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Apple Releases macOS Big Sur 11.7.4 With Fix for Safari Favorite Icons

Apple today released a macOS Big Sur 11.7.4 update, which is available to those who are still running the macOS Big Sur operating system. macOS Big Sur 11.7.4 comes a few weeks after the launch of macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, which was released alongside macOS Ventura 13.2 .

According to Apple's security software page, the update includes important security fixes as well. Apple has also released a Safari 16.3.1 update that includes the same fix for Safari Favorite icons.

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macOS Big Sur 4+

View in Mac App Store

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Description.

macOS Big Sur elevates the world's most advanced desktop operating system to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy. Design • New design for apps makes it easier to focus on your content and take action with space efficient toolbars and full height sidebars • Updated menu bar features wider spacing and a new translucent material that becomes more vibrant when you interact with it • Refreshed system sounds include the boot chime and sounds for transferring files, moving items to the trash, locking files, and more Control Center • Control Center puts your favorite menus and controls in one handy place in the menu bar so you can quickly adjust settings as you work • Additional controls appear when you click to expand Control Center menus • Support for pinning favorite menus from Control Center to the menu bar Notification Center • Updated Notification Center brings notifications and widgets together in one view • Interactive notifications display additional actions you can take with a deep press • Beautiful, new data-rich widgets for Calendar, Clock, Notes, Photos, Podcasts, Reminders, Screen Time, Stocks, and Weather • Edit view lets you to add new widgets and customize their size • Support for widgets from third-party apps Safari • World's fastest desktop browser with industry-leading performance and energy efficiency* • Customizable new start page lets you set a background image and decide what appears, including Reading List, iCloud Tabs, Privacy Report and more • Expanded extensions support and new dedicated category in the App Store for discovering new extensions • New tab design featuring favicons in tabs, and website previews that appear when you hover over a tab • Translation (beta) for English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian or Brazilian Portuguese • Privacy Report gives you visibility into how Safari keeps your browsing your business, with an overview of trackers blocked by Intelligent Tracking Prevention • Safari password monitoring securely screens saved passwords for any that may have been involved in a data breach • Safari privacy prompts for extensions let you choose when a website can work with an extension Messages • Pinned conversations keep up to nine of your favorite threads at the top of the list • Mentions let you direct a message to an individual in a group conversation • Inline replies let you reply to a specific message earlier in the conversation • Message effects for balloons, confetti, lasers and more • #images helps you find and add trending GIFs to messages • Memoji makes it simple to create a personalized character and send stickers that match your mood and personality Maps • Guides offer recommendations for places to go and things to do, curated by a selection of trusted brands • Look Around to explore cities in a high-resolution, interactive 3D experience • Indoor maps for major airports and shopping centers • Cycling directions helps you find bike-friendly routes to your destination • Electric vehicle routing helps you plan trips for supported vehicles that you add on iPhone Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices. * Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection, and other factors.

Version 11.7.10

This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.

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macOS Big Sur 11.7.4 fixes favicons not appearing in Safari’s Favorites section

Following widespread complaints, the Big Sur update fixes an issue with website favicons not appearing in Safari’s Favorites section on macOS.

• What’s happening? Apple has launched an update for its older operating system, Big Sur, fixing an ongoing problem with website favicons in Safari.
• Why care? macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 broke favicons in Safari’s Favorites section, but the macOS Big Sur 11.7.4 update has now fixed the annoying problem.
• What to do? If you use macOS Big Sur or Monterey, download the Safari update by venturing into System Settings → General → Software Update.

macOS Big Sur 11.7.4 fixes Safari’s favicons problem

macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 dropped in January 2023, and soon after, people started complaining about favicons disappearing from Safari’s Favorites section.

These are the icons you see on newly created tabs. Typically, websites saved in Safari’s Favorites section appear on the New Tab and Start pages as large icons, making it easy to visually distinguish between one’s favorite websites. Instead of favicons, people saw blank web icons showing only the website’s first letter.

