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Apple Silicon MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published March 11, 2024
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What version of the macOS is pre-installed on the Apple Silicon MacBook Air?
Different Apple Silicon MacBook Air models originally shipped with different versions of the macOS:
| MacBook Air | Original macOS | Version (Build Number) |
| M1 (2020) | macOS Big Sur | 11.0.1 (20B29) |
| M2 (2022) | macOS Monterey | 12.4 (21F2081) |
| M2 15" (2023) | macOS Ventura | 13.4 (22F2073) |
| M3 (2024) | macOS Sonoma | 14.4 (23E214) |
Regardless of the version pre-installed, Apple Silicon MacBook Air models are fully compatible with the latest version of the macOS.
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to an Apple Silicon 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 new Apple Silicon MacBook Air using the "Migration Assistant" application:
- 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 new Apple Silicon MacBook Air. 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 MacBook Air.
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 MacBook Air with free shipping.
How do you restore the operating system on the Apple Silicon MacBook Air?
Apple does not include a physical restoration method for the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models.
Instead of including a recovery operating system on optical media or a USB stick, the operating system on the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models uses a built-in "macOS Recovery" function.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon MacBook Air)
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 MacBook Air run iPad apps?
Yes, for the most part. Apple Silicon MacBook Air models run macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later. These models 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 MacBook Air 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 MacBook Air models courtesy of Apple's "Rosetta 2" software environment.
Can the Apple Silicon MacBook Air run Windows?
Unlike Intel-based Macs, the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models cannot boot into Windows directly. However, they are capable of running Windows via versions of Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion written specifically for Apple Silicon processors.
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