Summary of the Article: How to Update a Mac
1. If you can’t see Software Update on your older Mac, you can use the App Store app in your Applications folder. Click the Updates tab or search for software by name to check for updates.
2. To force your Mac to update, go to Apple menu > System Preferences, click General in the sidebar, and then click Software Update on the right.
3. Reasons why your Mac won’t upgrade to Monterey include: insufficient storage space, poor Internet connection, and incompatibility between your Mac model and the latest macOS version.
4. The oldest Macs that can support macOS Monterey are the 2016 MacBook, 2014 Mac mini, 2013 Mac Pro, 2014 iMac, 2013 and 2014 MacBook Air, 2013 and 2014 MacBook Pro, and 2015 MacBook.
5. To update a Mac running Sierra 10.12.6, you can click System Preferences or About This Mac, then choose the Update Now option or enable automatic updates in the App Store.
6. The latest version of macOS as of May 18, 2023, is macOS 12 Monterey (12.6.6).
7. macOS Monterey is not compatible with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac models launched before late 2015.
8. If you have a 2016 MacBook or newer, a 2014 Mac mini, or a 2013 Mac Pro, you can update to macOS Monterey.
9. It’s important to note that the information provided here is subject to change, so it’s best to check Apple’s official website for the most up-to-date compatibility information.
Questions:
1. How do I update my Mac if it won’t update?
Answer: If you don’t see Software Update, use the App Store app in your Applications folder. Click the Updates tab or search for software by name.
2. How do I force my Mac to update?
Answer: Go to Apple menu > System Preferences, click General in the sidebar, and then click Software Update on the right.
3. Why won’t my Mac upgrade to Monterey?
Answer: Reasons can include insufficient storage space, poor Internet connection, and incompatibility between your Mac model and the latest macOS version.
4. Can a Mac be too old to update?
Answer: Yes, older Macs may not be able to support the latest macOS versions. The oldest Macs that can run macOS Monterey are the 2016 MacBook, 2014 Mac mini, and 2013 Mac Pro.
5. How do I update my Mac running Sierra 10.12.6?
Answer: You can click System Preferences or About This Mac, then choose the Update Now option or enable automatic updates in the App Store.
6. What is the latest version of macOS?
Answer: As of May 18, 2023, the latest version of macOS is macOS 12 Monterey (12.6.6).
7. Is my Mac too old to update to Monterey?
Answer: macOS Monterey won’t run on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac models launched before late 2015. However, it is supported on the 2016 MacBook, 2014 Mac mini, and 2013 Mac Pro.
8. Can I update my Mac to Monterey?
Answer: If you have a 2016 MacBook or newer, a 2014 Mac mini, or a 2013 Mac Pro, you can update to macOS Monterey.
9. Where can I find the most up-to-date compatibility information?
Answer: It’s best to check Apple’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date compatibility information.
How do I update my Mac if it won’t update
If you don't see Software Update
If your older Mac doesn't include Software Update, use the App Store app instead. It's in your Applications folder. Click the Updates tab in the App Store to check for updates, or search for software by name.
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How do I force my Mac to update
To download macOS software updates, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then click Software Update on the right. To update software downloaded from the App Store, click the Apple menu—the number of available updates, if any, is shown next to App Store.
Why won t my Mac upgrade to Monterey
Here, we list all the possible reasons for your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air that won't update to macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina. No sufficient storage space on your Mac. Poor Internet connection. Incompatibility between your Mac model and the latest macOS.
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Can a Mac be too old to update
The 2016 MacBook is supported, and if you have a 2014 Mac mini or a 2013 Mac Pro you are in luck, but those are basically the oldest Macs that can support macOS Monterey. And when Big Sur launched in 2020 compatibility was limited to the 2014 iMac, 2013 and 2014 MacBook Air, 2013 and 2014 MacBook Pro, and 2015 MacBook.
How do I update my Mac Sierra 10.12 6
Click either System Preferences or About This Mac.You'll have two options when opening this menu.There are multiple ways to reach the updating screen.Click "Update Now" to update, and check the box pictured to enable automatic updates.Open the App Store.Navigate to the Updates page.
What is the latest version of macOS
Releases
| Version | Release Name | Most recent version |
|---|---|---|
| macOS 10.14 | Mojave | 10.14.6 (18G9323) (July 21, 2021) |
| macOS 10.15 | Catalina | 10.15.7 (19H2026) (July 20, 2022) |
| macOS 11 | Big Sur | 11.7.7 (20G1345) (May 18, 2023) |
| macOS 12 | Monterey | 12.6.6 (21G646) (May 18, 2023) |
Is my Mac too old to update Monterey
macOS Monterey won't run on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iMac models that launched before late 2015. The 2016 MacBook is supported, and if you have a 2014 Mac mini or a 2013 Mac Pro you are in luck, but those are basically the oldest Macs that can support macOS Monterey.
