Best Way to Migrate from Intel Mac Mini to Mac Studio (ARM-based)?

[BuddyRich]

Is the migration assistant OK to use in this scenario. Will I get ARM optimized versions of apps if I do so, or would it be better to just start from scratch and reinstall.

Im also unclear about about what apps get moved. Im sure App Store ones might move OK but what about stuff installed outside of App store, specifically something homebrew like homebridge that is installed via NPM (and would need node.js installed)? Or something like Calibre ebook reader or VLC? They had there own installers.

I don't have a lot of stuff to reinstall in actuality. Most stuff in on iCloud drive, its just a few apps that run as services like homebridge and calibre that I am worried about.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

I would just do a clean install/setup just for piece of mind or you’ll always be thinking “What if”.

 

[benwiggy]

Yes, use Migration Assistant. You may still have to reinstall some complex components, but it's the best starting point, generally.

As for "ARM-optimized versions" -- most apps are Universal Binaries, so they contain ARM and Intel code. You might need separate versions for some apps; and you can update in due course.

 

[chabig]

I agree with @benwiggy. If you are happy with your current machines, just migrate over to the new Studio. It's the simplest way. Generally, migration should move all of your apps, even Calibre and VLC. Don't worry about them until the migration is over. Just assume they will work (they should). You can always reinstall them later if need be.

 

[BeatCrazy]

@BuddyRich you definitely run a high risk of pulling over Intel-based app versions if you use migration assistant.

Take your time, set up from scratch, enjoy all Apple Silicon has to offer

 

[chabig]

...you definitely run a high risk of pulling over Intel-based app versions if you use migration assistant.

Intel-based apps pose no risk, and as pointed out earlier, apps that have been updated are likely universal already. The OP can even confirm this on his Intel machine right now.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Intel-based apps pose no risk, and as pointed out earlier, apps that have been updated are likely universal already. The OP can even confirm this on his Intel machine right now.

The executables are universal for said apps. If you bring the full app over from an Intel machine, it's going to bring over the Intel binary and he'll be running it via Rosetta 2.

EDIT - I'm not 100% sure about the above, i.e. I'm not sure if the entire universal executable (with both ARM and x86 binaries) come over with migration assistant.

 

[chabig]

I'm not 100% sure about the above

I don't think that's right. I can (and so can you) select any app on my machine and choose Get Info. Almost all of them are Universal, meaning they contain code for both architectures.

 

[Sun Baked]

I would do the migration, and see how it goes.

Calibre is a universal binary, and will get updated from their website next time it says new version available.

VLC is Apple Silicon version, and you can download it again anytime.

I had around 20 old apps that I deleted and hid on the app store, these had no new versions and would not run anymore. I bought 5 new apps to replace them, and purchased the 88% discounted version of Office off MacHeist to kill off the MS subscription for a fraction of the price.

I likely could have reinstalled everything and saved some space on the drive, but it was not worth the time right now.

Considering this user account has been migrated for a long long time, I was amazed at the lack of issues. Though the number of virus alerts I got when opening the OS9 archive was amusing (was also astounded I had less issues plugging in the ancient firewire/usb drive than some of the newer devices.)

 

[benwiggy]

EDIT - I'm not 100% sure about the above, i.e. I'm not sure if the entire universal executable (with both ARM and x86 binaries) come over with migration assistant.

If you're unsure, then don't spread doubt.

MA won't 'split' a Universal Binary. Migration Assistant brings the complete app over, regardless of what type of Mac is at either end. An M1 or M2 Mac will run the native code, unless you've told it to use Rosetta.

You can always see what Kind apps are in System Information > Applications; or in Activity Monitor when they're running.

 

[Basic75]

You can't 'split' a Universal Binary.

You absolutely can strip unwanted architectures from universal binaries, but you are quite right that migration assistant won't do that.

 

[pmiles]

I'm with benwiggy on this... do a clean install. Apps can be downloaded anew to the system... it's the data files that you have generated and preferences for said apps that are unique to you that you need to transfer over.

Look at it this way... you just bought a new computer... why treat it like it's a refurb? When you bought your first computer you managed to download apps and set up preferences et al without an assistant. It's really not as time consuming as you may think... and in the end, it's a pristine setup... not one with excess baggage included.

For the record, in time, there will be NO universal binary versions. Apple is still in transition. The moment the OS is only ARM compatible is the day the transition has finally completed. Ventura still supports older architecture... as such, it brings with it excess baggage... no matter what anyone tries to tell you.

 

[benwiggy]

I'm with benwiggy on this... do a clean install.

I never said that! I've either cloned or migrated every single Mac I've ever had. (See list below.)