Mac Transition to Apple Silicon – Everything you Need to Know! UPDATED

Apple Silicon Macs will be here soon!

Apple said the first Apple Silicon Mac will launch before the end of 2020. The launch date is quickly approaching, now is the time to get up to speed! I will be following my “Everything you need to know” format from my previous articles.

• 1. macOS Big Sur – mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links-updated/
• 2. macOS Catalina – mrmacintosh.com/macos-10-15-catalina-updated-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links/
• 3. Notarization – mrmacintosh.com/updated-list-of-macos-notarization-links/

This article will be updated as new Apple Silicon information comes in.

The feedback that I’ve received from these has been really great. The big takeaway is that everyone really likes how all the information is all in one place. You are not wasting time looking for that one article, command or link.

NOTE: Everything in this article is public knowledge from Apple. Once the first Apple Silicon Mac ships, I will post more in depth articles.

Let’s get started!

Updates

Follow Me on Twitter @ClassicII_MrMac

Mr. Macintosh on YouTube.com

#AppleSiliconUpdates – will be the hashtag to follow for updates to this article.

Table of Contents – UPDATED 11/05/20

• 1. Apple Silicon Mac Release Date
• 2. MacOS Big Sur Installer Information
• 3. How To download macOS Big Sur 11
• 4. How to build a USB Big Sur Installer
• 5. Previous macOS Big Sur Beta Releases
• 6. Apple Silicon Recovery Options
• 7. How to use the new start manager on Apple Silicon
• 8. Internet Recovery is dead on Apple Silicon
• 9. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery
• 10. Apple Silicon System Recovery
• 11. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?
• 12. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer
• 13. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon
• 14. Apple Silicon Security Policy
• 15. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS
• 16. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?
• 17. How to use SMB Mac Sharing Mode (Replaces Target Disk Mode – TDM)
• 18. Apple Mac Mini Developer Transition Kit (DTK)
• 19. Rosetta 2 Intel app Emulator
• 20. Kexts, System Extensions & Drivers
• 21. Apple Silicon Virtualization
• 22. Apple Links
• 23. WWDC20 Video Links
• 24. MacAdmin Blog Links
• 25. Miscellaneous Links
• 26. MacAdmins.slack.com – #AppleSilicon
• 27. Credits

1. Apple Silicon Mac Release Date

The first Apple Silicon Macs will be introduced at the

“One more thing” November 10th event!!!

2. MacOS Big Sur Installer Information

The macOS Big Sur installer is unified. This means that you can install it on a Apple Silicon or Intel based Mac.

3. How To download macOS Big Sur 11

Once Big Sur goes live, macOS Big Sur will be available for you to upgrade in the following places.

• System Preferences > Software Update > Upgrade to Big Sur.
• Mac App Store > macOS Big Sur > Download.

You can look at my how to download macOS article for more info.

mrmacintosh.com/how-to-download-macos-catalina-mojave-or-high-sierra-full-installers/

4. How to build a USB Big Sur Installer

Once you have macOS Big Sur downloaded you can do the following steps to build a macOS Big Sur 11 USB Installer disk.

1. Plug in blank USB stick (Must be 15GB or larger as the installer is 12GB)
2. Open Terminal.app
3. Run this command
4. sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
5. MyVolume is the name of your USB Flash Drive.

More info from Apple’s Support. support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

5. Previous macOS Big Sur Beta Releases

• 9. Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) – 09/29/20 – Current Release
• 8. Big Sur 11 Beta 8 (20A5374i) – 09/22/20 – My Release Notes
• 7. Big Sur 11 Beta 7 (20A5374g) – 09/17/20 – My Release Notes
• 6. Big Sur 11 Beta 6 (20A5364e) – 09/03/20 – My Release Notes
• 5. Big Sur 11 Beta 5 (20A5354i) – 08/19/20 – My Release Notes
• 4. Big Sur 11 Beta 4 (20A5343i) – 08/04/20
• 3. Big Sur 11 Beta 3 (20A5323l) – 07/22/20
• 2. Big Sur 11 Beta 2 (20A4300b) – 07/07/20 – My Release Notes
• 1. Big Sur 11 Beta 1 (20A4299v) – 06/22/20 – My Release Notes

6. Apple Silicon Recovery Options

Apple Silicon changes the way in which we enter recovery on the Mac. In the past, we had to remember multiple keyboard commands. On Apple Silicon, all you need to do is hold down the power button. In a few seconds, you will see the new Apple Silicon Startup Manager.

7. How to use the new start manager on Apple Silicon

To enter Apple Silicon Startup manager follow these steps.

• 1. Hold down the power button
• 2. You will see the message “Continue holding for startup options”
• 3. The next message will say “Loading Startup Options…”
• 4. You will now see the new Apple Silicon Startup Manager.

The startup manager will show you the main boot disk (Macintosh HD) Boot icon and Recovery Options. Click “Options” to boot into macOS Recovery.

