What version of the macOS is pre-installed on the Apple Silicon iMac?

The initial Apple Silicon iMac models -- the iMac "M1" 8-Core CPU/7-Core GPU/2 USB-C Shaped Ports 24" (2021) and iMac "M1" 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/4 USB-C Shaped Ports 24" (2021) -- first shipped with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), specifically macOS 11.3 (build number 20E232).

The current Apple Silicon iMac models -- the iMac "M3" 8 CPU/8 GPU/2 Ports 24" (2023) and iMac "M3" 8 CPU/10 GPU/4 Ports 24" (2023) -- mostly shipped with macOS Sonoma (macOS 14), specifically macOS 14.1 (build number 23B2073). Unusually, some of these iMac models shipped with macOS Ventura (macOS 13.5, build 22G2074), but all are compatible with the same subsequent versions of the macOS as their contemporaries.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon iMac)

All colorful Apple Silicon iMac models are fully compatible with the latest version of the macOS.

How do you transfer data from an older Mac to an Apple Silicon iMac? Are adapters required?

Just like Apple explains for other modern Macs, the company notes that you can transfer data from your older Mac to a new Apple Silicon iMac using the "Migration Assistant" app:

• Connect both Macs to the same Wi-Fi network, which is most straightforward, but could take hours depending on the amount of data to transfer and the speed of the network connection.
  
  
• Connect a Time Machine backup of your older Mac stored on an external USB hard drive to your new Apple Silicon iMac. If your older Mac does not have a USB-C shaped port and you are not using a storage drive equipped with a USB-C port, you will need to use an Apple USB-C to USB adapter (MJ1M2AM/A), Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (MJ1K2AM/A), or Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter (MJ1L2AM/A) to connect the older hard drive to the new Apple Silicon iMac.

Apple's support site provides specific instructions that should be reviewed before attempting to transfer data. As a precaution, EveryMac.com also would recommend that you create an extra backup of your older Mac before attempting to transfer any data between systems.

Site sponsor Adorama sells these adapters in addition to new Apple Silicon iMac models with free shipping.

How do you restore the operating system on the Apple Silicon iMac?

Apple does not include a physical restoration method for the Apple Silicon iMac.

Instead of including a recovery operating system on a USB stick, the macOS on the Apple Silicon iMac utilizes built-in "macOS Recovery" capability.

To access macOS Recovery, simply boot the iMac and continue to press and hold the power button. Momentarily, a window with startup options will appear. Click the "Gear Icon" listed as "Options" then select Continue to start the recovery process.

More details about "macOS Recovery" specific to Apple Silicon processor-equipped Macs are available on the Apple Support Site.

Can the Apple Silicon iMac run iPad apps?

Yes, for the most part. Apple Silicon iMac models run macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) and later. These iMacs do not boot the iOS, but they can run iOS apps written for the iPhone and iPad unmodified (unless the developer opts-out). Better developers may customize their apps to be at least a bit more "Mac like" as well.

Can the Apple Silicon iMac run older macOS apps?

Yes, mostly. The majority of macOS apps that will run on recent Intel-based Macs also will run on Apple Silicon iMac models using Apple's integrated "Rosetta 2" software environment.

Can the Apple Silicon iMac run Windows?

Unlike Intel-based iMac models, the Apple Silicon iMac cannot boot into Windows directly. However, it is capable of running Windows via versions of Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion created specifically for Apple Silicon processors like the M1 and M3.