Apple releases macOS Big Sur 11.3 with M1 optimizations, AirTag support and a host of other innovations

Apple today released macOS Big Sur 11.3, the third major update to the current operating system for computers, launched in November. The new version came out two months after the public launch of macOS Big Sur 11.2. The update can already be downloaded to compatible Mac computers using the Software Update section in System Preferences.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds additional settings to the Safari browser. It now offers the ability to reorder sections of the start page such as Favorites, Reading List, Siri Suggestions, and more. The update also includes optimizations for using iOS apps on Mac computers with M1 chips. When you launch iOS applications, the Touch Alternatives panel appears, allowing you to assign keyboard shortcuts or trackpad gestures to actions performed on your tablet or smartphone using the touch screen.

Apple has added a “Controller Emulation” feature to the updated operating system that can be enabled for iOS applications. It allows you to map controller buttons to keys on your keyboard and mouse. It allows you to conveniently control games for iPhone and iPad with built-in controller support using the keyboard and mouse, which will enhance the convenience of playing on Macs with M1 chips. In the Reminders app, reminder lists can now be sorted by the due date, creation date, priority, or title. It also became possible to print lists using the “File and Print” item.

The Apple Music app has a new autoplay feature that allows you to continue playing music after a playlist ends. If this feature is enabled, Apple Music will match similar audio recordings and play them until the user stops playing the audio. The Apple News app has received a redesigned Apple News + tab with a dedicated For You section and a new Overview tab to make it easier to browse the available content and offer content based on user preferences.

macOS Big Sur 11.3 adds support for the latest controllers for the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S. The operating system has also learned to work with the recently introduced AirTag trackers and now supports the Locator Network function, which will help you find your lost AirTag using other people’s devices. In addition to all of the above, macOS Big Sur 11.3 contains several less significant and tangible innovations.