Many affected customers took to Reddit and Apple Support Communities to vent their frustration with this problem. Someone has suggested that clearing Safari’s history may help resolve the issue, but only temporarily. It’s too drastic a solution that should be avoided (in our opinion), especially now that Apple has provided a fix.

Refreshing favicons in Safari with a Terminal command also yields no results.

Interestingly, at some point, Apple seems to have removed a setting to hide or show website icons in Safari tabs from the iPhone, iPad and Mac software because the toggle is nowhere to be found in the current versions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

What’s new in Safari 16.3 for macOS Big Sure and Monterey

Unrelated to the macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 update, Apple also released Safari 16.3.1 for the Big Sur and Monterey systems, available via the usual Software Update mechanism. It delivers a fix for a WebKit security vulnerability that was also addressed in  iOS 16.3.1, iPadOS 16.3.1 and macOS Ventura 13.2.1 .

The vulnerability permits an attacker to craft malicious web content that could let them execute rogue code on a customer’s device. Apple deemed it important enough to issue an advisory  in which it admitted that bad actors may have exploited the vulnerability. After installing this update, the build number for Safari 16.3 will be 167614.4.6.11.6 on macOS Big Sur and 177614.4.6.11.6 on macOS Monterey.

Don’t underestimated the importance of the latest Apple software updates. The WebKit issue alone is apparently severe enough to have warranted an alert from the National Cyber Awareness System at the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, urging people to update.

Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, macos monterey 12.6.3 & macos big sur 11.7.3 released.

Apple has released macOS Monterey 12.6.3 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, along with Safari 16.3, for Mac users who are not yet running the MacOS Ventura 13 operating system.

These updates are available separately from the MacOS Ventura 13.2 update that was released concurrently.

The software updates are focused on security fixes, and contain no new features for macOS Monterey or Big Sur.

How to Download macOS Monterey 12.6.3 or macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 Update

Don’t forget to back up Mac with Time Machine beforehand.

• Go to the  Apple menu and select “System Preferences”
• Click on the “Software Update” control panel
• Choose to update to macOS Monterey 12.6.3 or macOS Big Sur 11.7.3, depending on which version is available to you

If you’re unable to find the updates available because of the Ventura banner, check out how you can install macOS Monterey and MacOS Big Sur updates without installing MacOS Ventura .

You can also choose to update to macOS Ventura 13.2 if you’d like, but chances are if you’re still on Monterey or Big Sur, it’s for a reason, and you’re not looking to join the Ventura party quite yet.

Your Mac must restart to complete installation.

macOS Monterey 12.6.3 and macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 Release Notes

Release notes for macOS mention security updates, again no new features are included:

Updating…

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macOS Big Sur is here

Update brings a fresh, new design, enhancements to Safari, Messages, Maps, and privacy, and is engineered for Apple’s powerful M1 chip

