TL;DR: Back up both Macs, update them, and run Migration Assistant over a wired link. Install Apple-silicon app versions (enable Rosetta for Intel-only tools), then sign back into your services and verify Photos/Mail. If the old Mac is unstable, we image it first.

Before you start (save headaches)

Backup x2: Time Machine or a full-system image of the Intel Mac, plus a quick copy of Desktop/Documents/Pictures to an external drive.
Power + cable: Keep both Macs on power. Use USB-C/Thunderbolt or Ethernet (USB-C dongles are fine).
Updates: Update macOS on both; vendor utilities/firmware on the Intel Mac can reduce transfer errors.
Licences: Deauthorise iTunes/Music (if you’re at the device limit) and sign out of any apps that strictly count activations.

Need help prepping? → Cloud backup setup or Data backup — full image

Two reliable paths (choose one)

A) Straight Migration Assistant (fastest)

On both Macs: Applications → Utilities → Migration Assistant.
On the new Mac, choose From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk → Continue.
On the old Mac, choose To another Mac → select the new Mac.
Select Users, Applications, Settings (and “Other files” if needed).
Let it finish. First boot may be busy (indexing). Give Photos/Spotlight time.

B) Clean install → user-data only (cleanest)

Finish new-Mac setup to a temporary admin.
Run Migration Assistant and only migrate your user account(s) and Documents.
Manually install fresh Apple-silicon app versions; sign in and restore settings.

Unsure which path? If the Intel Mac is cluttered or unstable, pick B. Otherwise, A is great.

App & driver notes (Apple silicon realities)

Rosetta 2 lets Intel apps run—approve it the first time you open an Intel-only app.
Prefer Universal/Apple silicon installers for: browsers, Adobe CC, Office, IDEs, media tools, VPNs.
Kernel extensions/drivers (e.g., legacy NTFS, audio interfaces) may need vendor updates. Check each vendor’s Apple-silicon page after migration.
Re-enable login items thoughtfully—skip old updaters you don’t need.

Mail, Photos & iCloud sanity

If you used iCloud on the Intel Mac, sign in on the new Mac and let it re-sync; expect indexing for Photos and Mail.
On-device Photos library: Migration Assistant brings it; open Photos once and leave it to finish background tasks.
Outlook/other mail: add accounts fresh if you didn’t migrate apps; let them fully re-index before judging performance.

Common pitfalls we handle

Stalls over weak Wi-Fi → switch to USB-C/Thunderbolt or Ethernet.
App activations hit limits → de-authorise/reactivate properly.
Old NTFS/T2 issues → we image first and restore safely.
FileVault/Activation Lock surprises → we verify unlocks and re-escrow keys for you.

Book help (local to Stellenbosch)

Move files & profiles → Data migration (device-to-device)
New Mac setup (guided) → New PC/Laptop setup
Belt-and-braces backup → Data backup — full system image
Hands-on help now → Remote support session

Final checks (5-minute post-migration)

✅ Sign in: Apple ID, Microsoft/Google, Adobe
✅ Install native Apple-silicon versions; enable Rosetta when needed
✅ Photos/Mail finished indexing
✅ Printers/Scanners re-added; test a page/scan
✅ Time Machine turned on (new target)
✅ Recovery keys stored safely (FileVault on)

FAQs

Can I migrate from a Time Machine backup instead of the old Mac?
Yes—often faster and less fussy. Connect the backup drive to the new Mac and choose From a Time Machine backup in Migration Assistant.

Will my Boot Camp partition move?
No—Boot Camp x86 doesn’t run on Apple silicon. Use a VM for Windows-on-ARM if needed.

Do I need antivirus on macOS?
Built-in protections are strong, but browser hygiene and signed installers matter most. We can add light AV if your risk profile needs it.

What if the old Mac won’t boot?
Don’t keep power-cycling. We’ll image the drive and migrate from the image to protect your data.

Ready to switch? We’ll make the Intel → Apple-silicon move boring and safe—backups verified, apps working, and your first login feeling familiar.