after WWDC 2020. Here's all you need to know about the new features to expect, what the system requirements are, and how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur beta version if you want to try it ahead of the general public.
Download Big Sur or Monterey (Beta) - point to and install on the external drive - again an SSD would give you better performance once installed - then boot from the external and use migration assistant to migrate the Mojave data to the external. Another option would be to clone your Mojave system to the empty drive using CCC Carbon Copy Cloner. To upgrade to macOS Big Sur from Mojave or Catalina, follow these steps. Select Apple menu System Preferences Software Update. Select Apple menu System Preferences Software Update. Alternatively, you can click on this App Store link to download macOS Big Sur. How to Upgrade to Big Sur from Catalina, Mojave or High Serria. Step 1: Create an Apple ID, which will be used for developer account sign-in. If you already had one, then skip this step. Step 2: Go to Apple Beta Software Downloads page on your Mac and put in your Apple ID to view the content. Step 3: Click the 'Install Profile' button to save.
Why Upgrade to macOS Big Sur?
MacOS Big Sur: Upgrade installation (in-place) Whether creating an MDM policy or running the command remotely on the client device(s), the command below will perform the upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Apple is finally moving its macOS 10.x series up to a major iteration with macOS 11 Big Sur. That means big things are in store. Here's how Apple promises to delight macOS users with the soon-to-be-released macOS Big Sur:
New Features of macOS Big Sur
- Redesigned sidebars and toolbars - full height and more intuitive.
- Consistent app icon outlines in Dock.
- Unified Notification Center - widgets and notifications combined.
- Major update to Safari browser - more customization, Safari extensions, and better tab design.
- Apple Maps UI refreshed - Guides, EV routing, 3D view, and indoor maps.
- Auto device switching for AirPods.
- Editing feature in Photos app.
It's no wonder Apple is calling it ALL NEW on its website. Nearly every aspect of macOS has been given a refreshed look or an upgrade in performance. Whether it's battery life, UI, privacy, or Siri - everything promises to be better on macOS Big Sur. However, there's a catch. Until now, macOS upgrades haven't had device limitations. This time, Apple seems to be excluding older devices that might not be capable of handling the features supported by Big Sur.
Hardware Requirement for Running macOS Big Sur
Not all Macs can run macOS Big Sur currently. Only compatible Mac models is able to be upgraded to Big Sur according to Apple guidelines. Check out the list in below and backup your Mac even if it is eligible for an upgrade.
- MacBook: The device must be from 2015 or later.
- MacBook Pro: Devices made in late 2013 or after.
- iMac: 2014 and later.
- Mac Pro: 2013 and later.
- MacBook Air: 2013 and later.
- iMac Pro: 2017 and later, but includes all models.
How to get your device information if you are not clear about that. This is simple. Click Apple icon at the upper left corner; then select 'About This Mac' from the drop-download list. After that, a small window appears and you can find relevant information about the device.
If you have an older Apple laptop or desktop, you won't be able to upgrade to macOS Big Sur. If your device qualifies, you can get on the Apple Beta Software Program to try Big Sur beta right now; it is available for public testers. If not, you should create a bootable Big Sur USB by your own. In the meantime, here's how to sign up for the Beta Program using your Apple ID.
How to Upgrade to Big Sur from Catalina, Mojave or High Serria
Step 1: Create an Apple ID, which will be used for developer account sign-in. If you already had one, then skip this step.
Step 2: Go to Apple Beta Software Downloads page on your Mac and put in your Apple ID to view the content.
Step 3: Click the 'Install Profile' button to save the macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.dmg on your Mac. After that, follow the screen instructions to install this utility app on your Mac.
Step 4: You will be redirected to Software Update section after the above utility is installed on your Mac. If your Mac were eligible for the upgrade, you will see macOS Beta option displayed at the top.
Step 5: Backup important data on your Mac and click 'Upgrade Now' button to macOS Big Sur Beta on a target Mac computer.
The above is the entire process for upgrading to macOS Big Sur from current OS (Catalina, Mojave and High Serria). Any issue you have can be shared with Apple by using Feedback Assistant Mac app.
Summary
You should be warned that this is not the final version, which means there are liable to be a lot of bugs and you may face random errors. These are being ironed out at the moment but will only be available in the public release coming this fall. In addition, you will need to have macOS Catalina installed on your Mac before you proceed with the steps above. It's also a good idea to make a full backup of your data using Time Machine or backing it up to an external memory device. That way, if anything goes wrong either during the Big Sur installation or while using the new macOS version, you won't have to worry about using personal data.
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
Check compatibility
Upgrading From Mojave To Big Sur Weather
macOS Big Sur is compatible with the following computers. If your Mac isn't compatible, you might be able to install an old version of macOS instead.
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, your Mac needs 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, your Mac needs up to 44.5GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Download macOS Big Sur
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: Get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Install macOS Big Sur
After downloading, the installer opens automatically. Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, it might restart and show a progress bar or blank screen several times. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
Stay up to date
Upgrading From Macos Mojave To Big Sur
After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. To check for updates, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.