Current Apple Macs

The Apple Logo

This is an Apple tech post with lots of details and I would like some feedback. It will be a LONG post.

Macs in Current Use

I have 4 Macs. My main one is a 2024 Mac mini M4 running macOS Sequoia 15.7.5. This is my main video editing system. I have been doing video editing for many years. I wish I would have spent more time doing it. But I’ve my share of other life interruptions to attend to. I make videos using Final Cut Pro

Then I have a MacBook Air M1 running macOS Tahoe 26.7.2. It’s my daily system that I use to look for jobs, email and various other apps that I use for creative work. I have found that this is the last version of macOS that will still support older apps from 2018 (like an older copy of OmiGraffle)

Then there is my iMac 27-inch Intel Core i5 with 32gb RAM and running macOS Ventura 13.7.8 The internal fusion hard drive stopped booting just over a yaer ago. I had just done a Carbon Copy Cloner full backup 5 days before. So I had a full backup to work with. I found a 700GB 2.5-inch SSD and I installed macOS Ventura 13.7.8 and plugged it into a USB3 port.

I rarely turn it on because what I use it for – VMware Fusion Pro 26H1u1 – I rarely need to access it. It runs a few of my Intel based virtual systems like macOS Mojave or older apps like iPhoto, Aperture and iTunes 12.9.5.5 music library that is a complete backup of what I have on my Mac mini M4. I also keep a backup of all of my music on my YouTube Music account

Music Libraries

My music is important and I have multiple backups of it on multiple places (like external hard drives via Carbon Copy Cloner)

The Oldest Mac

And I have a 2012 Mac mini with an SSD installed internally. It is used solely for backup purposes like running really older apps. It is running macOS Monterey (using OpenCore Legacy Patcher). I also have a VMware system running macOS Monterey. C’mon. give me a break here. I’m a tech guy and have been doing this for 40 years. At this point, I don’t spend a lot of time or energy on it. Just whatever time I have to keep things updated.

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Need Feedback

Ok. Here is where I need feedback. I told you all of the details so you know what I have already.

I tend to be at least one version of macOS behind the current release on all of my Macs. But I am curious about putting macOS Golden Gate on my MacBook Air M1
I am sure there are going to be a couple apps that will not work anymore (like OmniGraffle) but what is everyone’s experience with it so far? Compatibility? Do I need to upgrade third party apps?

I appreciate any feedback in advance. And also, feel free to ask about my Macs.