How does MacOS Big Sur handle app compatibility compared to Catalina?

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MacOS Big Sur Demonstrates Improved App Compatibility Over Catalina

MacOS Big Sur generally exhibits better app compatibility than its predecessor, Catalina. While most applications functioned smoothly with Big Sur, a notable exception was Mozilla Firefox, where sound and video playback issues were encountered in the standard version, requiring a workaround by downloading the Mozilla Developers Edition. This contrasts with Catalina, which reportedly caused more applications to break.
Enhanced UI and Performance for Key Applications

Big Sur introduces noticeable user interface tweaks, refining the operating system's appearance. Icons have been resized for a more polished look, and a new wallpaper is included, contributing to an overall upgraded aesthetic. Applications like Safari and the Music app have also received interface adjustments and are described as feeling faster compared to their previous iterations.
Removal of Network Utility and Alternative Solutions

A significant change in Big Sur is the removal of the Network Utility application. Users requiring its former functionalities must now resort to using Terminal commands. For troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, Apple suggests the Wireless Diagnostics app; however, this is considered inadequate by the author due to its limited functionality, drawing a parallel to scripted customer service responses.
Overall User Experience and Recommendations

The author views Big Sur as a substantial improvement over Catalina, which was met with less enthusiasm. Despite the enhanced software experience, persistent issues with Mac startup times and fan noise remain, irrespective of the macOS version. The recommendation to update to Big Sur comes with a crucial caveat: users should verify the compatibility of their existing applications to ensure a smooth transition.

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How does MacOS Big Sur handle app compatibility compared to Catalina?

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