Apple’s latest version of macOS, Big Sur, was first released in November 2020. Big Sur represents a major redesign of the Mac operating system, introducing a new aesthetic and several new features. However, like with any major operating system update, there are pros and cons to updating right away versus waiting. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key factors to consider when deciding if now is the right time for you to update to Big Sur.
What are the benefits of updating to Big Sur now?
Here are some of the advantages of updating to Big Sur soon after its release:
- You get access to all the new features and design changes right away. Big Sur brings the biggest visual redesign to macOS in years with some neat new enhancements.
- Updating early allows you to get familiar with all the changes. If you wait too long, the new OS may feel foreign.
- Apple and third-party developers will be optimizing apps for Big Sur. Updating sooner means your favorite apps are more likely to work.
- Early adopters tend to get the smoothest update experience since Apple irons out bugs and issues in later patch releases.
- You get improved security with the latest updates and patches from Apple.
So in summary, by updating to Big Sur soon after release you can take full advantage of all the new features and design changes right away. You also minimize compatibility issues with apps not yet optimized for Big Sur. And you avoid potential bugs and problems that crop up in the early days but get addressed in subsequent patch updates.
What are the potential downsides of updating to Big Sur now?
However, there are also some risks and drawbacks associated with rushing to update to Big Sur right away:
- Your essential apps may not yet be optimized for Big Sur, leading to crashes or instability.
- Major updates often introduce new bugs and issues that get addressed over time.
- Updating could expose compatibility problems with your Mac model or installed hardware/software.
- New major updates sometimes slow down older Macs as the hardware struggles with increased demands.
- Lack of support for older file formats or workflows can disrupt your usage.
- Waiting allows you to learn from other people’s experiences updating to Big Sur.
In summary, updating on day one could lead to crashes, slowdowns, file incompatibilities, and other frustrations if apps or hardware drivers are not fully optimized for Big Sur yet. Allowing some time for fixes and optimizations to roll out helps avoid these pitfalls.
How can I determine if I should update to Big Sur now?
Here are some key things to consider to help decide if now is the right time for you to update:
- What Mac model do you have? Check Apple’s list of supported Macs to ensure compatibility with Big Sur. Very old models may not be supported.
- Do you rely on essential apps for work? Research app developer sites to check if critical apps have been updated and tested with Big Sur. Update only after confirming app compatibility.
- Do you have older hardware/peripherals? Check manufacturer sites for Big Sur drivers to ensure scanners, printers, tablets, and other devices will work post-update.
- Are you in the middle of important projects? Updating mid-project could lead to crashes, data loss, or slowdowns. Safest to wait until current work phase is complete.
- Do you have a good backup? Make an updated full system backup before updating in case you need to revert back or recover lost data.
- Can your workflow tolerate downtime? Updating may require hours to complete and you’ll need to download up to 12GB over your internet connection.
Taking the time to assess your specific situation helps determine if now is the ideal time for you to update based on your Mac, application needs, peripherals, and workflow demands. Don’t rush into updating just because it’s available.
What are some of the key new features and changes in Big Sur?
Some of the most noteworthy changes and improvements introduced in Big Sur that you can take advantage of by updating include:
- Redesigned user interface – More modern, spacious design with rounded corners, new system icons, and updated app interfaces.
- Control Center – New menu for quick access to system controls like brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, keyboard backlighting, etc.
- Updated Messages app – Allows pinning favorite message threads, new Memoji options, group photos in conversations.
- Safari updates – Customizable start page, faster performance, new privacy protections.
- Maps improvements – More detailed maps, Look Around 3D street views, cycling directions.
- Privacy enhancements – Require apps to get permission before accessing cameras or microphones.
These are just a sampling of the major changes in Big Sur, which also includes things like better notifications, updated Photos app, new widgets, and much more. Review the full Big Sur features list to see all the improvements.
How can I get ready to update to Big Sur?
Here is a checklist of steps to take to prepare for a smooth update experience when you decide to update to Big Sur:
- Check system requirements – Confirm your Mac model is supported and has enough storage space for the Big Sur installer file.
- Backup your system – Create a full Time Machine or clone backup to protect your data in case issues arise.
- Make sure devices connect properly – Connect all external devices like hard drives, printers, tablets to ensure proper connectivity.
- Close open apps – Quit all open apps to prevent potential instability or crashes during the update process.
- Update apps – Check for and install the latest versions of your essential apps to maximize compatibility.
- Check for driver and firmware updates – Visit manufacturer websites to update related software for external hardware.
- Free up disk space – Manage storage by deleting unnecessary files to ensure you have at least 15GB of free space.
- Have proper connectivity – Update on a stable Wi-Fi network to reliably download the large installer file.
- Plug in AC power – Keep your MacBook plugged in to power throughout the entire update experience.
- Disable VPNs – Turn off any active virtual private networks so they don’t interfere with updating.
Following this pre-update checklist helps avoid common problems and ensures the update to Big Sur goes as smoothly as possible.
How can I update to Big Sur once I’m ready?
When you’ve determined your Mac and workflow are ready for Big Sur, here are the steps to update:
- Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for the Big Sur upgrade.
- Or find the Big Sur installer under Apple > App Store if it doesn’t appear automatically.
- Click Download and Install – downloading can take a while depending on your internet speed.
- Follow the onscreen prompts to continue preparing for installation.
- Your Mac will reboot to the installer when ready – this may take a while on an older Mac.
- Continue following the prompts to complete installation – the entire process can take over an hour.
- Your Mac will reboot back to the desktop when the upgrade is finished.
- Expect apps and services to updated in the background after initial reboot.
- Some apps may need to optimize themselves for Big Sur after opening.
Be patient throughout since installation can take a while. Avoid force quitting, shutting down, or rebooting manually during the update. Once finished, your Mac will be running Big Sur!
What should I do if I run into issues updating to or using Big Sur?
Despite best efforts, you may encounter issues either during the upgrade process or when using Big Sur after updating. Here is some troubleshooting advice:
During Update Installation
- If progress bars stall, let installation run for a few hours before force rebooting
- Try disconnecting external devices if installation hangs
- Restart router/modem if download appears stuck
- Free up additional disk space if you get storage related errors
- Consult Apple support articles for specific error messages
After Updating to Big Sur
- Update any apps showing compatibility issues
- Check for new software and driver updates from app developers
- Reset SMC and PRAM to resolve general system issues
- Review Big Sur forums for fixes to specific problems
- Use Time Machine to reverts back to Catalina if needed
Major operating system updates always involve a small chance of issues. But there are troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve many common problems. Also make sure to keep an updated backup so you can revert back if Big Sur causes system instability.
Conclusion
The decision about when to update to Apple’s latest operating system update is always a balancing act. Updating to Big Sur right away lets you take advantage of all the new features and improvements. But waiting allows time for potential bugs to get addressed and apps to become optimized.
Analyze your specific workflow situation and Mac hardware to determine if now is the right time to update. Make sure to take steps to prepare your system for the upgrade. And have a plan to troubleshoot any issues that may arise either during installation or when running Big Sur.
While the excitement of new features calls for updating ASAP, it’s usually wise to exercise some patience. Updating within the first few weeks allows many of the earliest issues to get resolved while still letting you enjoy Big Sur relatively quickly. Evaluate your own needs and risk tolerance to decide on the ideal timing.