With the macOS 11.3 Big Sur software update or later, Apple customers can browse useful information related to their computer’s 1-year standard warranty, or any extended AppleCare+ coverage, without having to use the Apple Support website or a dedicated Support app on iOS.
This is available via a new Support tab located in the āAbout This Macā window.
This new feature for Mac owners sounds very similar to how you’ve been able to see the remaining time on your iPhone or iPad’s warranty period underĀ Settings ā General ā About.
The Support tab is hidden by default in the first macOS 11.3 beta which arrived yesterday.
However, 9to5Mac was able to make it appear and see how it might work,
How the new Support tab works
9to5Mac explains how the new feature functions.
Based on macOS codes we found, the Support menu for Mac users will work in a similar way to the AppleCare Coverage menu that you can find in the iOS Settings app. There, users can check whether the warranty coverage is still valid, buy an AppleCare plan or even request a repair from Apple.
The new menu will probably go live when the macOS 11.3 update release to everyone.
When can I use this?
The new Support tab is currently available for developer testing as part of the first beta of what would become the third major update to macOS Big Sur following its commercial release in October 2020. Apple typically issues a few beta updates to registered developers and members of its public beta-testing program before shipping the final version for public consumption.
ā How to chat live with Apple Support
Because iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 and macOS 11.3 include overlapping features, all three updates should release ahead of Apple’s March product event. We are expecting a prerecorded presentation similar to the previous three Apple events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://twitter.com/reneritchie/status/1356713726091665409
The video presentation should air on Apple.com by this spring, but nothing is 100 percent certain until Apple officially sends out invites. Watch this space to stay in the loop!
Image credit: Filipe EspĆ³sito/9to5Mac