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Retina MacBook Q&A
Update Published August 14, 2019
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What version of OS X is pre-installed on the Retina Display MacBook models?
The "Early 2015" Retina MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core M" 1.1 12-Inch, "Core M" 1.2 12-Inch, and "Core M" 1.3 12-Inch -- initially shipped with OS X Yosemite, specifically version 10.10.2, build number 14C2061.
The "Early 2016" Retina MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core m3" 1.1 12-Inch and "Core m5" 1.2 12-Inch -- initially shipped with OS X El Capitan, specifically version number 10.11.4, build number 15E2066.
Finally, the "Mid-2017" Retina MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core m3" 1.2 12", "Core i5" 1.3 12", and "Core i7" 1.4 12" -- initially shipped with macOS Sierra 10.12.5, build number 16F2073.
Regardless of the version of the pre-installed operating system, all Retina Display MacBook notebooks are compatible with the latest version of the macOS.
How do you install software on the Retina Display MacBook without an optical drive?
To install software or transfer files using an increasingly vintage CD or DVD to a Retina Display MacBook, you have to either purchase an external optical drive (and use an adapter) or use the "Remote Disk" function. Essentially, you just install the "Remote Disk" software on a nearby Mac or Windows machine, and then "borrow" its optical drive to install software or transfer files via CD or DVD.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (SuperDrive - Left), OWC (Blu-ray Options - Right)
Of course, you always can install downloaded software directly. For software that must be installed via CD or DVD, more information regarding "Remote Disk" is available via the Apple Support Site. It also is worth noting that this cannot be used to re-install the operating system. Some copy-protected CDs, DVDs, and games also cannot be installed using this method.
Site sponsor Adorama has the official external Apple SuperDrive for US$79 and Other World Computing has a variety of third-party external optical drive options, too, including some that write to Blu-ray media for only a bit more.
How do you transfer data from an older Mac to a Retina Display MacBook? Are adapters required?
Apple explains that you can transfer data from an older Mac to a new Retina Display MacBook 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 new Retina Display MacBook via an Apple USB-C to USB adapter (MJ1M2AM/A) -- which has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive, but the disadvantage of not being able to charge the Retina Display MacBook at the same time -- or via either of the much more expensive, but more versatile, Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (MJ1K2AM/A) or Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter (MJ1L2AM/A). These adapters make it possible to charge the notebook while also connecting an external hard drive to it -- what a novel idea! -- as well as connect a respective HDMI or VGA display.
- Connect both systems to each other via an Ethernet cable and adapters. This might work well enough 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) you don't mind buying a compatible third-party USB-C to Ethernet adapter for your new MacBook, as well.
Apple's own support site provides specific instructions that should be reviewed before attempting to transfer data. Be absolutely sure to also 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 Display MacBook models?
Apple does not include a physical restoration method like optical media or a USB stick for the Retina Display MacBook.
Instead, the operating system has a hidden "restore" partition containing an "OS X Utilities" application that is only accessible upon startup by holding down Command-R. Additional details about "OS X Recovery" is available on the Apple Support Site.
Can the Retina Display MacBook run iPad apps?
No. Despite that Apple uses "Retina" for both the Retina Display MacBook and assorted iPad devices, this refers to the display rather than software compatibility.
The Retina Display MacBook runs OS X/macOS whereas the iPad models run iOS. At the time the Retina MacBook was released, there was no software compatibility between the two operating systems, although macOS Catalina and later versions of the macOS make it easier for developers to effectively port iOS apps to the Mac.
Can the Retina Display MacBook run Windows or Linux?
Yes. Like all other Intel-based Macs, the Retina Display MacBook models can run Windows and a number of distributions of Linux 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.
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