• macOS Big Sur 11.2 RC (20D53)
• Xcode 12.4 RC (12D4e)
• iOS 14.4 RC (18D52)
• iPadOS 14.4 RC (18D52)
• watchOS 7.3 RC (18S801)
• tvOS 14.4 RC (18K802)
  

• Fixed a reported dual GPU reading issue.
• Updated machine identification strings.
• Other minor fixes and enhancements.

• Added macOS 11 'Big Sur' compatibility.
• Fixed an issue where the SMART attributes would have Unknown names.
• Updated Sparkle update framework to version 1.24.0.
• Added additional drive manufacturer company logos.
• Other minor fixes and enhancements.

"VideoLAN 3.0.12 release fixes some loud audio distortion when resuming playback, adds support for Apple Silicon, and a few other issues. More details on the release page."

• Apple Plans Thinner MacBook Air with MagSafe, MacBook Pro with SD Card slot (bloomberg)
  
  
• How to Edit Videos in macOS Big Sur's Photos App (sponsor blog)
  
  
• Apple's First Headset to Be Niche Precursor to Eventual AR Glasses (bloomberg.com)
  
  
• How to Take Advantage of Advanced Photo Editing in macOS Big Sur (sponsor blog)
  
  
• Apple Plans First iMac Redesign in Nearly a Decade (bloomberg)
  
  
• Apple Plans Upgraded Macbook Pros with Return to MagSafe Charging (bloomberg)
  
  
• How to Use Boot Camp on External Drive to Run Windows on a Mac (sponsor blog)
  (Boot Camp doesn't support M1 Macs.)
  
  
• Microsoft Office for Mac (365/2019) version 16.45 (21011103)
  - See Jan. 13 release notes (with security updates for Excel and Word).
  
  
• If you can't unlock settings in System Preferences
  

  "While using macOS Big Sur 11.1, your Mac with Apple T2 Security Chip has an issue that requires resetting the SMC. System Preferences should accept your password after you reset the SMC."

  A SMC reset was also reported to help with macOS 11.1 problems mounting external encrypted drives and with Touch ID problems some had after the Big Sur 11.1 update.
  (As noted before, the M1 Macs don't have the Apple T2 chip.)

• Pages for Mac version 10.3.9
• Numbers for Mac version 10.3.9
• Keynote for Mac version 10.3.9
  
  
• iOS Pages version 10.3.9
• iOS Numbers version 10.3.9
• iOS Keynote version 10.3.9

• Fixed Processor Speed information for Apple Silicon Macs.
• Fixed incorrect internal battery condition.
• Added support for Macs with a connected eGPU.
• Added new feature icons to the application toolbar.
• Updated macOS 11 'Big Sur' versioning method.
• Updated power adapter detection support.
• Updated machine and location identification strings.
• Other minor fixes and enhancements.

• Chrome 88.0.4324.96 Stable Channel Update (google)
  - includes 36 security fixes.
  
  
• 03.21.16 Firmware Update for LG CX/GX/WX OLED TVs
  - Includes change info & download pages. (Added to FW Updates list.)
  
  
• OWC Acquires LumaForge and Jellyfish Technologies (sponsor pr)
  
  
• Adobe security bulletins on updates for Photoshop (APSB21-01), Illustrator (APSB21-02), Animate (APSB21-03), InCopy (APSB21-05), and Bridge (APSB21-07).
  (In most cases only Windows ver. was vulnerable, but updates available for Mac & Windows.)
  
  
• Cubase 11: More Customizable, More Inspirational, More Productive (yamaha)
  "Steinberg unveils Cubase 11, update to the award-winning music production system".
  
  
• Firefox 84.0.2 and Firefox ESR 78.6.1 Updates
  
  
• Microsoft January 2021 Patch Tuesday (isc.sans)
  - patches for 83 vulnerabilities, 10 critical.
  