Why does my Mac update keep failing
What to Do if Your Mac Won't Update. If you're having issues updating your Mac, make sure that you have enough RAM and storage space to download the update. You can also try restarting your computer and downloading the update manually. Finally, try booting in safe mode or repairing your hard drive in Disk Utility.
What is the oldest Mac that is still supported
This means that Apple doesn't currently support software updates for Macs from before 2012, and as of the end of 2023 this is likely to extend to Macs from before 2013.
How long before a Mac is outdated
Every 3 to 4 years is a more realistic life span when it comes to a production computer. System hardware requirements to run new operating systems vary. Apple will generally upgrade the MacOS once per year. Most Macs will be able to be upgraded to the current operating system for about 4 to 6 years.
Can I update macOS Sierra 10.12 6 to Monterey
Simply launch the “Install MacOS Monterey. app” installer found in your /Applications folder and walk through the installer to upgrade directly to Monterey. At this point, the upgrade process is the same as every other upgrade of MacOS.
How do I update my Mac to latest version
Now we'll show you how to update Mac OS Monterey and earlier click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen. Then click system preferences. And click software update. You can click the
What year Mac can no longer be updated
Catalina will likely stop getting updates around October 2022, while Big Sur should become unsupported in October 2023. Once that happens, your Mac won't receive security updates for your current macOS version, and third-party software might stop working. This means you'll need to think about upgrading your Mac soon.
What is the oldest Mac that can run Monterey
When Monterey was released, it supported the following Macs:iMac (Late 2015 or later)iMac Pro (2017)MacBook (Early 2016 or later)MacBook Air (Early 2015 or later)MacBook Pro (Early 2015 or later)Mac Mini (Late 2014 or later)Mac Pro (Late 2013 or later)Mac Studio (2022)
How do I restart my Mac after failed to update
Try a force restart
Press and hold the Control-Command-power button until your Mac shuts down. Wait for a few seconds, and it should restart. Alternatively, you can force it to shut down by pressing the power button, waiting until it shuts down, and then pressing the power button again to restart it.
What Mac is outdated
As of May 2023, Apple considers the following Macs and older Obsolete: 11in MacBook Air (early 2014 and older) 13in MacBook Air (early 2014 and older) 13in MacBook Pro (mid 2014 and older)
Is macOS Sierra 10.12 6 outdated
In keeping with Apple's release cycle, macOS 10.12 Sierra will no longer be receiving security updates. Sierra was replaced by High Sierra 10.13, Mojave 10.14, and the newest Catalina 10.15. Our latest fully-supported operating system if macOS Mojave (10.14).
Is my Mac too old to update to Catalina
These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina: MacBook (Early 2015 or newer) MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer) MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
Is my Mac too old to update
Apple advises that macOS Catalina will run on the following Macs: MacBook models from early 2015 or later. MacBook Air models from mid-2012 or later. MacBook Pro models from mid-2012 or later.
What Mac is considered old
As of May 2023, Apple considers the following Macs and older Obsolete: 11in MacBook Air (early 2014 and older) 13in MacBook Air (early 2014 and older) 13in MacBook Pro (mid 2014 and older)
Why does my Apple update keep failing
You might be unable to update your iPhone or iPad wirelessly — or over the air — for one of these reasons: Your device doesn't support the latest software. There isn't enough available storage space on your device. The update takes a long time to download.
Which Apple devices are no longer supported
This comes after iOS 16 last year also dropped support for a number of devices, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the iPhone SE (1st generation), and the iPod touch (7th generation). Major Apple Devices Will Not Be Getting iOS17 or iPadOS17…
How do I update after High Sierra 10.13 6
If you're running High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), or El Capitan (10.11), upgrade to macOS Catalina from the App Store. If you're running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) first.
What is the oldest Mac you can update
Apple advises that macOS Catalina will run on the following Macs:MacBook models from early 2015 or later.MacBook Air models from mid-2012 or later.MacBook Pro models from mid-2012 or later.Mac mini models from late 2012 or later.iMac models from late 2012 or later.iMac Pro (all models)Mac Pro models from late 2013.
Is a 2013 iMac still good in 2022
These Macs were previously on the vintage list, but are now considered obsolete and are no longer eligible for repair. Obsoleted Macs include the late 2013 21.5 and 27-inch iMacs, the mid-2014 21.5-inch iMac, and the late 2014 27-inch Retina 5K iMac.
