Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
Retina MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published December 9, 2020
All Mac Q&As >> Retina MacBook Air Q&A (Home) | Also See: All MacBook Air Specs
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
What version of the macOS is pre-installed on the Retina MacBook Air?
Different Retina MacBook Air models shipped with different versions of the macOS:
| MacBook Air | Original macOS | Version (Build Number) |
| 2018 | macOS Mojave | 10.14.1 (18B2084) |
| 2019 | macOS Mojave | 10.14.5 (18F2058) |
| 2020 | macOS Catalina | 10.15.3 (19D2064) |
Regardless of the version of the pre-installed operating system, all Retina MacBook Air models are compatible with the latest version of the macOS.
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to a Retina MacBook Air? Are adapters required?
Just as Apple explains for other recent Macs, the company notes that you can transfer data from an older Mac to a Retina MacBook Air by one of three ways:
- Connect both systems to the same Wi-Fi network, which is easiest, but may 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 Retina MacBook Air. Assuming that your older Mac does not have a USB-C port and you are not using a USB-C equipped storage drive, 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 Retina MacBook Air.
- Connect both systems to each other via an Ethernet cable and adapters. This could work well if (1) your older Mac has Ethernet built-in or (2) you already have an Apple USB-to-Ethernet Adapter (MC704LL/A) or Apple Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet Adapter (MD463LL/A) for your older Mac, and (3) it otherwise would make sense for you to buy a compatible third-party USB-C to Ethernet adapter for your new Retina MacBook Air, as well.
Apple's own support site provides specific instructions that should be reviewed before attempting to transfer data. 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 all these adapters with free shipping.
How do you restore the operating system on the Retina MacBook Air?
Apple does not include a physical restoration method for the Retina MacBook Air.
Instead of including a recovery operating system on optical media or a USB stick, the operating system has a hidden "restore" partition containing a macOS Utilities application that is only accessible upon startup by holding down Command-R. Additional details about "macOS Recovery" is available on the Apple Support Site.
Can the Retina MacBook Air run iPad apps?
Not directly. Although Apple uses the term "Retina" to refer to the Retina MacBook Air and a variety of iPad models, this refers to the display resolution rather than application compatibility.
The Retina MacBook Air uses the macOS whereas the iPad uses the iOS. When the Retina MacBook Air first shipped, there was no direct software compatibility between the two operating systems, although starting with macOS Catalina, it has become straightforward for developers to effectively port iOS apps to the Mac.
Can the Retina MacBook Air run Windows?
Yes. Like all Intel-powered Macs, the Retina MacBook Air can run Windows via Apple Boot Camp or by using "virtualization" software.
For more information regarding Windows on the Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's extensive Windows on Mac Q&A.
Is it true that Apple has blocked Linux from working on the Retina MacBook Air?
Yes and no. The integrated "T2" security chip in the Retina MacBook Air does prevent the Retina MacBook Air from booting Linux. However, it is possible to disable the T2 security chip and then boot Linux subsequently.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< Retina MacBook Air Q&A (Main)
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.