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Infrastructure · Credibility 88/100 · · 1 min read

Platform Briefing — macOS Big Sur General Availability

Apple released macOS 11 Big Sur on November 12, 2020, introducing Apple Silicon universal binaries, a redesigned UI, and tighter privacy disclosures for App Store apps that developers must support.

Executive briefing: Apple launched macOS Big Sur (version 11) on . The release ushered in Apple Silicon support, refreshed system UX, and new privacy labels that reshape how macOS engineers ship and monitor apps across Intel and ARM architectures.

Key updates

  • Universal App readiness. Developers must deliver Universal 2 binaries that run natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, leveraging Rosetta 2 only as a fallback.
  • System UX changes. Refined window chrome, Control Center, and Notification Center require app UI audits for clarity with updated spacing and iconography.
  • Privacy disclosures. App Store submissions now require privacy nutrition labels enumerating data collection practices, enforcing updated review workflows.
  • Network extensions. The deprecation of kernel extensions in favor of NetworkExtension and EndpointSecurity APIs continues, affecting security tooling rollouts.

Implementation guidance

  • Adopt Xcode 12.2+ and the Universal App Quick Start Program tooling to produce Apple Silicon–optimized builds.
  • Run automated UI regression suites across Big Sur to validate layout, menu bar, and notification behaviors.
  • Update compliance documentation to capture new privacy label requirements, reviewer roles, and evidence storage.

Follow-up: Apple ended regular security updates for macOS Big Sur after version 11.7.10 in September 2023, urging managed fleets to upgrade to Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma for supported patches.

Sources

  • macOS Big Sur
  • Apple Silicon
  • Universal binaries
  • App privacy
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