Apple releases macOS Big Sur 11.3 update with revisions to Apple Music, games controllers
Following multiple developer and public beta tests, Apple has now updated macOS Big Sur to version 11.3. The update includes new features in Apple Music, games controllers, Apple News+, and Podcasts.
Apple's macOS Big Sur on a MacBook Pro
As of now, or at least as of when it finishes rolling out worldwide, the current version of macOS Big Sur is 11.3. That's the version installed on any Mac you buy, and it's the version that your existing Mac will update to -- assuming it can.
Users can wait for the automatic update to take place overnight, or they can force it manually. A manual update can be started by opening System Preferences and accessing the Software Update interface.
Compared to the original release of macOS Big Sur 11, there are no major differences in this new edition. Nor, it seems, quite as many download problems.
However, there are very many minor ones that add convenience, new functionality, and much-requested improvements across the whole operating system -- and Apple's stock apps.
There's also support for the Find My network, which allows the Find My app to show the locations of third-party trackers and devices that support Apple's platform, in a similar manner to a misplaced iPhone or other hardware.
It also lets you manually drag tasks to change the order of a list. There are much more powerful to-do apps, but for a fast way to decide which tasks you're going to do right now, Reminders is very good.
Podcasts
Similarly, Apple News for Mac gets tweaks that are small but useful. The News+ tab has been redesigned to make it quicker to find particular publications, and there's also an improved way of finding, or removing, previously downloaded issues.
Apple Podcasts has changed how it works with downloads, too. Where previously there was a preference setting for automatically downloading podcasts, it's been replaced by the similar Download episodes when saving. Rather than downloading every episode, you can elect to download the recording just by saving it.
Individual podcast episodes now have a save button, too. If you like an episode, you can now choose "follow" the podcast, which is Apple's new term for "subscribe."
Top charts and popular categories are included in Search to aid with discovery of new shows. There's also been a subtle rearrangement of the Listen Now part of Podcasts. Again, it's to surface the most-wanted elements.
The same thing is visible in Apple Music for Mac, where its Listen Now will include promoting live events. There's also an Autoplay option, which means Apple Music will just keep on going -- even after it's completed a whole playlist.
Autoplay in Apple Music will now keep music playing by automatically playing a similar song, once you reach the end of a song or a playlist. City charts will also showcase what's popular in over 100 cities around the world.
An additional WebExtensions API enables developers to offer extensions that replace the new tab page. Meanwhile the Web Speech API allows developers to add speech recognition into their webpages, which could be used for dictation, voice navigation, or real-time captioning.
Lastly, WebM and Vorbis video and audio format support are included.
This was one feature that proved erratic during the beta testing, however,
Also on the hardware side, Big Sur 11.3 now gains the ability to use certain gaming controllers. The Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S controllers are now supported on the Mac.
Macs that are powered by the M1 chip also gain hiberation support.
Apps on the iPad will take better use of the larger screen, for instance, and across that device and the iPhone, there's a new setting. It lets you use keyboard commands instead of touch.
Using iOS apps on the Mac is still not widespread, but Big Sur has made changes to something that is. The Safari web browser has gained new features -- both for users and developers.
For developers, there is a new Web Speech API that lets them leverage speech recognition. They also get greater options for Safari extensions that they can create.
Users will obviously benefit from those when developers release them, but this latest Safari does also offer at least one immediately obvious improvement. The Start Page has been made more customizeable.
Like with iOS 14.5, new emoji have been included, including faces, hearts, and the woman with a beard emoji. There is also support for separate skin tones for each individual for all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji.
Where there could be a huge change, though, is in Rosetta 2. This only affects Apple Silicon Macs, but it is how those are able to run older Intel-based apps.
During the beta period, Apple suggested that the function may be removed -- if not entirely, then at least in certain countries and territories. That last point is making it hard to determine whether there has yet been any removal of it.
We'll soon find whether it's been removed anywhere, but we'll also see how stable the audio output to stereo-paired HomePods. Even after all the beta testing, the real test comes when a major release like a macOS update comes out and is used by millions more people around the world.
Apple's release notes for macOS 11.3 read as follows:
Apple's macOS Big Sur on a MacBook Pro
As of now, or at least as of when it finishes rolling out worldwide, the current version of macOS Big Sur is 11.3. That's the version installed on any Mac you buy, and it's the version that your existing Mac will update to -- assuming it can.
Users can wait for the automatic update to take place overnight, or they can force it manually. A manual update can be started by opening System Preferences and accessing the Software Update interface.
Compared to the original release of macOS Big Sur 11, there are no major differences in this new edition. Nor, it seems, quite as many download problems.
However, there are very many minor ones that add convenience, new functionality, and much-requested improvements across the whole operating system -- and Apple's stock apps.