Refreshed Design: Focused and Familiar

Safari: Faster, More Personal, and More Private

Messages: An Even More Engaging, Expressive Experience

Maps: Discover the Next Adventure

Privacy: Greater Transparency and User Control

Developers: Bringing More Apps Than Ever to the Mac

Images of macOS Big Sur Availability

• “World’s fastest browser,” “industry-leading battery life,” and “loads frequently visited sites an average of 50 percent faster than Chrome”: Testing conducted by Apple in October 2020 on production 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5-based 13-inch MacBook Pro systems with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and prerelease macOS Big Sur. Battery life tested with display brightness set to 12 clicks from bottom or 75 percent. Safari tested with HD 1080p content, Chrome and Firefox tested with HD 720p content, all on macOS. Not all features are available on all devices. Performance compared to other browsers on Mac and PC using JetStream 2, MotionMark 1.1, and Speedometer 2.0 benchmarks and Windows 10 Home, version 2004, running in Boot Camp. Scores represent browsers that completed the test. Tested with prerelease Safari 14.0.1, Chrome v86.0.4240.75, and Firefox v81.0.1 on macOS, as well as Chrome v86.0.4240.75, Microsoft Edge v86.0.622.38, and Firefox v81.0.1 on Windows Home, with WPA2 Wi-Fi network connection. Page load performance tested using snapshot versions of 10 popular websites under simulated network conditions with prerelease Safari 14.0.1 and Chrome v85.0.4183.121 on macOS. Performance will vary based on usage, system configuration, application workload, network connection, and other factors. “Up to 1.5x speedier at running JavaScript and nearly 2x more responsive”: Testing conducted by Apple in September and October 2020 using JetStream 2 and Speedometer 2.0 performance benchmarks. Tested on preproduction MacBook Air and Mac mini systems with Apple M1 chip and 8-core GPU, as well as production 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7-based 13-inch MacBook Air systems and 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i3-based Mac mini systems, all configured with 16GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and prerelease macOS Big Sur. Tested with prerelease Safari 14.0.1 and WPA2 Wi-Fi network connection. Performance will vary based on system configuration, network configuration, network connection, and other factors.

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macOS Big Sur for Mac

An Operating System Made by Apple.

macOS Big Sur overview

macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.

• New design for apps makes it easier to focus on your content and take action with space-efficient toolbars and full-height sidebars
• Updated menu bar features wider spacing and a new translucent material that becomes more vibrant when you interact with it
• Refreshed system sounds include the boot chime and sounds for transferring files, moving items to the Bin, locking files and more

Control Centre

• Control Centre puts your favourite menus and controls in one handy place in the menu bar so you can quickly adjust settings as you work
• Additional controls appear when you click to expand Control Centre menus
• Support for pinning favourite menus from Control Centre to the menu bar

Notification Centre

• Updated Notification Centre brings notifications and widgets together in one view
• Interactive notifications display additional information and actions when you expand them
• Beautiful new data-rich widgets for Calendar, Clock, Notes, Photos, Podcasts, Reminders, Screen Time, Stocks and Weather
• Edit view lets you add new widgets and customise their size
• Support for widgets from third-party apps
• World's fastest desktop browser with industry-leading performance and energy efficiency*
• Customisable new start page lets you set a background image and decide what appears, including Reading List, iCloud Tabs, Privacy Report and more
• Expanded extensions support and new dedicated category in the App Store for discovering new extensions
• New tab design featuring favicons in tabs, and website previews that appear when you hover over a tab
• Translation (beta) for English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian or Brazilian Portuguese
• Privacy Report gives you visibility into how Safari keeps your browsing your business, with an overview of trackers blocked by Intelligent Tracking Prevention
• Safari password monitoring securely screens saved passwords for any that may have been involved in a data breach
• Safari privacy prompts for extensions let you choose when a website can work with an extension
• Pinned conversations keep up to nine of your favourite threads at the top of the list
• Mentions let you direct a message to an individual in a group conversation
• Inline replies let you reply to a specific message earlier in the conversation
• Message effects for balloons, confetti, lasers and more
• #images helps you find and add trending GIFs to messages
• Memoji makes it simple to create a personalised character and send stickers that match your mood and personality
• Guides offer recommendations for places to go and things to do, curated by a selection of trusted brands
• Look Around to explore cities in a high-resolution, interactive 3D experience
• Indoor maps for major airports and shopping centres
• Cycling directions help you find bike-friendly routes to your destination
• Electric vehicle routing helps you plan trips for supported vehicles that you add on iPhone

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices.

* Performance will vary based on system configuration, network connection and other factors.

What’s new in version 11.7.10

• This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.

What users say about macOS Big Sur

Customer support : 3.0

Don't like the flashy graphics on the BigSur homepage. Apple should stop turning Mac into a podcast tool and things like that. Realistic Real photography for every new OS. The pictures of all previous OS were such a pleasure to look at. I could sit and glaze at these beautiful photography. I liked to zoom in to focus on some point. Graphics in BigSur main screen are good but quality photo is the best. Also printing dialog on Canon Pixma printer is now something not clear. And some more useless "improvements". Almost forgot...GRAPHIC Converter now does NOT open immediately from within XnView. In all previous versions of Mac OS, GC was opening right away. Now it takes some 5 minutes for BigSur to figure out what XnView wants to do. BAD.

