• Which Mac Computer To Buy
• Which Computer Should I Buy
• Which Mac Laptop To Buy 2018

Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system (macOS or OS X)? Is it using the version required by some other product that you want to use with your Mac? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent)? To find out, learn which version is installed now.

If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.

Which macOS version is installed?

From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. If you need to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.

2020-9-10  If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos. Buy for $200 from Best Buy It’s in the details, though, where they differ. If you’re a gamer, you’ll probably want to stick with Windows particularly because you can adapt your own hardware. Small Savings: If you don't need four USB-C ports or as much storage, you can save a little by getting the $1,299 13-inch MacBook Pro. This is the model people should get if they're just looking. Apple discontinued its 12-inch laptop in July 2019. You may be able to buy one in Apple’s Refurbished and Clearance Store, but supplies won’t last long. 13-inch models. Explore the world of Mac. Check out MacBook Pro, iMac Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, and more. Visit the Apple site to learn, buy, and get support.

This example shows macOS Catalina version 10.15 build 19A583.

Which macOS version is the latest?

These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Catalina. As updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.

If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos.

Migration Assistant copies all of your files to your new Mac so that you don't have to copy your files manually.

• If your files are currently on a Windows PC, follow the PC migration steps instead.
• If your new Mac is using OS X Mountain Lion v10.8 or earlier, follow the Mountain Lion migration steps instead.

Check software, settings, and power

• Install all available Apple software updates on both Mac computers. Install any updates for your third-party apps as well.
• Make sure that your old Mac is using OS X Lion or later.
• Make sure that your old Mac has a computer name: Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Sharing and check the Computer Name field.
• Connect both computers to AC power.

Connect the computers to each other

• If both computers are using macOS Sierra or later, just make sure that they're near each other and have Wi-Fi turned on. If either is using OS X El Capitan or earlier, connect them to the same network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Or connect them using target disk mode and the appropriate cable or adapter. Then start up your old computer in target disk mode.
• Or connect your new Mac to a Time Machine backup of your old Mac.

Use Migration Assistant

On your new Mac:

1. Open Migration Assistant, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
   
2. Click Continue.
3. When asked how you want to transfer your information, select the option to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
4. Click Continue.

On your old Mac:
If you started your old Mac in target disk mode or are migrating from a Time Machine backup, skip these four steps.

1. Open Migration Assistant.
2. Click Continue.
3. When asked how you want to transfer your information, select the option to transfer to another Mac.
4. Click Continue.

Which Mac Computer To Buy

On your new Mac:

Which Computer Should I Buy

1. When asked to select a Mac, Time Machine backup, or other startup disk, click the appropriate icon.
2. Click Continue. You might see a security code.

On your old Mac:
If you started your old Mac in target disk mode or are migrating from a Time Machine backup, skip these two steps.

1. If you see a security code, make sure that it's the same code as on your new Mac.
2. Click Continue.

On your new Mac:

1. Choose the backup to transfer information from.
2. Click Continue.

Which Mac Laptop To Buy 2018

Continuing on your new Mac:

1. Select the information to transfer from the backup.
2. Click Continue to start the transfer. If you have a lot of content, the transfer might take several hours to finish.

In the example above, John Appleseed is a macOS user account. If you transfer an account that has the same name as an account on your new Mac, you're asked to rename the old account or replace the one on your new Mac. If you rename, the old account appears as a separate user on your new Mac, with a separate home folder and login. If you replace, the old account overwrites the account on your new Mac, including everything in its home folder.

After Migration Assistant is done, log in to the migrated account on your new Mac to see its files. If you're not keeping your old Mac, learn what to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your old Mac.