Replacing MacBook Early 2016 with new MacBook Air

[IndyBob]

I am replacing my MacBook Retina Early 2016 that has macOS Catalina 10.15.7 with the new 13-inch MacBook Air with the M1 chip and macOS Big Sur.



Should I update my MacBook 2016 to Big Sur and do a fresh Time Machine backup before setting up the new MacBook Air?



Thanks

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Yes, you should. At least I would, based on how I have handled previous transfers.

 

[phil.544]

You can do that but that's not necessary. I'm expecting my M1 MBA in 10 days and I'm planning on using a Thunderbolt 3 cable, set my old Mac to disk target mode and move all the files I want on my new MBA.

If you want a backup on an external drive you can update to Big Sur so you can use the new APFS system even using Time Machine.

 

[Hexley]

I am replacing my MacBook Retina Early 2016 that has macOS Catalina 10.15.7 with the new 13-inch MacBook Air with the M1 chip and macOS Big Sur.



Should I update my MacBook 2016 to Big Sur and do a fresh Time Machine backup before setting up the new MacBook Air?



Thanks

I'd use the 2020 MBA's USB-C cable to transfer data between the two Macs to make it as quick as possible.

 

[IndyBob]

I'd use the 2020 MBA's USB-C cable to transfer data between the two Macs to make it as quick as possible.

Ok thanks. Sounds like a good plan.