AirTag and Find My network support
macOS includes support for Apple's just-launched AirTag, the tracking chip that can be used to locate lost keys or other items via the Find My app.There's also support for the Find My network, which allows the Find My app to show the locations of third-party trackers and devices that support Apple's platform, in a similar manner to a misplaced iPhone or other hardware.
Reminders, News, Podcasts, and Music
Apple's to-do app, Reminders, gets a couple of extra features that it yet again shows it's better than one of the more basic task managers it competes with. From macOS Big Sur 11.3, you can sort your tasks to surface the ones you need to work on.It also lets you manually drag tasks to change the order of a list. There are much more powerful to-do apps, but for a fast way to decide which tasks you're going to do right now, Reminders is very good.
Podcasts
Similarly, Apple News for Mac gets tweaks that are small but useful. The News+ tab has been redesigned to make it quicker to find particular publications, and there's also an improved way of finding, or removing, previously downloaded issues.
Apple Podcasts has changed how it works with downloads, too. Where previously there was a preference setting for automatically downloading podcasts, it's been replaced by the similar Download episodes when saving. Rather than downloading every episode, you can elect to download the recording just by saving it.
Individual podcast episodes now have a save button, too. If you like an episode, you can now choose "follow" the podcast, which is Apple's new term for "subscribe."
Top charts and popular categories are included in Search to aid with discovery of new shows. There's also been a subtle rearrangement of the Listen Now part of Podcasts. Again, it's to surface the most-wanted elements.
The same thing is visible in Apple Music for Mac, where its Listen Now will include promoting live events. There's also an Autoplay option, which means Apple Music will just keep on going -- even after it's completed a whole playlist.
Autoplay in Apple Music will now keep music playing by automatically playing a similar song, once you reach the end of a song or a playlist. City charts will also showcase what's popular in over 100 cities around the world.
Safari
Apple's browser now allows users to customize the Start Page section order to their desire.An additional WebExtensions API enables developers to offer extensions that replace the new tab page. Meanwhile the Web Speech API allows developers to add speech recognition into their webpages, which could be used for dictation, voice navigation, or real-time captioning.
Lastly, WebM and Vorbis video and audio format support are included.
Hardware support
Apple Music users have long been able to stream their music to stereo-paired HomePods, while other Mac audio output could only go to one. Now from macOS 11.3, a stereo pair can be set as the Mac's output.This was one feature that proved erratic during the beta testing, however,
Also on the hardware side, Big Sur 11.3 now gains the ability to use certain gaming controllers. The Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S controllers are now supported on the Mac.
Macs that are powered by the M1 chip also gain hiberation support.
Using iOS apps on the Mac
The Mac's support for iPhone and iPad apps -- on Apple Silicon M1 machines -- has also seen some improvement. It's still not the case that iOS developers are hurrying to release Mac-tuned versions, but for those who do, Apple has added some small usability touches.Apps on the iPad will take better use of the larger screen, for instance, and across that device and the iPhone, there's a new setting. It lets you use keyboard commands instead of touch.
Using iOS apps on the Mac is still not widespread, but Big Sur has made changes to something that is. The Safari web browser has gained new features -- both for users and developers.
For developers, there is a new Web Speech API that lets them leverage speech recognition. They also get greater options for Safari extensions that they can create.
Users will obviously benefit from those when developers release them, but this latest Safari does also offer at least one immediately obvious improvement. The Start Page has been made more customizeable.
Other changes
Siri benefits from a few more voice options, giving users more variety in how they can set the digital assistant to speak.Like with iOS 14.5, new emoji have been included, including faces, hearts, and the woman with a beard emoji. There is also support for separate skin tones for each individual for all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji.
No big changes, but important ones
Unless you're a developer who's been struggling with extensions, there isn't a lot in macOS Big Sur 11.3 that could be described as huge. Yet at the same time, there also isn't a Mac user who won't see some benefits from upgrading.Where there could be a huge change, though, is in Rosetta 2. This only affects Apple Silicon Macs, but it is how those are able to run older Intel-based apps.
During the beta period, Apple suggested that the function may be removed -- if not entirely, then at least in certain countries and territories. That last point is making it hard to determine whether there has yet been any removal of it.
We'll soon find whether it's been removed anywhere, but we'll also see how stable the audio output to stereo-paired HomePods. Even after all the beta testing, the real test comes when a major release like a macOS update comes out and is used by millions more people around the world.
