Apple launches macOS Big Sur 11.3 with optimizations for M1, AirTag integration and more

While we don't normally echo system updates, because they are usually tweaks and patches on the existing, with minor improvements of little interest, this update, practically in the final stretch of life of these versions (with WWDC a month away) it was really sounded for both iOS, watchOS, and of course macOS. Let's review what's new in Big Sur (more security).

Apple released macOS Big Sur 11.3, the third major update to the macOS Big Sur operating system released in November. ‌‌MacOS Big Sur‌‌ 11.3 arrives two months after the release of macOS Big Sur 11.2, an update to fix bugs.

The new ‌‌‌‌macOS Big Sur‌‌‌ 11.3 update can be downloaded for free via Software Update in System Preferences.

MacOS Big Sur‌ 11.3 adds more customization options for Safari, introducing a way to rearrange the different sections of the home page such as Favorites, Reading List, Siri Suggestions, Privacy Report and more. Developers also have access to a new integration to develop home page features.

The update includes optimizations for using iOS applications on Mac M1. When running iPhone and iPad apps on Mac M1‌, there is a Touch Alternatives preference panel that allows users to configure keyboard commands for touch input alternatives, plus iPadOS apps launch with a larger window if they do. Mac screen allows this. Touch alternatives allow you to customize taps, swipes, and swipes.

Apple has added a function " Controller emulation Which can be enabled for the ‌iPhone‌ and ‌iPad‌ applications to map game controller buttons to keyboard keys and mouse buttons. Controller emulation will allow losiPhone‌‌ and ‌‌iPad‌‌ games that have built-in controller support to be precisely controlled with a keyboard and / or mouse when these games are played on a Mac ‌‌M1‌‌; plus there is now also hibernation support for Mac ‌M1‌.

In the app reminder, the reminder lists can be sorted by Due Date, Created Date, Priority or Title, and there is an option to print the lists by going to File and Print, plus Apple has added a new link to "For You" in Apple Music to find personal mixes and play playlists.

The app ‌Apple Music‌ It also includes a new autoplay option that allows the streaming service to continue playing music after a playlist or queue of songs ends.

With this feature enabled, ‌Apple Music‌ will continue to play music even if you close a playlist or album. To verify that this option is enabled, play a playlist or album and click the button with three dots / lines in the upper right corner. Once there, the infinity symbol must be activated.

In the app Apple News there is a redesigned ‌Apple News‌ + tab with a dedicated “For you” section and a new Browse tab that makes it easier to navigate the available content.

The new For You section is designed to help ‌Apple News‌ + users find their favorite magazines and newspapers much faster, as well as add new tools to manage downloaded issues.

MacOS Big Sur‌ 11.3 adds support for the latest controllers PlayStation 5 DualSense e Xbox Series X/S for use with macOS games.

Updated “Support” by accessing “About This Mac”. The new design includes warranty details and allows you to initiate a repair right from the Mac interface.

The tab works similar to the cover menu AppleCare in the iOS Settings app, allowing users to request repairs, purchase an “AppleCare” plan and check their coverage.

‌MacOS Big Sur‌ now works with AirTags, the item trackers introduced by Apple. TaAirTags‌ can be tracked within the Find app and there is a network feature that can help find a lost AirTag using other people's iOS and Mac devices.

There are a handful of new emojis e syria now offers more diverse voice options. The update includes various bug fixes, such as iCloud Keychain and AirPods auto switching issues.

This is Apple's official note on the update to Big Sur macOS 11.3:

macOS Big Sur 11.3 - Reboot required

macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds support for AirTag, includes improvements for iPhone and iPad apps on Mac computers with M1 chips, and introduces separate skin tone variants for couple emojis.

The AirTag and research

• AirTag support for privately and securely tracking and locating in the app Find important items, such as your keys, wallet or backpack.
• The search network, with hundreds of millions of devices, can help you find your AirTag even if you are far away.
• Lost mode notifies you if the AirTag is found and allows you to enter a phone number to contact you.

App for iPhone and iPad on Mac computers with M1 chip

• Option to resize the iPhone and iPad app window.
• Ability to view the full-screen version of an iPhone or iPad app in full resolution.
• Gaming keyboard stand for iPhone and iPad designed to tilt the device while playing.
• Game keyboard, mouse and trackpad support for iPhone and iPad that support video game controllers.

emoji

• Ability to assign independent skin tones to each individual of all emoji variations of couples kissing or couples with hearts.
• New bearded women emojis and other faces and hearts emojis.

Apple Music

• Auto play prevents music from playing by automatically playing a similar song at the end of a song or playlist.
• Urban hits show the hottest in more than 100 cities around the world.

Podcast

• The podcast pages have been redesigned for easier listening.
• Ability to save and download episodes, which are automatically added to the library for quick access.
• Notification settings and download behavior can be customized for each program.
• In the search, the most popular categories and hits help you discover new programs.

Safari

• The order of the main page sections can now be customized.
• The add-on WebExtensions API allows developers to offer extensions that replace the new tab.
• The Web Speech API allows developers to embed speech recognition into their web pages to provide real-time subtitles, dictation, and voice navigation capabilities.
• Support for WebM and Vorbis video and audio formats.

reminder

• Ability to sort the smart list Today.
• Ability to synchronize the order of reminders in lists across all your devices.
• Ability to print reminder lists.

Toys

• Compatibility with Xbox Series X Wireless Controllers | S and Sony PS5 DualSense ™.

Computer Mac con chip M1

• Support for hibernation mode.

About this Mac

• “About This Mac” displays AppleCare + coverage and warranty status in the Service tab when you log in with an Apple ID.
• Ability to purchase AppleCare + and register on compatible Mac computers from "About This Mac".

This release also fixes the following issues:

• Reminders created with Siri may be scheduled by mistake early in the morning.
• ICloud Keychain may not be disabled.
• Incorrect audio routing of AirPods with automatic change.
• AirPods auto switch notifications may not be received or displayed in duplicate.
• External 4K monitors may not display full resolution when connected via USB-C.
• The login window may not display correctly after restarting a Mac mini (M1, 2020).
• The Dwell function may not work on the accessibility keyboard.

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices and may require an Apple ID.

For more information on this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211896

For detailed information on the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222