8. Internet Recovery is dead on Apple Silicon

Have you had trouble booting into Internet Recovery in the past? You are not alone. Now with Apple Silicon, Internet recovery is officially retired. It will still remain for Intel based Macs. For Apple Silicon we now have 3 different ways to reinstall macOS.

• 1. macOS Recovery = First line of recovery.
• 2. System Recovery = Hidden partition for when normal macOS recovery is not available.
• 3. macOS System Restore via DFU mode + Apple Configurator 2.

9. Apple Silicon macOS Recovery

Apple Silicon macOS Recovery is almost exactly the same as it is on Intel Based Macs. The only difference is Security Policy options was moved from the Menu bar to the “Startup Disk”.

10. Apple Silicon System Recovery

Apple Silicon System Recovery is a new hidden recovery option in addition to macOS Recovery. If for some reason macOS Recovery becomes corrupt, System recovery will load which is the same as macOS recovery. You can use it to reinstall macOS and macOS Recovery.

11. Both macOS Recovery and System Recovery are not available?

The blinking folder icon is now retired. If the Mac is not bootable, you will now see an old friend.

Credit: Martin Nobel – youtube.com/watch?v=XOLIknk1ZHM

12. Apple Silicon External Boot Options – USB Installer

On Apple Silicon external boot remains, but has changed.

External Boot for the macOS installer is now enabled by default

You no longer need to enter Security Options to enable External Boot!

You can build out a USB Installer of macOS Big Sur and boot your Apple Silicon Mac to it. The big difference that ONLY the installer is available for a reinstall of the OS. You can NOT erase the drive in this mode.

13. How to Use Apple Configurator 2 to reinstall macOS on Apple Silicon

If all options to reinstall macOS fail you can now use Apple Configurator 2.

• 1. Revive = ?
• 2. Restore = ?
• 3. Reinstall macOS = Reinstall macOS Recovery / System Recovery / macOS

This will help with rapid deployment in lab / school situations.

14. Apple Silicon Security Policy

We know that an Apple Silicon Mac will have 2 Security modes.

1.Full Security = “iOS Security” – Only the latest signed version of macOS can be installed on an Apple Silicon Mac.

Full Security

Ensures that only your current OS, or signed operating system software currently trusted by Apple, can run. This mode requires a network connection at software installation time.

WWDC 2020

2. Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple.

Reduced Security

Allows any version of signed operating system software ever trusted by Apple to run.

WWDC 2020

With the new Apple Silicon Security Policy, you can set a security policy for each container! On an Intel based Mac the security policy would be set on the entire system.

15. Apple Silicon Compatible Versions of macOS

Will you be able to install older versions of macOS? A quick review;

• Full Security = iOS based security, only the latest signed version of macOS can run on the system.
• Reduced Security = Any version of macOS that was signed by Apple can run on Apple Silicon
• Note: The shipping OS version will be the oldest OS available to install.

16. Can I downgrade macOS on Apple Silicon?

Yes! But only with your Apple Silicon Security Policy set to “Reduced Security”.

17. How to use SMB Mac Sharing Mode (Replaces Target Disk Mode – TDM)

Target Disk Mode has been retired on Apple Silicon. It was replaced with Apple Silicon Mac Sharing Mode.

Boot to macOS recovery and then select “Mac Sharing Mode” you will be able to transfer data over USB-C cable. You will need to authenticate with a SecureToken User that is on the host Mac.

18. Apple Mac Mini Developer Transition Kit (DTK)

• New Mac Developer Transition Kit with Apple Silicon, a comprehensive set of resources, and one-on-one technical support, you’ll have everything you need to get your Universal apps ready before Apple Silicon Macs become available to customers.– developer.apple.com/programs/universal/
• Universal App Quick Start Program – Get your Universal apps ready. The Universal App Quick Start Program includes all the tools, resources, and support you need to build, test, and optimize your next-generation Universal apps for macOS Big Sur. – developer.apple.com/programs/universal/apply/
• Apple Silicon Developer Transition Kit Mac Mini Specifications – developer.apple.com/programs/universal/#modal-tech-specs
• As part of the program, you’ll have limited access to a Developer Transition Kit (DTK), which will be shipped to you, for developing and testing your Universal apps. The DTK is owned by Apple and must be returned. For full details, see the Universal App Quick Start Program terms and conditions. – developer.apple.com/terms/universal-app-quick-start-program/Developer-Universal-App-Quick-Start-Program.pdf

19. Rosetta 2 Intel app Emulator

About the Rosetta Translation Environment – Learn how Rosetta translates executables, and understand what Rosetta can’t translate. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/about_the_rosetta_translation_environment

20. Kexts, System Extensions & Drivers

• Implementing Drivers, System Extensions, and Kexts – Create drivers and system extensions to communicate with hardware and provide low-level services, and only use kernel extensions for a few tasks. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/implementing_drivers_system_extensions_and_kexts
• Installing a Custom Kernel Extension – Install kernel extensions using a custom installer package, and help users understand the installation process. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/installing_a_custom_kernel_extension
• Debugging a Custom Kernel Extension – Configure your system to enable the debugging of custom kernel extensions from a second Mac. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/debugging_a_custom_kernel_extension

21. Apple Silicon Virtualization

As of right now, only Linux and macOS can be virtualized.

