Apple’s macOS Big Sur update introduces new battery usage tools and brings back battery life time estimates, but deprecates the Network Utility tool.
In macOS Big Sur, there’s a battery Usage History feature in System Preferences that gives users the scoop on their Mac’s battery life over the past 24 hours or 10 days. The pane breaks that down further into Battery Level and Screen On Usage, but doesn’t provide granular detail for individual apps.
The updated Battery section also has new Battery and Power Adapter sections that largely replace the options previously available in the Energy Saver pane.
While that feature is making a comeback in macOS Big Sur, another longstanding tool is being phased out.
Apple has deprecated its Network Utility tool in the first beta version of macOS Big Sur. The feature provided information, tips and tools for users to check their network connections.
The company says that network tools, such as ping or lookup, can now be accessed via Terminal commands. Wi-Fi troubleshooting issues are now done in the Wireless Diagnostics app.