macOS Big Sur 11.3 brings customizable keyboard and mouse layouts for gaming

macOS Big Sur 11.3 includes all-new gaming layouts with a dedicated interface for mapping buttons on the paired controller to custom keyboard and mouse combinations.


STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Create keyboard and mouse button layouts for gaming.
  • Game Center gains the option to allow friend connections.
  • The update is likely launching later in March.

A Mac screenshot showing the new interface in macOS Big Sur 11.3 for mapping game controller buttons to custom keyboard and mouse layouts

Gaming keyboard layouts

MacRumors contributor Steve Moser has discovered a brand-new interface in macOS Big Sur 11.3 for mapping game controller buttons to custom keyboard and mouse layouts. He has shared the screenshots on Twitter, saying that “Apple is getting more serious about gaming on macOS” with these customizable keyboard and mouse layouts dedicated to gaming.

iOS 14.5, macOS Big Sur 11.3 and other Apple updates will also extend the company’s existing gaming controller support to the latest wireless controllers from Sony and Microsoft.

There’s also a new option in Game Center to allow connections with friends.

Rosetta removal and more

He’s also discovered that Apple may disable Rosetta in select regions. Rosetta allows non-optimized apps written for Intel-based Macs to run on Apple silicon computers. Folks who live in affected regions may now be left without a way to run legacy apps on M1 Macs.

Moser speculates this might have something to do with potential legal issues. He’s also discovered a new message in macOS Big Sur 11.3 for when your Mac’s battery may need service along with new Calendar snoozing options.

When is macOS 11.3 launching?

These features are currently being tested with Apple’s registered developers and public beta testers. Apple has not said when macOS Big Sur 11.3 and other updates might release publicly, but they seem to be just around the corner. As there are likely a few betas left to test, we think Apple will release the updates for everyone later this month.

Image credit: Steve Moser/Twitter