22. Apple Links

WWDC20 Keynote – apple.com/apple-events/june-2020/

JNUC 2020 Apple Presentation – youtube.com/watch?v=pgZ02njP6kY

• Apple Silicon – Get the resources you need to create software for Macs with Apple silicon. – developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon
• Apple announces Mac transition to Apple Silicon. – Developers can start building apps today and first system ships by year’s end, beginning a two-year transition. – apple.com/newsroom/2020/06/apple-announces-mac-transition-to-apple-silicon/

1. Apple Developer Forums – All new for 2020 – developer.apple.com/forums/

2. Xcode 12 Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-12-beta-release-notes

3. Xcode 12 for macOS Universal Apps Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-12-for-macos-universal-apps-beta-release-notes

4. FeedBack Assistant. developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/ – feedbackassistant.apple.com/welcome

5. What’s New for Enterprise and Education WWDC 2020 June 2020 (v1.0) (AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com

6. AppleSeed – macOS 11.0 Big Sur Beta Release Notes (AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com

23. WWDC20 Video Links

• Port your Mac app to Apple Silicon – Your porting questions, answered: Learn how to recompile your macOS app for Apple Silicon Macs and build universal apps that launch faster, have better performance, and support the future of the platform. We’ll show you how Xcode makes it simple to build a universal macOS binary. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10214/
• What’s new in managing Apple devices. – iOS, macOS, tvOS We’ve made significant strides in bringing crucial device management features to macOS. Discover how these features can help you manage your all your devices using the same tools and technologies. Get details on changes coming this year and how they will impact your deployment workflows– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10639/
• iPad and iPhone apps on Apple Silicon Macs. – Apple Silicon Macs can run many iPad and iPhone apps as-is, and these apps will be made available to users on the Mac through the Mac App Store. Discover how iPad and iPhone apps run on Apple Silicon Macs, and the factors that make your apps come across better.– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10114/
• Explore the new system architecture of Apple Silicon Macs – Discover how Macs with Apple Silicon will deliver modern advantages using Apple’s System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture. Leveraging a unified memory architecture for CPU and GPU tasks, Mac apps will see amazing performance benefits. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10686/

24. MacAdmin Blog Links

This list is specifically for MacAdmins. This will be an ongoing list of articles and posts that will help you learn the latest 11.0 changes.

Howard Oakley – electiclight.co

• Big Sur and Apple Silicon: interesting times ahead –eclecticlight.co/2020/06/24/big-sur-and-apple-silicon-interesting-times-ahead/
• Changing the clock in Apple Silicon Macs – eclecticlight.co/2020/09/08/changing-the-clock-in-apple-silicon-macs/
• New freeware menu: all the apps that are fit for Big Sur and Apple Silicon – eclecticlight.co/2020/09/11/new-freeware-menu-all-the-apps-that-are-fit-for-big-sur-and-apple-silicon/
• Apple Silicon Macs will require signed code – eclecticlight.co/2020/08/22/apple-silicon-macs-will-require-signed-code/
• Last Week on My Mac: How Apple told us about Apple Silicon 2 years ago- eclecticlight.co/2020/07/26/last-week-on-my-mac-how-apple-told-us-about-apple-silicon-2-years-ago/

Rich Trouton – WWDC20 Notes – derflounder.wordpress.com/2020/06/23/wwdc-2020-notes/

• 1. Notes from What’s New in Apple Device Management (6/23/20): https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/650065
• 2. Notes from Explore the new system architecture of Apple Silicon Macs (6/24/20): https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/650931
• 3. Notes from Discover AppleSeed for IT and Managed Software Updates (6/25/20): https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/651590

Mr. Macintosh

• macOS Big Sur Everything you need to know – mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links-updated/

The Apple Ninja

• Apple Silicon ARM Macs: What you need to know before buying one! youtube.com/watch?v=Frw2N046zfw

25. Miscellaneous Links

• MacAdmins Big Sur Community Questions Post – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S6niz-ShXOXlGFORWi_5Ez7vFwZ0Iv4GJB6m2vAyavQ/edit
• MacAdmins Big Sur FeedBack Request Community Document – docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P0GIosWdhPLgsqAqfOq-XxKpJ_xpJcXdpKJ5Z3Ry5EE/edit?usp=sharing

26. MacAdmins.slack.com – #AppleSilicon

Visit the #AppleSilicon Channel in MacAdmins Slack.

27. Credits

Martin Nobile – Visit his youtube channel! He found some great screenshots from Apple Silicon. youtube.com/channel/UCIfe1juYd-atTo-MmPgmU4g

JNUC 2020 Apple Presentation Slides – Updated Info from WWDC2020 – youtube.com/watch?v=pgZ02njP6kY