Upgrade from Catalina to Big Sur or Monterey?

I'm currently running iOS Catalina on a late 2015 iMac 27". I want to upgrade. Should I upgrade to the next-in-line iOS, Big Sur, or should I jump to the current Monterey? Is there a danger or downside to making that "big" jump?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 10, 2022 11:34 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 10, 2022 11:36 AM

It's best if you upgrade to Big Sur first, then Monterey. While some people (including me) have had luck jumping from Catalina to Monterey, it doesn't always work. I found it took much longer than either the Big Sur and Monterey installations should have taken individually.


Make sure you have a backup, just in case!

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 10, 2022 11:36 AM in response to tmalleman

It's best if you upgrade to Big Sur first, then Monterey. While some people (including me) have had luck jumping from Catalina to Monterey, it doesn't always work. I found it took much longer than either the Big Sur and Monterey installations should have taken individually.


Make sure you have a backup, just in case!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Upgrade from Catalina to Big Sur or Monterey?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.