Other user ratings:

What customer like, what needs improvements, macos big sur qualities, write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment, ( 23 reviews of macos big sur ).

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macOS Monterey 12.6.3 and Big Sur 11.7.3

Apple has released macOS Monterey 12.6.3  and macOS Big Sur 11.7.3 to patch 14 and 7 security vulnerabilities, respectively. Both include patches for kernel vulnerabilities, a WebKit issue (also dealt with in the Safari 16.3 release), and a Screen Time privacy issue that could make it possible for an app to access information about your contacts. You can download these security updates using Software Update on Macs running Monterey or Big Sur. Although Apple doesn’t say that any of these vulnerabilities have been exploited in the wild, we recommend updating fairly soon. If you notice any problems, please let us know in the comments. (Free, various sizes, macOS 12 and macOS 11)

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Comments About macOS Monterey 12.6.3 and Big Sur 11.7.3

Notable replies.

Just updated to BS 11.7.3 and had nothing but problems : freezes, kernel panics, unable to connect Bluetooth keyboard & trackpad. I reset BT and removed all devices and after many attempts I was able to connect trackpad but not keyboard.

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Participants.

About the security content of macOS Big Sur 11.7.3

This document describes the security content of macOS Big Sur 11.7.3.

About Apple security updates

For our customers' protection, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available. Recent releases are listed on the Apple security updates page.

Apple security documents reference vulnerabilities by CVE-ID when possible.

For more information about security, see the Apple Product Security page.

macOS Big Sur 11.7.3

AppleMobileFileIntegrity

Available for: macOS Big Sur

Impact: An app may be able to access user-sensitive data

Description: This issue was addressed by enabling hardened runtime.

CVE-2023-23499: Wojciech Reguła (@_r3ggi) of SecuRing (wojciechregula.blog)

Impact: Multiple issues in curl

Description: Multiple issues were addressed by updating to curl version 7.85.0.

CVE-2022-35252

Impact: Mounting a maliciously crafted Samba network share may lead to arbitrary code execution

Description: A buffer overflow issue was addressed with improved memory handling.

CVE-2023-23513: Dimitrios Tatsis and Aleksandar Nikolic of Cisco Talos

Impact: An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges

Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.

CVE-2023-23516: Jordy Zomer (@pwningsystems)

Impact: An app may be able to access mail folder attachments through a temporary directory used during compression

Description: An access issue was addressed with improved access restrictions.

CVE-2022-42834: Wojciech Reguła (@_r3ggi) of SecuRing

Impact: An app may be able to gain root privileges

Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management.

CVE-2023-23497: Mickey Jin (@patch1t)

Screen Time

Impact: An app may be able to access information about a user’s contacts

Description: A privacy issue was addressed with improved private data redaction for log entries.

CVE-2023-23505: Wojciech Reguła of SecuRing (wojciechregula.blog) and Csaba Fitzl (@theevilbit) of Offensive Security

Description: This issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code.

CVE-2023-27931: Mickey Jin (@patch1t)

Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution

CVE-2023-23518: YeongHyeon Choi (@hyeon101010), Hyeon Park (@tree_segment), SeOk JEON (@_seokjeon), YoungSung Ahn (@_ZeroSung), JunSeo Bae (@snakebjs0107), Dohyun Lee (@l33d0hyun) of Team ApplePIE

CVE-2023-23517: YeongHyeon Choi (@hyeon101010), Hyeon Park (@tree_segment), SeOk JEON (@_seokjeon), YoungSung Ahn (@_ZeroSung), JunSeo Bae (@snakebjs0107), Dohyun Lee (@l33d0hyun) of Team ApplePIE

Windows Installer

Impact: An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences

CVE-2023-23508: Mickey Jin (@patch1t)

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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What’s new in macOS Big Sur 11.3

Apple has released macOS Big Sur 11.3 after months of beta testing. You can install it now and you should because the new update to macOS Big Sur closes a dangerous security hole that was being exploited by malware authors (more on that below).

