Category: MacBook

I am currently using macOS 10.13.3 (High Sierra) on my 2017 MacBook Air, which has an Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 120GB SSD. I am considering an upgrade to Monterey (12.7.4) and am weighing my options. There are two upgrade paths to think about:

1. The step-by-step upgrade process which involves moving from 10.13 (High Sierra) to 10.14 (Mojave), then to 10.15 (Catalina), followed by 11 (Big Sur), and finally reaching 12 (Monterey).

2. A direct upgrade from 10.13 (High Sierra) to 12.7.4 (Monterey). However, I have some concerns about the upgrade process. One major issue is the potential for problems related to the APFS conversion.

Additionally, I am wondering if any of my 32-bit applications will become incompatible after the upgrade. I am also contemplating whether to opt for a clean install or an upgrade-in-place, keeping in mind the implications for performance and stability, especially on older MacBook Air hardware. I have taken precautions by making multiple backups, including using Time Machine, creating a bootable USB installer for Monterey, and having external SSD backups. My primary goal is to avoid any risks of rendering my Mac unusable or encountering unexpected firmware issues during the upgrade.

I would appreciate any insights from others who have made this leap or have taken partial steps recently. If anyone has encountered challenges or has helpful tips regarding this upgrade process, I would be grateful for your input.

Best Buy is currently offering a $200 discount on several models of the 2024 M3 MacBook Air, making it an excellent time for customers to consider an upgrade. The deals primarily target the 13-inch variants, with the price starting at just $699 for the 256GB M3 MacBook Air, down from its original price of $899.

Additionally, the 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD version of the M3 MacBook Air is available for $899, while the 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD model is priced at $1,099. These prices represent significant reductions, making it an optimal opportunity for those looking for the latest technology.

Notably, Best Buy is the exclusive retailer for these offers at this time. If you are also in the market for the recently released M4 MacBook Air, Amazon has some ongoing promotions.

The entry-level 256GB 13-inch M4 MacBook Air is priced at $849, reflecting a $150 discount, while the 256GB 15-inch model is available for $1,049, also down $150. For those interested in staying informed about the latest Apple discounts and accessories, subscribing to a Deals Newsletter is a good way to keep track of the best offers throughout the season.

In other news, there are exciting developments regarding upcoming Apple products, including the anticipated iPhone 17 Pro models and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Analysts suggest that both devices will be launched later this year, with the watch expected to feature improvements, although its design may remain similar to previous models.

Meanwhile, iOS 26 compatibility has been confirmed for newer iPhone models, ensuring continued security updates for previous generations.

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a used M1 MacBook Air from a friend. It came with the latest version of MacOS Sequoia, but I’m planning to perform a fresh reinstall of the operating system since some native apps are experiencing glitches. I believe that a clean install could potentially fix these issues. Since acquiring the MacBook, I have customized various aspects, including the Dock, Finder, and Menu Bar, based on my personal preferences.

My main concern is whether these customizations will be lost after I reinstall MacOS. If they are lost, I will have to redo the customizations, which can be quite tedious. I’ve watched numerous videos to guide me through the process, but I don’t have the time to revisit all of them. Additionally, I am wondering if a fresh install will also remove the apps I’ve already installed.

To clarify, do I need to erase and format the existing OS before reinstalling, or can I install the new version directly over the current one? If erasing is necessary, I would like guidance on how to do that in MacOS. I appreciate any insights or tips on how to handle this fresh installation smoothly while keeping as much of my custom setup as possible. Thank you!