Apple ships macOS Big Sur 11.3. You should update today

Along with the release of iOS 14.5, Apple has also updated macOS Big Sur to version 11.3. While the update brings a rash of important improvements, it also patches a huge security flaw and most Mac users should install the update today.

Why you should install the update immediately

macOS Big Sur 11.3 patches what has been called the ‘most impactful’ bug in Mac security discovered in recent history, as discovered by Cedric Owens. The flaw existed in the wild for months before Apple patched the problem, reports claim.

This nasty bug was able to bypass Apple’s macOS protections, including app notarization and Gatekeeper. Attackers then gained control of infected machines, including access to user data. All it took was the end use to open an infected file.

This is a really nasty bug, which is why Mac users should install the latest 11.3 patch immediately.

So, what about the good stuff? macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds support for AirTag, includes iPhone and iPad app improvements for Macs with M1, introduces separate skin tone variations for emoji with couples and adds more diverse voice options for Siri.

Here are the release notes:

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 behaviour and notification settings can be customised 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 customised
• 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

The release also fixes the following issues:

• Reminders created via Siri may be unintentionally set for early morning hours
• iCloud Keychain might not turn off
• AirPods audio routing to incorrect device for Automatic Switching
• AirPods Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated
• External 4K monitors may not display in full resolution when connected over USB-C
• Login window may not display properly after restarting Mac mini (M1, 2020)
• The Dwell feature may not work in the Accessibility Keyboard

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

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