Apple confirms issues with iMessage and macOS software updates

Apple has updated its System Status webpage to confirm issues affecting iMessage and the ability to install macOS software updates.
With macOS Big Sur now officially available, Apple says “Users may not be able to download macOS Software Updates on Mac computers. The issue is currently being investigated,” as well as saying that iMessage may be “slow or unavailable” for some users.
It is unclear what exactly has caused the issues, with it appearing that Apple’s Developer webpage is down and the online Apple Store is throwing out errors when customers try and view their order statuses.