APFS on upgrading macbook

[Sach160]

Hi, I have purchased a new 2021 14 inch Macbook Pro. My old Macbook is the early 2016 12 inch Macbook on Mojave 10.14.3. The file system is Mac Os Extended (Journaled). You're meant to be able to, but I have never been able to update this to the new APFS as the option is greyed out. If I restore this drive to my new Macbook Pro, will I be stuck on Mac Os Extended (Journaled), ie do I have to start from scratch if I want to use APFS? Obviously I'd much rather not, but I'd like to get onto the newer APFS. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[chrfr]

Hi, I have purchased a new 2021 14 inch Macbook Pro. My old Macbook is the early 2016 12 inch Macbook on Mojave 10.14.3. The file system is Mac Os Extended (Journaled). You're meant to be able to, but I have never been able to update this to the new APFS as the option is greyed out. If I restore this drive to my new Macbook Pro, will I be stuck on Mac Os Extended (Journaled), ie do I have to start from scratch if I want to use APFS? Obviously I'd much rather not, but I'd like to get onto the newer APFS. Any advice would be much appreciated.

You can't restore the drive from your 2016 MacBook to the new one; the new computer requires macOS Monterey. You can use Migration Assistant which will transfer over your files and applications. The format of the MacBook disk should not prevent Migration Assistant from working.

 

[Sach160]

Hi, thank you for the info, appreciated. Sounds quite simple then.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Do you keep an external backup for the 2016 MacBook?
If so, what app did you use to create it?

It's easy to "migrate" from an external backup when you boot the NEW MacBook Pro for the very first time.
The fact that the backup may be HFS+ instead of APFS will make no difference.

 

[Sach160]

I use time machine to keep a backup. I just want to be sure I get the new macbook working on APFS and not retain HFS+

 

[Fishrrman]

When the new MBP comes, DON'T open the lid until you have a CURRENT time machine backup within reach.

THEN, open the lid and let it boot for the first time.
Begin setup. At the appropriate moment, setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another drive. YES, you do.

Connect the backup and "direct" setup assistant to find it.
Give setup assistant time to "digest everything" (this takes a while).

Setup assistant will then present you with a list of stuff to be migrated.
I'd just accept the default (everything) and "let 'er go".
The migration takes a while, so again, be patient.

When done, you should see your login screen...

 

[Miltz]

I would personally start fresh, especially if you have old intel apps, or apps that aren't supported. That's what I just did.

 

[chrfr]

It's easy to "migrate" from an external backup when you boot the NEW MacBook Pro for the very first time.
The fact that the backup may be HFS+ instead of APFS will make no difference.

It's also easy to migrate from the actual MacBook. Migration Assistant does not require having an external backup.