New features in Big Sur 11.3 include: a new Autoplay feature in the Apple Music app (already seen in iOS 14), more information about your Mac warranty in About This Mac, a collection of new emoji, more support for games controllers, better compatibility with iOS apps on M1 Macs, and the new ‘Hello’ screensavers that celebrate the new 24in iMacs .

There is also a new iOS 14.5 version. For more information read What’s in iOS 14.5 .

The last Big Sur update was Big Sur 11.2 and it arrived at the beginning of February. That last update to Big Sur did not offer much by way of new features, but did include a number of important security updates.

Big Sur 11.3 release date

macOS Big Sur 11.3 has was released by Apple on Monday 26 April. It should be available to download from System Preferences > Software Update.

We recommend you install the update because there is a security vulnerability in older versions of the macOS.

Soon we will hear about the next major update, macOS 12 , which will be announced at WWDC 2021 in the summer.

How to update to macOS 11.3

To update your Mac you will need to do the following:

• Open System Preferences
• Click on Software Update
• Click to update the software if an update is available
• Alternatively, click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and choose Software Update.

If you haven’t updated to Big Sur yet read: How to update macOS: Update to Big Sur from Catalina.

We talk in more detail about all the new features in Big Sur in our guide to Big Sur .

New Big Sur 11.3 features

macOS Big Sur 11.3 arrived on the same day as iOS 14.5. It offers many of the same features, and brings others to the Mac that were already enjoyed on iOS. The biggest changes are probably those coming to the M1 Macs, which will be able to access Touch Alternative settings so that they can mimic some of the gestures used on touch screens on their keyboard and mouse.

Here’s a run through of the new features in macOS 11.3:

macOS 11.3 closes a particularly serious vulnerability that was being used by a group of hackers to distribute malware.

This was possible because of a flaw with Apple’s usual security measures built into the macOS. Normally new programs are stopped by Apple’s GateKeeper and a series of tests undergone before they can be opened.

However, prior to 11.3 there was a bug in Apple’s test system that meant that apps that were based on scripts and enclosed in a bundle could be executed without warning.

We explain how macOS Big Sur closes this dangerous security hole in a separate article.

Improvements for iOS/iPadOS apps on the Mac

If you bought an M1 Mac hoping to be able to use iPhone and iPad apps and games on it you may have had a somewhat disappointing experience to date. You will be pleased to learn that Apple is addressing some of the problems with the way these apps translate to the Mac.

The biggest improvement will no doubt be the new Touch Alternatives preferences pane that will allow users to map the gestures used on their touch screen device to the Mac keyboard or mouse. You can adjust these by clicking on the app’s name in the menu bar and chooseing Preferences. 

Following the update iPadOS apps will also launch with a larger window and there will be an option to change the app’s window size.

Games controller support

The new Controller Emulation feature is similar to the Touch Alternatives feature. Those playing games on the M1 Macs will be able to map games controller functions to the Mac’s keyboard and mouse.

Users will find new Games Control setting in the game’s preferences that will enable them to map the keys on a Mac keyboard to the usual controls on a Games Controller.

For example, the X button on the controller can be mapped to the letter Q on the keyboard, W, A, S, D serve as directional arrows. The Big Sur update will also add support for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S gaming controllers.

Big Sur 11.3 also brings support for the PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series X/S controllers.

Improved Safari features – Start Page will be more customisable. Users will be able to re-arrange the sections with customisation controls. In addition, new extensions types will enable developers to create extensions for features that can appear on the new tab page. There will also be a new Web Speech API for developers so that they can incorporate speech recognition into their web pages.

Just like iOS 14.5, macOS 11.3 brings 214 new emoji. You’ll find new smileys, couples kissing, two new hearts, women with beards, and more skin tones for interracial couples. You’ll also notice that the blood drops have disappeared from the emoji that shows a syringe – turning it into an injection. The old headphones emoji now looks like the AirPods Max too.

