my desktop iMac says mid 2011. That means I can't upgrade?

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.

While you cannot upgrade past macOS High Sierra 10.13, that doesn't mean the Mac is useless. It will still work just fine.

However, if you want to upgrade to a newer version of macOS, such as macOS Big Sur 11, then you'll need a new Mac.

Jack

I agree with Allan. If the computer still does what you need it to do, then do not replace it. I had a 2011 27" iMac up until last year that worked perfectly. The only reason I replaced it is I like to stay current on Mac OS.

When your 2011 has some type of hardware failure, that is the time to replace it. Please remember that you have lots of alternatives when it comes time to. Until then, begin saving.

Apparently the newest Pegasus spyware can attack Apple laptops and desktops: "According to Apple’s analysis, the exploit works against all iOS, MacOS, and WatchOS versions prior to those released September 13, 2021 (today).”"

[Edited by Moderator]

If you are concerned with the infamous spyware for whichupdates were sent out last week, according to various reports the spyware targets "all iOS, MacOS, and WatchOS versions prior to those released September 13, 2021 (today)" so not being able to update security for a 2011 iMac could be a concern. Catalina can accept the security update. My mid 2011 iMAc cannot. However, at least I can run a secure FF browser (Safari won't update)

I posted my warning about Pegasus and Mac twice. The first time I was told that My postwas unacceptable because had posted advertising. I decided maybe they thought the word "pegasus" was advertising. The second time I used "FF" for Firefox and used circumlocution to describe Pegasus. It turns out that they posted my initial post anyway so I don't know what the editing problem was.

Apparently Apple has not replied to questions about the vulnerability of Sierra and pre2012 Macs to Pegasus. I mentioned Firefox because Safari probably is out of date on your Mac. Old Macs should use a continuously updated browser such as Firefox for security reasons, not a neglected Safari. Browsers are the main point of vulnerability. . You should go to the Firefox website periodically to assure that your Firefox is the newest version. It probably won't auto-update. Less cookies (not more cookies) is more secure btw .

We just learned that Pegasus can be used agains desktop computers. However, we have little to worry about unless we're celebrities, politicians, activists or reporters. Who's going to pay $500K for software to access our Macs or iPhones. We have more to worry about with adware and malware than Pegasus.

The Pegasus spyware is only for Apple and Android cell phones, i.e. iPhones and Androids. It's not for desktop computers. There's nothing to worry about.

Does Apple have discounts for the old? If only.

You need to ask Apple. We are your fellow end users.

My wife still uses a mid-2011 iMac running High Sierra. We are not planning to throw it anywhere.