Rather than using cron or launchd, many background services in macOS are now run using Centralized Task Scheduling (CTS). This is how it works.
Time Machine
Adds a new log view of background task scheduling and dispatch, greatly improves volume info, and fixes a rare crash.
Concentrate on Time Machine backups, scripts, secondary updates, and whether you still have to retain access to 32-bit software. Some hints.
It’s got to be better than Catalina, so why not upgrade when it first comes out? Here are some suggestions to help you make your decision.
Provision of maintenance procedures and tools is at the heart of software engineering, but not in macOS.
Performs special analysis of Big Sur backups to APFS, and runs native on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Time Machine has been using snapshots since High Sierra. How can it then use them to make backups to APFS volumes in Big Sur?
The most common problems with Time Machine backups, and how to tackle them using free tools.
A detailed walk through the log extract delivered simply by Mints, showing steps in a normal Catalina backup.
APFS adds 6 volume roles, including one which supports Time Machine backups. And per-file encryption is coming.
The Eclectic Light Company 