macOS Big Sur: More than just a new look
Another macOS update. Big Sur this time. You know the drill: promises of faster performance, a more polished design, and better apps. Meanwhile, you're stuck with a MacBook that works perfectly fine, wondering if all those changes are really necessary. Control Center on your Mac? A completely new look? It feels like change for the sake of change.
But here's the thing: Big Sur is n't just a refresh . It's the first update that fundamentally blurs the lines between your Mac and iPhone. Apps suddenly run on both devices. Your workflow becomes a unified whole. And that old, familiar macOS feeling? Apple is throwing that out the window. A disaster for some. For others, a reason to finally buy that refurbished Mac they've been debating for months.
Useful links
- View our refurbished MacBook collection
- Discover accessories for your Mac
- iPad collection for seamless integration
The New Reality of macOS Big Sur
The transition to Big Sur marks a turning point in macOS's development. For the first time in years, Apple is consciously breaking the barrier between mobile and desktop. The result? An operating system that feels familiar to iPhone users, but sometimes raises eyebrows among Mac veterans.
The new design immediately catches the eye. Rounded corners, transparent menus, and floating windows dominate the screen. The iconography has been completely overhauled, with depth and shadows making way for flat, colorful symbols. This isn't a subtle evolution, but a radical break with the past.
Control Center: Finally on Mac
For years, Mac users have envied the quick access to settings on iOS devices. Big Sur changes that. The Control Center appears in the upper right corner of the menu bar, providing direct access to:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings
- Brightness and volume controls
- AirDrop and Do Not Disturb mode
- Screen recording and accessibility options
The customizable interface lets you choose which buttons remain visible in the menu bar. No more endless searching through system preferences for that one setting.
Safari gets wings
The browser war has been raging for years, but with this update, Safari is taking significant steps forward. The homepage now displays a customizable dashboard with favorites, reading list, and recently visited sites. Privacy is more central than ever with a detailed report on blocked trackers.
Performance improves noticeably. Websites load an average of 50% faster than in Chrome, while power consumption is significantly lower. For MacBook users, this means hours of extra battery life while browsing.
The new tab preview feature is intuitive: hover over a tab and instantly see a thumbnail of the page. Installing extensions from the App Store is now as easy as downloading apps on your iPhone.
Messages is coming of age
The Messages app is transforming from a basic chat program into a full-fledged communications hub. All the features familiar to iOS users are coming to the Mac:
- Memoji stickers and effects
- Inline replies in group conversations
- Mentions with @ for direct attention
- Pinned conversations at the top
- Improved search function with filters
The syncing between devices works seamlessly. Start a conversation on your iPhone during lunch, and continue on your Mac once you're back at your desk.
Compatibility: Who can participate?
Not every Mac can run Big Sur. Apple has strict hardware requirements:
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (late 2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
Do you own an older model? Then Catalina or an earlier version remains your final destination. For users with incompatible hardware, a refurbished Mac from a newer generation offers a solution.
Performance and stability
In the first few weeks after its release, Big Sur was plagued by teething problems. Bluetooth connectivity dropped, external screens didn't always work, and some older apps crashed frequently. Updates have since resolved most of the issues.
The system feels faster, especially on Macs with SSDs. Apps launch more quickly, file copying is faster, and multitasking is smoother. The new file system automatically optimizes space usage.
The downside of innovation
Not everything is rosy. Professional users complain about the simplified interface, which makes complex tasks more difficult. The new notifications take up more space. Some developers had to completely rewrite their software for compatibility.
The larger visual design requires more screen real estate. On smaller MacBook screens, the interface sometimes feels too spacious. Menus and buttons take up more pixels, reducing the effective workspace.
Tips for a smooth transition
Before you take the plunge into Big Sur, take these precautions:
- Create a complete Time Machine backup
- Check compatibility of essential software
- Make sure you have at least 35GB of free disk space
- First update to the latest version of your current OS
- Schedule the update outside of business hours (takes 1-2 hours)
Conclusion for practice
Big Sur isn't an incremental update, but a fundamental overhaul of macOS. Integration with the Apple ecosystem reaches new heights. For users with multiple Apple devices, the workflow becomes significantly more efficient.
Not sure if your current Mac can handle the update? A refurbished model from recent years often offers the best value. These devices run Big Sur flawlessly and come with a warranty for worry-free use.
The update takes some getting used to, especially for long-time Mac users. But once you're comfortable with the new workflow, Big Sur proves to be a logical evolution that increases productivity and modernizes the user experience.
Big Sur: A New Direction for the Mac
Big Sur sets the Mac on a new course. The integration with iOS strengthens the ecosystem, but requires shifting long-held habits. For those hesitant: the benefits outweigh the adjustment.
Got an older Mac that can't handle the update? A refurbished, recent MacBook offers the ideal entry point. You get modern hardware that seamlessly handles future updates, without paying top dollar. Big Sur isn't a revolution for revolution's sake, but a well-considered step toward an integrated digital workspace.