Apple's release notes for macOS 11.3 read as follows:
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.AirTag and Find My
- Support for AirTag to keep track of and find your important items like your keys, wallet, backpack and more, privately and securely in the Find My app
- The Find My network with hundreds of millions of devices can help you find your AirTag, even when it isn't nearby
- Lost Mode notifies you when your AirTag is found, and you can enter a phone number where you can be contacted
iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with M1
- Option to change an iPhone and iPad app's window size
- Support for displaying the highest resolution version of an iPhone or iPad app in full screen
- Keyboard support for iPhone and iPad games designed to use device tilt
- Keyboard, mouse and trackpad support for iPhone and iPad games that support game controllers
Emoji
- Support for separate skin tones for each individual in all variations of the couple kissing emoji and couple with heart emoji
- New face emojis, heart emojis, woman with a beard emoji
Siri
- Siri now includes more diverse voice options
Apple Music
- Autoplay keeps music playing by automatically playing a similar song, once you've reached the end of a song or playlist
- City charts showcase what's popular in over 100 cities from all over the world
Podcasts
- Podcasts Show Pages are redesigned to make it easier to start listening
- Option to save and download episodes, automatically adding them to your Library for quick access
- Download behavior and notification settings can be customized on a show-by-show basis
- Top Charts and popular categories in Search help you discover new shows
News
- Redesigned News+ feed enables Apple News+ subscribers to quickly find, download, and manage magazine and newspaper issues
- All-new Search experience that helps you find relevant topics, channels, and stories
Safari
- Start Page section order can now be customized
- Additional WebExtensions API lets developers offer extensions that replace the new tab page
- Web Speech API lets developers incorporate speech recognition into their web pages for real-time captioning, dictation, and voice navigation
- WebM and Vorbis video and audio format support
Reminders
- Ability to sort Today Smart list
- Support for syncing the order of reminders in lists across your devices
- Option to print your reminder lists
Gaming
- Xbox Series X|S Wireless Controller or Sony PS5 DualSense™ Wireless Controller support
Mac computers with the M1 chip
- Hibernation support
About This Mac
- About this Mac displays Apple warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage in the Service tab when signed in with Apple ID
- Support for purchasing and enrolling in AppleCare+ for eligible Mac computers from About This Mac
This release also fixes the following issues:
- Reminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hours
Comments
At present this appears to be a deliberate decision on Apple's part. There's no evidence that it is a bug, or that anything will change with the current hardware. (And yes, I'm aware that people have come up with workarounds involving external hardware adapters and special display drivers.)
We have an M1 MBA driving a Samsung 4K monitor, and an M1 MBP driving a 5K LG monitor. Both work fine.
on M1 MBA
update: don't know what was going on but YouTube finally is working again. Long startup process?
Now they work! Yeah!
I don't see any mention of this new behaviour in the Big Sur 11.3 update notes. I'm not sure if it's a new feature or if something coincidental in the 11.3 update just triggered the behaviour for me.
I had to test this out for an hour before I fully understood it. Let me explain it. Normally FaceTime calls are delivered from Apple's servers, but this is different. These FaceTime calls are coming directly from the iPhone, wirelessly. Even if you answer the FaceTime call on your Mac or iPad, the call is still being made through both parties' telcos and then wirelessly from your iPhone to your other device. For this to work, your iPhone has to remain within reach of your Mac or iPad.
Here are the upsides and the downsides:
UPSIDES:
It is convenient to be able to stay in my chair and answer a telephone call on my Mac (or iPad) rather than getting up to find my iPhone. So I like this feature. Any device with an open speaker has a little audio feedback, but for most calls it doesn't bother me too much. If you are getting an important call, use your cellphone to avoid the feedback.
It is convenient that the iPhone wirelessly transmits the "caller ID" information to the FaceTime app, so I can see who is trying to call me. There is a 15 character limit to a caller ID from a telco, and all 15 characters are transmitted by the iPhone to your other device.
The iPhone transmits the signal to your Mac (and probably also the iPad) using both Wifi and Bluetooth. I tried disabling both of those, one at a time, on my iMac, and my test calls still came through to my Mac regardless of which signal was disabled.
DOWNSIDES:
I had no idea this new feature was coming. It was very confusing when it first happened to me today. My first incoming call today was from a telemarketer, and I thought I was receiving a telemarketer FaceTime call on my iPad, when in fact it was just a telemarketer telephone call to my iPhone. I expect to be getting some "support calls" from my friends and family this week as they see strange behaviours they can't understand.
If I get an incoming FaceTime call on my Mac or iPad, the pop-up actually says "from your iPhone" under the caller's name. So that's helpful, but I didn't notice that until I did a lot of research to figure out what was going on. I had previously believed that all FaceTime calls come from Apple's online servers. Now that I know, this is an upside, but until I figured this out, it was a downside. Some users will not notice the words "from your iPhone" and they will assume the call us from Apple's FaceTime servers using their home internet connection, and they won't realize that they are still using their iPhone with its cellular charges. In my opinion the warning words on the FaceTime pop-up should say "cell phone charges may apply" rather than "from your iPhone."
Installed over lunch. Works.
Can I
a) Make the Mac forget it knows my phone?
b) Make the phone forget it knows my Mac?
I don’t use iCloud photos or photo sharing, the big reason for sync is to share my music library onto my phone. Thanks!