Hello screensaver

The update to macOS Big Sur includes a new screen saver, although right now it’s not clear whether it will work on non-M1 Macs (the version in the macOS 11.3 Release Candidate only works with M1 Macs). We explain how to get the Hello screensaver on any Mac running Big Sur 11.3 here: How to get the Hello Mac screensaver.

MacOS 11.3 will, like iOS 14.5, stop Siri’s voice being either male (in the UK) or femail (in the US) by default. Now you will be able to choose which voice is used during set up. Those voices are no longer referred to as Male or Femail. Instead UK users get Voice 1 and Voice 2, while US users get four voices to choose from – which is probably why Apple is saying that the update brings “More diverse voice options for Siri”.

Apple Music

The Apple Music improvements bring the Music app on the Mac into line with the same app on iOS.  

A new Autoplay feature (that you need to enable) will cause Apple Music to continue to play similar music even if the current playlist finishes.

There’s a new Made For You Library shortcut that should simplify the process of finding personal mixes and playlists.

A new City Charts feature will provide playlists based on what’s popular in various cities around the world. And another new option will offer upcoming and live special events based on your interests.

Just as on iOS 14.5, Apple is also adding the ability to share lyrics when you send links to your friends via iMessage, Instagram or Facebook Messenger. The function is limited to a maximum of 150 characters, but you can easily select the most relevant paragraph. When the recipient receives the message that part of the track will play.

Following the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update you will be able to easily sort Reminders by various criteria. Users will also be able to move Reminders manually up and down via drag and drop within any list. The update will also offer support for printing Reminders.

The update also fixes an issue where Reminders created via ‌Siri‌ could be unintentionally set for early morning hours.

Apple has redesigned News+. There is a new News+ For You tab to help subscribers quickly access their magazines and newspapers. The process for managing downloaded issues is also simplified.

The Search is also improved to help you find relevant topics, channels, and stories.

Support for stereo-paired HomePods 

It is now possible to change the default setting to stereo-paired HomePods. It had only been possible to use two HomePods as paired stereo speakers via AirPlay and Apple Music, which had annoyed some users. It is already possible to use dual HomePods without problems with iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, so it was long overdue that the same functionality should come to the Mac.

About This Mac

About This Mac now displays Apple warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage and users can purchase and enroll in AppleCare+ from the About This Mac section. Users will be able to view the Mac’s warranty information under About This Mac > Support.

Other new features & fixes

• As with the iPhone iOS 14.5 update, macOS 11.3 will introduce AirTag support to the Mac.
• M1 Macs have hibernation support.
• Safari on the Mac gains the ability to customised the Start Page section order.
• Fixes problem where iCloud‌ Keychain might not turn off.
• Fixes AirPods‌ audio routing to incorrect device when Automatic Switching and problem where AirPods‌ Automatic Switching notifications might be missing or duplicated.
• Fixes problem with External 4K monitors not displaying in full resolution when connected over USB-C.

No more Rosetta?

It was a concern when in Apple’s third preview version of macOS Big Sur 11.3 a message appeared suggesting that Rosetta might be ommitted. It was felt that it may relate to a patent dispute with Intel and could prevent the execution of old programs on the new M1 Macs.

The developer Steve Moser discovered a suspicious hint in the third beta version. He was a a message that suggested that Rosetta 2 would be removed during installation and that the emulator that translates code written for x86 for the ARM architecture is not available in the region.

New in Mac 11.3 beta 3 thread. 🧵 Apple is getting more serious about gaming on macOS with settings to map controller buttons to keyboard layouts. pic.twitter.com/cWRefKMQ50 — Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) March 3, 2021

It is not clear where Apple intends to switch off Rosetta 2 of if this feaure has arrived with Big Sur 11.3. It seems likely that it hasn’t been implemented and that Apple has just included the message in case it ever has to be implemented.