  
• Yamaha RX-A2A/V6A/V4A, TSR-700/TSR-400 Receivers Firmware Update
  
  
• OWC Announces Envoy Pro FX as Fastest, Most Compatible Waterproof, & Ultra Rugged Drive Available (sponsor pr)
  
  
• OWC Announces New Thunderbolt™ Dock (sponsor pr)
  
  
• OWC Announces High-Powered 6 Port USB-C Travel Dock E for Macs, PCs, iPads, Tablets, or Phones (sponsor pr)
  
  
• OWC Announces World's First U.2 Carrier Shuttle for 3.5" Drive Bays (sponsor pr)

"This update fixes an issue where Exposure Notifications could incorrectly display logging profile language."

• Find out which macOS your Mac is using
  
  
• If you need to install Rosetta on your Mac
  (Rosetta 2 allows M1 Macs to run Apps made for Intel-based Macs.)
  
  
• Play HDR video on Mac
  - Includes a list of Mac models that support HDR.
  
  
• If you can't install macOS Big Sur on certain 13-inch MacBook Pros from 2013 & 2014

  "Follow these steps if you can't install macOS Big Sur on a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) or MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014).

  When you install macOS Big Sur on these Mac models, the installer might say that the update cannot be installed on this computer, or your Mac might start up to a blank screen or circle with a line through it..."

  The article includes steps to try and solve the problem.
  
  
• Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive
  
  
• Access iCloud Drive files from your iPhone and other devices
  
  
• Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty
  - originally titled "Vintage and Obsolete products".
  
  
• Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
  
  
• If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  
  
• How to get old versions of macOS
  
  
• Back up your Mac with Time Machine
  
  
• Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror your device's screen
  
  
• How to use AirPlay to stream audio
  
  
• If the supported resolution isn't available on an ultrawide or super-ultrawide external display connected to your Mac with Apple M1 chip (new)
  
  
• If you can't unlock settings in System Preferences
  
  
• How to use external monitors with your Mac
  - Lots of M1 Mac owner problems with Displays and adapters.
  (Some adapters & Displays that worked with Intel-based Macs, didn't with the M1.)
  
  
• If iCloud Mail isn't working
  
  
• (How to) Use Apple products on enterprise networks
  
  
• How to set a firmware password on your Mac
  
  
• Get help with video problems on external displays connected to your Mac
  
  
• How to erase your Intel-based Mac
  (was titled "How to erase a disk for Mac")
  
  
• If you get a personalization error when reinstalling macOS on a Mac with Apple M1 chip
  
  
• Measuring and calibrating Apple Pro Display XDR
  
  
• If your Mac doesn't turn on
  
  
• Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference
  - Many M1 owners have reported Bluetooth problems in Apple's Mac mini Forum.
  (Probably the most common problem topic, followed by Displays.)

January 4th to 8th, 2021 News Archive
• Safari Technology Preview 118 Update.
• Firefox 84.0.2 and Firefox ESR 78.6.1 Updates.
• Tip for unlocking settings in Big Sur 11.1 System Preferences.
• Tip for problems mounting encrypted drives in macOS 11.1.
• Tip for Touch ID Problems in macOS 11.1.
• Brother Printer Drivers 4.1.1 for macOS.
• How to Quickly Block an Email Address on Mac.
• Making a working M1 Mac External Boot Drive.
• How to Use the Privacy Report in Safari 14.
• Tips for Printer Problems with M1 Chip Macs.
• The Top Mac Malware Types and Adware Tricks of 2020.
• Chrome 87.0.4280.141 Stable Channel Update.
• OWC Thunderbolt 3 10GbE Ethernet Adapter Review.
• The Top 14 Things People Really Want to Know About Thunderbolt.
• 03.21.09 Firmware Update for 2020 LG CX/GX/WX OLED TVs.
• 05.30.02 Update for 2018 LG B8/C8/E8/W8 OLED TVs.
• Yamaha RIVAGE PM Editor V4.7.0 for macOS 10.15 to 10.13.
• Yamaha RIVAGE PM Firmware V4.70.
• Apple Support/How-To/Troubleshooting Article Updates.

For links to older news pages, see the Archives.