![]() ![]() It’s this that appears to account for the difference in size between Intel and M1 Mac updates.īig Sur’s Signed System Volume also plays a part. There’s another quirk too: although the main body of each update, at least 2 GB, is common to both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures, and can be delivered from a Content Caching Server, just over 900 MB has to be downloaded individually to each Apple Silicon Mac at the start of every update, and can’t be cached locally. Executable code doesn’t make up the majority of the system or its updates, but is a substantial proportion. It also means that each update is a Universal binary, containing a complete set of executable code to run native on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Those for Intel Macs amount to more than 600 MB, and that for M1 models must also be substantial, and regardless of which model you’re going to update, the download contains a complete set. Coupled with its policy that only macOS updates can contain firmware updaters, it means that each has to contain a complete set of firmware updates for all supported models. One policy which has led to the inexorable growth in the size of macOS updates is that each is universal: Apple only releases one update, which has to install and update all Macs supported by that version of macOS. So how come it’s necessary to download 2.2-3.1 GB and wait 15 minutes for ‘preparing’ of the update? As of 11.5.1, M1 Macs have now had over 43 GB of macOS updates, and Monterey must still be at least six weeks away.īig Sur 11.5.1, like 11.2.2 before it, is as minimal as updates get, containing a useful payload of no more than a few megabytes at most. ![]() The smallest updates to Mojave and Catalina came in at 1 GB, while 11.5.1 was Big Sur’s smallest yet at more than double that size for an Intel Mac, and triple for an M1 model. What’s most striking isn’t their frequency – 11.5.1 is only the tenth update to Big Sur, the same as in Mojave and less than Catalina’s dozen – but their size. On the other hand, you can almost hear the moans about several gigabytes download and yet another hour or more of installation. On the one hand, we’re all delighted that Apple is fixing bugs and, most important of all, closing security vulnerabilities as soon as it becomes aware of them. Updated November 2020: Updated for macOS Big Sur.Updates to Big Sur have been mixed blessings. The list includes some of our favorites, including the MacBook Air, iMac, and more. Are you looking for a brand new Mac?īe sure to take a look at the latest list of Macs that Apple sells. Just make sure you've got a current backup of your Mac, just in case something goes wrong. If, after reading everything I suggested, you still think you are ready to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, then, by all means, go for it! I've been using it for a couple of months now, and frankly, I love it. The best way to see if your must-have apps are going to be ready for macOS Big Sur is to visit the companies' websites or check their social media feeds. ![]() If there are any apps that you just can't live without, you might be forced to. Not all developers will have their updates ready right away. With changes in macOS Big Sur, it also means that some third-party apps will need to be updated for compatibility. Hundreds (or even thousands) of people will hit the download button the exact moment they hear that macOS Big Sur is available to the public, which could put a strain on the servers and make it take a really long time for you to complete the process. There are a number of factors that can give you a negative experience right out of the gate, which might leave a bad taste in your mouth. It's not always such a good idea to download a huge update on Day One. How to downgrade from macOS Big Sur back to Catalina.You can always downgrade back to your previous operating system. If you've downloaded macOS Big Sur on your main hard drive, you're not out of luck. ![]()
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