In November 2020, Apple introduced its own M1 chip that powers the latest generation of Macs. Besides significantly improving performance, it has a lot of other goodies to offer.
In this article, we take a look at how these new processors are changing the way Macs work and what to consider before ditching Intel.
We will focus more on technical manipulations in comparison to previous models. We are thinking in particular of booting from external disks, using target disk mode, switching to recovery mode or even hardware resets.
Mac Intel vs M1: what changes?
The manufacture of Silicon processors has created subtle, but essential differences in the way they interact with macOS, especially compared to those of the Intel generation.
1. Access Restore on a Mac M1
On Intel Macs, to use recovery (for the purpose of erasing or reinstalling your Mac) you must press and hold the keys Order + R during startup, to then access tools such as Disk Utility.
On a Mac M1, the process is a bit different. To start, you need to turn it off and then press and hold the power button.
When the Apple logo appears, you will then see a text appear informing you that you can access the boot options. You will only have to select Options and then Continue to open the recovery function.
2. Reset System Management Controller (SMC)
Traditionally, on an Intel Mac, troubleshooting fan issues involves resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). To do this :
- Shut down your Mac.
- Hold down the power button for 10 seconds and then release it.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
M1 Macs do not have a System Management Controller. All functions that were previously handled by the SMC are incorporated directly into the M1 processor.
You can still modify some of its parameters, such as the day before, using for example the tool Terminal pmset.
If your Mac M1 has a hardware problem, then try putting it into DFU mode and reinstalling the firmware using Apple Configurator 2 and another Mac.
3. Reset NVRAM
Another troubleshooting method that M1 Macs lack is the ability to take advantage of hotkeys to reset NVRAM. Still, it might come in handy if you have boot, audio, or other issues.
On Mac Intel, you must hold down the keys Option / Alt + Command + P + R when starting the computer.
However, there is no equivalent for the M1.
Indeed, on the latter, NVRAM is still present, but it works differently.
You can still view and change settings with the terminal's NVRAM command, but you can no longer reset its contents.
According to some reports, the M1 chip tests NVRAM when the computer is turned back on after a complete shutdown. If it detects anything abnormal in the memory, then it will automatically reset.
The alternative is to start your Mac in recovery mode, to throw Port from the menu Tools and enter the command: NVRAM –c
4. Restoring a Time Machine backup, or using Disk Utility
If your Mac is having serious problems, then you may need to restore a Time Machine backup or use the software Disk Utility to repair, or delete data from your hard drive.
Although these two options are still available on M1 and Intel Macs, the way to access them has changed.
With Intel Macs:
Hold the keys Order + R pressed during startup. After which, choose the type of backup or repair you want to use.
On new M1 Macs, the procedure is slightly different:
- Switch off the device
- Press the power button and keep it pressed until you see a message about boot options loading.
- Click on the button Options, And then Continue.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Choice of boot volume
When you follow the above procedure, you have the option of choosing between Utilities et Boot-time security utility to get more tools. You will usually find three options: Complete security, normal security et No security.
Apple describes these levels as follows:
Complete security
“Ensures that only your current operating system or operating system software signed and currently approved by Apple can be run. This mode requires a network connection when installing the software”.
normal security
“Permits execution of any version of operating system software that has been signed and previously approved by Apple”.
No security
“Does not apply any requirement to the bootable operating system”.
The M1 Macs only have the first two levels of security, probably because Apple hardens the system against any vulnerability. However, you can no longer set a password for the firmware.
6. Boot from external drives
On Intel, you will find boot options in a section called External Boot, but it is absent on M1 Macs.
- Shut down your computer.
- Turn it back on while holding down the power button.
- Wait for Boot Options to fully load before releasing it.
- You will see available volumes, log in as administrator
- Click on the disk you want to use.
7. Safe Mode
If you think software you have installed is causing problems, the best way to check it is to go through safe mode. It is available under M1 and Intel chips, but again you will need to use separate commands.
On Intel, restart your computer while holding the key Shift pressed.
For M1 users, turn off your macOS and restart it by holding down the power key until you see the boot options. Next, select the internal drive, hold down Shift pressed and click Continue in Safe Mode.
8. Mode Diagnostics Apple
Another handy mode for troubleshooting is the Apple Diagnostics.
On Intel Macs, when rebooting keep the D key pressed, you should automatically enter this mode.
For M1 devices, hold down the power key until you see the boot options, then immediately press the keys Order + D.
9. Battery management
For MacBooks, it is important to save battery power in order to prolong the use of the computer, but also its longevity in general.
Intel MacBooks have Power Nap and other features designed to maximize battery life.
M1 Macs take care of it themselves, the system monitors your activities and power needs to protect the battery level.
10. Using One Mac as a Hard Drive for Another (Target Disk Mode)
Target Disk mode is present on Mac Intel, and allows it to be used as a hard disk on another Mac, via a Thunderbolt connection.
On Mac M1, this parameter does not exist, however a process similar to starting in Recovery mode, allows you to obtain a similar result:
- Connect two Macs via a USB-C cable or a Thunderbolt cable.
- Restart the Mac M1, holding down the button ignition.
- Then select Options, Utilities, then choose Share a disc.
Once you enter your password, the disk should appear on the other Mac; the shared disk is under the tab Network about System Preferences.
Recommended articles:
- Mac M1: do they work with older macOS versions?
- How to factory reset a Mac?
- The Best Virtual Machines for Mac (2021)
