I have a 2020 MacBook Air that's stuck on OS X 10.11.6 (El Capitan) and can't be updated. The outdated browsers make it tough to use services like YouTube, Google Docs, Gmail, Canva, and Discord for voice calls. I'm concerned about compatibility issues, particularly with Bluetooth headphones, on Linux. Is it worth migrating to Linux, or should I just give up on this Mac?
4 Answers
You might have a valid point about Bluetooth issues with Linux. Before making a switch, I suggest looking for resources and community advice, especially for your specific model. It's always good to research and see how others with the same device are coping with the transition.
It's strange that you can't update your MacBook. Normally, 2020 models ship with macOS Big Sur at the very least. If your Mac is really from 2020 but still on El Capitan, there might be something off. It's worth checking the hardware model because if it's been modified or is an old model, that could change how you approach installing Linux. If it’s newer and has T2 security, installing Linux will require additional steps.
If your Mac is effectively a dead end software-wise, trying out Linux could be worth it. Your MacBook has the newer M-Series chips, which means it’s built on ARM architecture, not the x86 many Linux distributions focus on. However, there's a project called Asahi Linux that's working to support these M-Series Macs, so that's something to check out!
You have nothing to lose if you're considering giving up on the Mac. Trying Linux could be a fun experiment! If it doesn’t work out for you, you can always reinstall OS X or sell it. I’d recommend Pop!_OS; it’s user-friendly and has a neat dock and menu bar for a familiar feel.
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check for resources related to my specific model.