these 5 options are coming to your Mac soon (Book)
A new version of macOS, the operating system for Apple computers, will be released soon. In this article we bundle the coolest features of macOS 11.3 (Big Sur). The update is likely to be released at the end of March.
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macOS 11.3 features: an overview
Once in a while Apple releases interim updates for its software. Before that happens, enthusiastic users can try out the new versions in so-called betas. These are not intended for the general public, but do provide a picture of the upcoming changes and improvements.
macOS 11.3, nicknamed Big Sur, promises to be a fairly large mid-term update. This is because several options are added. In the overview below you will find the most important additions of macOS 11.3 Big Sur.
1. Mac focuses on gaming
macOS 11.3 adds multiple features aimed at gamers. For example, you will soon be able to use the latest wireless controllers from the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 on your Mac. In addition, you can link the buttons of those controllers to keys on your keyboard. That way you can do your own way controls configure.
In addition, Apple is adding a possibility to Game Center. A new option allows games to access your friends list. That way, games can keep track of your and your friends’ game performances, for example. Of course you can also turn this option off.
2. How is your battery?
macOS 11 Big Sur added a new menu with Battery Health, containing all kinds of statistics and tips to keep your battery healthy for longer. With version 11.3, the company is taking the next step.
From then on, battery condition will proactively warn you when there may be something wrong with your power supply. When your battery percentage suddenly drops (for no apparent reason), Apple sends you a notification to warn you, for example.
3. Improvements for apps
Of course, Apple is using the opportunity to improve a number of apps with an update. You can personalize the start screen in Safari, for example, by changing the order of your favorite websites, reading list and Siri suggestions.
Apple Music is also improving, because Apple’s music service is getting an autoplay mode. This takes the role of a DJ and ensures that you never run out of music by always playing similar songs. Furthermore, the Apple Calendar app is also refreshed with all kinds of options for appointments snooze.
4. Run iPadOS apps on your Mac
Also cool: from macOS 11.3 on, apps made specifically for iPads run a lot better on your Mac (Book). That is because the operating system from then on will support iPadOS, the system of the Apple tablet.
You can now run iPadOS apps in a larger window and control becomes easier because you can now use a keyboard.
5. Rosetta on the way to the exit?
The beta version of macOS 11.3, which has been available for a while, shows that Apple is thinking about removing Rosetta from the operating system. If this is correct, outdated programs may no longer work on Apple computers with an M1 chip, such as the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (13 inch).
Rosetta is a utility that bridges the gap between Intel-branded processors, which Apple has worked with for years, and its own Silicon-based chips, of which the M1 is the first. The trial version of macOS 11.3 does not make it clear when Rosetta will be removed. The utility may therefore only disappear in the (distant) future.
Download macOS 11.3: Update is coming
At the time of writing, the latest version of macOS is not yet available for everyone to download. The public test version can already be tried. The downside to this beta is that it may contain bugs (issues and errors). Apple (and iPhone) does not recommend installing macOS test versions on Macs that you need for work or school, for example.
Also read: How to install the macOS 11.3 beta on your Mac
As soon as the final version of macOS 11.3 appears, you will of course read that on iPhone. We expect the update to be released at the end of March. Sign up for our newsletter or download the free iPhoned app to stay up to date with all the Apple news.