If you want to take part in testing the next new update, you can sign up for Apple’s beta software programme . In addition to new versions of macOS, you’ll be able to test upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and watchOS.

Author: Karen Haslam , Managing Editor, Macworld

Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld more than two decades ago. Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Having edited the U.K. print and online editions of Macworld for many years, more recently her focus has been on SEO and evergreen content as well as product recommendations and buying advice.

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Problem with Big Sur Version 11.7.3 since upgrade

Anyone else can't change the size of open applications on their mac? Since upgrade, my cursor fades at the corners of pages and I can't make them smaller - i dont know how to explain this technically :(

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Jan 30, 2023 8:03 AM

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Feb 7, 2023 10:55 AM in response to helpmenowpleaseplease

Etrecheck may indicate some background process is making the machine not behave normally. Please run it, and follow the directions to post the result. Each person having the problem should post their own thread with their own results.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250002463

Jan 30, 2023 9:17 AM in response to helpmenowpleaseplease

The windows have various controls that can be activated depending on where your cursor is.

• If the menubar is visible (with Apple menu, Application Name, File Edit menus on top), your red yellow and green controls on windows need to be visible for full control of the windows.
• If the red, yellow and green controls are not visible, drag the center title bar as far to the right as you can.
• Once the controls are visible, holding the Option key while clicking on the green control can maximize the window or shrink it to the last adjusted position.
• clicking on the yellow control minimizes the window to the translucent toolbar, known as the Dock.
• clicking on the red control closes the window, but not the application.
• If the menubar is invisible, you an click the Escape key to make the menubar visible again, and when you click on the green control without the Option key, will hide the menubar again.
• If you can hover the cursor over the edge of given windows, the pointer will change to two joined opposite arrows indicating the window can be resized when you click on the mouse button.

Which of these steps is not behaving the way it should? What program do you have open that is having trouble?

Feb 5, 2023 6:23 PM in response to rajeevfromsan diego

Strange, I don't recall this being a problem, but then again I moved from Mojave to Catalina, to Monterey. Did not spent much time with Big Sur. I wonder if it has something to do with the latest update. I'll ask around.

Feb 6, 2023 1:16 AM in response to a brody

Hey, 'a brody'

You went all that trouble to help me out. Sorry I can't buy you a beer!

I didn't reply sooner, because I restarted my laptop, and I was able change the sizes of windows again- however I still can't shrink them from the corners as I used to (I think) I have to shrink at the sides or top of windows- I hadn't realised the option to hover on the green button and be able to see pages side by side, so I love that I now know that!

I wonder If you know of any free courses that teach you more things like that with your Mac?

Feb 6, 2023 12:36 PM in response to a brody

I upgraded a Mid2014 MBP from High Sierra to Big Sur 11.7.2 a few months ago. Everything has been working fine until the recent update to Big Sur 11.7.3 where the mouse cursor disappears when moving it to a vertical edge of a window (every window) or the vertical scroll bar. Its been driving me crazy because it is no longer intuitive to grab the vertical edge/scroll bar for resizing, etc. Regardless I was able to go to the Accessibly options and change something so at least the mouse pointer is no longer disappearing. Seems to be ok now. I appreciate your post.

Feb 6, 2023 3:16 PM in response to helpmenowpleaseplease

Nothing free. I would recommend seeking out http://www.apple.com/usergroups

Many offer tutorials and computer clinics.

Jan 31, 2023 6:17 PM in response to a brody

Step 7 is the issue. Programs open: Safari, Mail, Calendar, etc. All that I use

Feb 3, 2023 5:46 AM in response to dphilbin

Are these windows in maximized state? You might want to hold the Option key on the green button to see if they are.

Feb 5, 2023 5:55 PM in response to a brody

Same issue for me. On every window regardless of state. As the mouse selection cursor moves to a vertical edge, it disappears as the pointer changes. It was noticeable immediately after the update.

Feb 6, 2023 8:47 AM in response to a brody

Sounds like I should upgrade to Monterey (last update my MacBook Air will support. What do you suggest?