Upgrading iMac operating system

I have an iMac21.5" late 2012 8Gb 1600MHz DDR3 running Sierra 10.12.6. What is the most up to date OS I can install?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Oct 8, 2023 08:38 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 8, 2023 08:43 AM

The newest macOS that machine can run is 10.15.7 Catalina.


How to Upgrade to  macOS 10.15 Catalina:


🖥 – Check compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS.


macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)

• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)

• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)

• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)

• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)

• iMac Pro (2017)

• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)


To find the details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon  at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac. 


❗️– IMPORTANT  – Backup your data. (You’ve been warned.)

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine:

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


❗️ – IMPORTANT  Your 32-bit apps won’t work in Catalina.

Get this free utility to check the compatibility of your apps:

St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/


✅ - Download the macOS 10.15 Catalina installer here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314

The download will place the "Install macOS Catalina" app in the Applications folder. Double-click the installer to begin the upgrade process. 


7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 8, 2023 08:43 AM in response to hal1750

The newest macOS that machine can run is 10.15.7 Catalina.


How to Upgrade to  macOS 10.15 Catalina:


🖥 – Check compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS.


macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)

• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)

• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)

• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)

• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)

• iMac Pro (2017)

• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)


To find the details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon  at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac. 


❗️– IMPORTANT  – Backup your data. (You’ve been warned.)

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine:

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


❗️ – IMPORTANT  Your 32-bit apps won’t work in Catalina.

Get this free utility to check the compatibility of your apps:

St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/


✅ - Download the macOS 10.15 Catalina installer here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314

The download will place the "Install macOS Catalina" app in the Applications folder. Double-click the installer to begin the upgrade process. 


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Upgrading iMac operating system

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