Apple Adds New 'Hello' Screen Saver in macOS Big Sur 11.3

macOS Big Sur 11.3 includes a hidden "Hello" screen saver that appears to be designed for the new iMac models, but which can also be installed on any Mac that's running the 11.3 update.

hello screen saver 1
As outlined by 9to5Mac, the new screen saver is not available by default, but with a simple set of instructions, can be accessed on even non-M1 ‌iMac‌ machines.

hello 2
On a Mac running macOS Big Sur 11.3, follow these instructions:

  1. Open the System folder.
  2. Click on Library.
  3. Click on Screen Savers. screen savers system library
  4. Drag the "Hello.saver" file to the desktop.
  5. Rename the "Hello" file to something else.
  6. Double click the file. hello screen saver
  7. Follow the instructions to install it.

From there, you should see the "Hello" screen saver added as an option in the list of Mac screen savers available in System Preferences > Desktop > Screen Saver > Screen Saver.

hello screen saver installed
The Hello screen saver cycles through various colors, and there are several themes to choose from including "Soft Tones," "Spectrum," and "Minimal." Soft Tones uses the pastel colors introduced with the new iMacs and matching colored text, while Spectrum uses more saturated shades with lighter text. "Minimal" shows the "Hello" wording in black, white, and gray.

hello 3
By default, the screen saver will display "Hello" in multiple languages, but you can force it to use only your native language by toggling off "Show 'hello' in all languages in the Screen Saver Options.

hello 4
A "match system appearance" toggle is also available for use to match light and dark mode preferences.

Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

Top Rated Comments

beanbaguk Avatar
39 months ago
The comments on here are hilarious! What a bunch of miserable people you are sometimes!!!

* Uses too much energy
* Not needed with modern VESA standards
* Too hard to find
* Too much disk space (1.1MB ROFL)
* Screensavers should be removed

Honestly people....lighten up. I thought it was pretty cool and what's more, I enjoy my aerial screen saver that probably uses up several GB's in videos but it brightens my day.

Also, in the hope that it makes you quiver, I have it running across 3 displays on my M1 MBP and it's glorious!

Eventually, however, after about 30 minutes, my system will go to sleep but I'm a big screensaver fan.

Have a lovely day!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ErikGrim Avatar
39 months ago
Cheers. We haven't had a new screen saver in a while so this is a nice addition.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adib Avatar
39 months ago
Nice. Too bad people will have to go through unnecessary complexities to activate this screen saver (which is already taking disk space anyway).

In any case, "screen savers" are really "screen killers" now ever since the CPU has the ability to turn off the monitor (VESA Energy Star standard). Ever since then, the best screen saver is "Put Display to Sleep".
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Biro Avatar
39 months ago
Now THIS is the kind of innovation we want from Apple! ;)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
diego.caraballo Avatar
39 months ago

In any case, "screen savers" are really "screen killers" now ever since the CPU has the ability to turn off the monitor (VESA Energy Star standard). Ever since then, the best screen saver is "Put Display to Sleep".

This! And let’s not talk about the huge waste of energy...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
39 months ago
Apple should buy the rights to the After Dark screen savers from Infinisys. ?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Delta Feature

Delta Game Emulator Now Available From App Store on iPhone

Wednesday April 17, 2024 9:58 am PDT by
Game emulator apps have come and gone since Apple announced App Store support for them on April 5, but now popular game emulator Delta from developer Riley Testut is available for download. Testut is known as the developer behind GBA4iOS, an open-source emulator that was available for a brief time more than a decade ago. GBA4iOS led to Delta, an emulator that has been available outside of...
iOS NES Emulator Bimmy Feature

NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store [Removed]

Tuesday April 16, 2024 11:33 am PDT by
The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple's rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo. On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/"homebrew" games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any...
iPhone 15 Pro Action Button Translate

All iPhone 16 Models to Feature Action Button, But Usefulness Debated

Tuesday April 16, 2024 6:54 am PDT by
Last September, Apple's iPhone 15 Pro models debuted with a new customizable Action button, offering faster access to a handful of functions, as well as the ability to assign Shortcuts. Apple is poised to include the feature on all upcoming iPhone 16 models, so we asked iPhone 15 Pro users what their experience has been with the additional button so far. The Action button replaces the switch ...
maxresdefault

Hands-On With the New App Store Delta Game Emulator

Wednesday April 17, 2024 12:19 pm PDT by
A decade ago, developer Riley Testut released the GBA4iOS emulator for iOS, and since it was against the rules at the time, Apple put a stop to downloads. Emulators have been a violation of the App Store rules for years, but that changed on April 5 when Apple suddenly reversed course and said that it was allowing retro game emulators on the App Store. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel ...
iOS 18 Siri Integrated Feature

iOS 18 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Friday April 12, 2024 11:11 am PDT by
iOS 18 is expected to be the "biggest" update in the iPhone's history. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 18 is rumored to include new generative AI features for Siri and many apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is also expected to introduce a more...