Mac OS X 10 (often referred to as macOS 10) and macOS 11 (Big Sur) represent significant shifts in Apple's operating system. While both offer a user-friendly experience, they differ considerably in design, features, and performance. This in-depth comparison will help you understand the key distinctions between macOS 10 and macOS 11 (Big Sur).
Design and User Interface: A Visual Overhaul
macOS 10: The final iterations of macOS 10 (Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, etc.) maintained a relatively consistent design language established over years. While updates refined the visuals, the core aesthetic remained largely familiar to long-time users. The focus was on functionality and streamlining existing workflows. The design language was quite flat and lacked a lot of depth.
macOS 11 (Big Sur): Big Sur marked a dramatic departure. Apple introduced a completely redesigned user interface with a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. The changes were sweeping:
- Rounded corners and translucency: Windows and app icons adopted softer, rounded corners, and increased translucency, giving the interface a more airy and spacious feel. This also allows for better readability by giving less strain on the eyes.
- Menu bar redesign: The menu bar was subtly redesigned for improved clarity and consistency.
- Control Center: Big Sur introduced a more modern and centralized Control Center, providing quick access to system settings.
- Redesigned widgets: Widgets in the Notification Center received a significant revamp, offering improved organization and customization.
- Overall feel: The entire operating system feels a lot more modern, but it does retain its ease of use and intuitiveness for new users as well as for those familiar with the operating system.
Visual Comparison:
| Feature | macOS 10 | macOS 11 (Big Sur) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Style | Flat, functional, consistent | Modern, spacious, rounded corners, translucent |
| Icons | Relatively simple, less detailed | More detailed, subtly redesigned, rounded |
| Windows | Square corners, less emphasis on translucency | Rounded corners, increased translucency |
| Menu Bar | Consistent design across versions | Subtly redesigned, improved clarity |
Performance and System Requirements: A Generational Leap
macOS 10: Performance varied depending on the specific version and the hardware it ran on. Generally speaking, performance improvements were incremental across different versions of macOS 10. Older systems could experience some performance degradation as newer versions were released.
macOS 11 (Big Sur): Big Sur was optimized for Apple Silicon chips. Although it supported Intel-based Macs, the performance improvements were most pronounced on Apple Silicon Macs. The shift to Apple Silicon brought significant performance boosts, especially in tasks involving graphics processing. This also made the software more stable.
System Requirements Comparison:
| Feature | macOS 10 (varies by version) | macOS 11 (Big Sur) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Hardware | Varies greatly depending on version | More demanding, especially for Apple Silicon features |
| Performance | Incremental improvements across versions | Significant improvements, particularly on Apple Silicon |
| Compatibility | Dependent on the macOS 10 version | Improved compatibility with newer hardware |
New Features and Enhancements: Big Sur's Innovations
macOS 11 (Big Sur) introduced several significant new features and enhancements absent in macOS 10:
- Improved privacy controls: Enhanced privacy features offer greater control over data access.
- Safari improvements: Safari received a substantial upgrade, with a redesigned interface and improved performance. This included more efficiency and better battery life.
- Messages app enhancements: The Messages app gained features such as pinned conversations, inline replies, and Memoji enhancements.
- Updated Maps app: Apple Maps received several enhancements, including detailed 3D city models and improved cycling directions.
- Apple Silicon optimization: Big Sur was designed to fully leverage the power and efficiency of Apple Silicon chips.
Conclusion: Choosing Between macOS 10 and macOS 11
The choice between macOS 10 and macOS 11 depends largely on your hardware and priorities. If you have an older Mac, you might not be able to upgrade to macOS 11 (Big Sur). Even if you can upgrade, the performance gains might be minimal if you're not on an Apple Silicon machine. However, if you own a newer Mac, especially one with an Apple Silicon chip, the upgrade to macOS 11 (Big Sur) is highly recommended. The performance improvements, user interface enhancements, and new features make it a compelling upgrade. However, keep in mind that any major OS upgrade carries a risk of unforeseen issues, so always back up your data before undertaking such a transition.