Transferring your files on Apple computers used to be somewhat of a pain and required the computers be physically connected via ethernet or Thunderbolt cable. The process is somewhat more manageable now with Migration Assistant and iCloud allowing transfer over WiFi. It does take time though.
Fortunately, Apple will now migrate data to new Macs for free. The service used to cost $99. The new policy change took effect earlier this month.
“Beginning April 2, there will be no cost for Data Migrations with the purchase of a new Mac or Data Transfers with a repair,” an Apple representative told TidBITS. The spokesperson did not mention reasons for the change, but it is likely due to the fact that data migration is much easier than it used to be. However, it is still time-consuming.
First, you have to be sure macOS on both computers is up-to-date. You will also have to update all third-party apps. If your old computer is running anything earlier than Snow Leopard 10.6.8, there is a whole separate process to follow.
Once everything is updated connect both Macs (there are different instructions for migrating from Windows) to WiFi and place them near each other. If either of the computers are using El Capitan or earlier, there is again a whole separate process.
It sounds complicated, but it really is not. As long as both are running Sierra or later, just open Migration Assistant on both computers and follow the on-screen instructions. The transferring could take hours depending on drive size and the amount of data that needs to be moved.
Still, you may not need the data migration service in the first place. Gone are the days where you would need a Thunderbolt cable or ethernet cord to transfer files from your old computer to your new one. That process could sometimes take several hours. While the process hasn’t gotten quicker, tools like Migration Assistant and iCloud make it easier for users to transfer the files on their own. Users don’t have to deal with any cords or connecting cables and can just transfer their files through WiFi.
But if you’d rather Apple handle the dirty work and not risk losing any files, you now have the option to do so for free.
