Getting a new M1 MBP-replacing 2014 MBP-can I wait to be on Big Sur?

The absolute BEST way it to use Setup assistant.

When you first turn on your new Mac, DO NOT create a new user, just tell it to use your old files, and tell it where they are.

Or you can use Migration assistant later, but it creates an additional User.

Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support

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mrstee wrote:

Thank you both for replying. Grant Bennet-Alder-what is Setup assistant? Is that different from Migration Assistant? Judy

Setup Assistant on the initial boot— you have one shot here. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205749

mrstee wrote:

Hi-I am one lucky gal to be getting a M1 MacBook Pro (16GB, 1T). It will be replacing my 2014 MBP which is running Catalina. I have read and heard some horror stories about upgrading to Big Sur on my 2014 MBP and would prefer to wait and just run that on my new machine.

Is there any problem with waiting and using Migration Assistant to migrate all my stuff from my Catalina machine to my new M1 Mac?

Anything I should know about the migration from one previous operating system to the newest one? Thank you so much for your help! Judy

There is no issue here.

Setup Assistant is the software that runs on initial power-on, and never again. leroydouglas kindly provided a link, above.

It uses the same basic mechanism as Migration Assistant, but is vastly preferable because it does not leave you with "extra" users.

If you proceed with initial setup WITHOUT having your data available for transfer at that moment, then Migration Assistant is the second-best way to transfer your information. 'Rules of engagement' are otherwise the same.

Good thing you have friends on the Apple user-to-User support communities.