You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Two different Mac OS operating systems.

I bought a new Mac mini Apple Mini Chip 4 computer which has the newest Mac OS operating system macOS 15 (Sequoia). My old Mac mini only has Mac OS operating system Monterey 12.7.6. When I do my transfer of data from my old Mac mini to my new Mac mini do I click on transfer System or not since I have two different Mac OS operating systems. I can't upgrade to Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) on my old Mac mini?


Carl Hardy

Mac mini, macOS 12.7

Posted on Nov 16, 2024 10:17 AM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 16, 2024 10:48 AM in response to torchardy

Yeah; you’re probably overthinking it, here.


Apple makes these migrations easy, because Apple wants to sell (more) new gear. Difficult or no migrations means fewer or no new system sales.


Between the Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant tools mentioned above, Intel emulation on Arm using Rosetta 2, and maintained apps that already contain the code for both Intel and Arm platforms with Universal 2 bundles, the Mac Catalyst support for using various iOS and iPadOS apps on macOS, among other details, the migration is very nearly transparent.


It’s not completely perfect, but it’s close. Yes, some old and unmaintained apps can be a problem. But it’s been far easier than any other similar platform ports I’ve been involved with.

Nov 17, 2024 1:08 AM in response to torchardy

Apart from the already presented advise


Some may see things differently and that is ok


If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon M1 / M2 / M3 /M4 Equipped Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


Some have had success and usually are well seasoned veterans who are well versed in trouble shooting


Others have been left with a mess when Migrating everything.


Issues that may have existed on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer.


This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.


Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer, especially Printer Drivers


IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.


Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Sequoia compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  


Just saying

Two different Mac OS operating systems.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.