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Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A
Update Published December 2, 2024
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What version of the macOS is pre-installed on the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
The initial Apple Silicon Mac mini -- the Mac mini "M1" 8-Core 3.2 (2020) -- first shipped with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), specifically build 20B29.
The second series of Apple Silicon Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M2" 8 CPU/10 GPU 2023, "M2 Pro" 10 CPU/16 GPU 2023, and "M2 Pro" 12 CPU/19 GPU 2023 -- first shipped with macOS Ventura (macOS 13), specifically version 13.2, build 22D49.
Finally, the current 2024 Apple Silicon Mac mini models -- the Mac mini "M4" 10 CPU/10 GPU 2024, "M4 Pro" 12 CPU/16 GPU 2024, and "M4 Pro" 14 CPU/20 GPU 2024 -- first shipped with macOS Sequoia (macOS 15), specifically macOS 15.0 (build number 24A8332). Upon initial start up, these Mac mini models prompted the user to immediately upgrade to macOS 15.1 (24B2083), which is required to use the Apple Intelligence feature.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon Mac mini)
The Apple Silicon Mac mini models are fully compatible with the latest version of the macOS.
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to an Apple Silicon Mac mini? Are adapters required?
Just as Apple explains for other recent Macs, the company notes that you can transfer data from your older Mac to a new Apple Silicon Mac mini by using the "Migration Assistant" application:
- Connect both systems 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 Mac mini. If your older Mac does not have a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 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 drive to the new Apple Silicon Mac mini.
Apple's own 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 the Apple Silicon Mac mini with free shipping.
How do you restore the operating system on the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
Apple does not include a physical restoration method for the Apple Silicon Mac mini models.
Instead of including a recovery operating system on optical media or a USB stick, the operating system on the Apple Silicon Mac mini models use a built-in "macOS Recovery" function.
To access the macOS Recovery function, simply boot your Mac 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.
Additional details about "macOS Recovery" specific to Macs equipped with an Apple Silicon processor is available on the Apple Support Site.
Can the Apple Silicon Mac mini run iPad apps?
Yes, for the most part. Apple Silicon Mac mini models run macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later. These computers do not boot the iOS, but they are capable of running iOS apps written for the iPhone and iPad unmodified (unless the developer opts-out). Better developers may tweak their apps to be a bit more "Mac like" as well.
Can the Apple Silicon Mac mini run older macOS apps?
Yes, mostly. The majority of macOS apps that will run on late model Intel-based Macs also will run on Apple Silicon Mac mini models courtesy of Apple's "Rosetta 2" software environment.
Can the Apple Silicon Mac mini run Windows?
Unlike Intel-based Macs, the Apple Silicon Mac mini cannot boot into Windows directly. However, it is capable of running Windows via versions of Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion written specifically for Apple Silicon processors.
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