The various models of M3-equipped MacBook Air go on sale today, but there’s a small fly in the ointment for lucky fans who managed to secure a launch-day unit: there’s a day-one macOS update.
According to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, the initial run of 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch MacBook Airs will arrive running “a special build of macOS Sonoma 14.3, with a version number of 23D2057.” But since macOS 14.4 came out yesterday–while the laptops were in transit, effectively–customers will be prompted to install it as soon as they set up their new machines.
Day-one software updates can sometimes signal that a device-specific problem has been identified between the first wave of products being shipped and arriving at their destination. In this case, however, it just seems to reflect a quirk of timing which means Apple didn’t have time to load macOS 14.4 on to the new MacBooks before sending them out.
In other words, don’t panic. And enjoy the new emoji.
Updating macOS on your Mac is a simple process. If you miss the prompts at setup, simply go to System Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions there.
Author: David Price, Editor
David has loved the iPhone since covering the original 2007 launch; later his obsession expanded to include iPad and Apple Watch. He offers advice to owners (and prospective owners) of these devices.