Upgrading or updating your Mac

In this user tip, I will cover the update process on Mac. First it is important to know that there is a difference between updating and upgrading. According to macOS support essentials Pro training book an update Is a new release of a existing operating system. Like macOS Monterey 12.5.1. An upgrade is a complete new version of macOS. Like macOS Sonoma that is the latest version. With updates you wil see that the version number stays the same, 12 for Monterey, but there will be a number added behind it (12.5.1) With upgrades. there will be a complete new version number, like 13 for Ventura, and 14 for Sonoma.

Upgrading your Mac to the newest macOS release

If you want to upgrade your Mac to a new version of macOS. It is important that you check if your Mac is compatible with the macOS version you want to install. Go to the Apple logo in the menu bar, and click about this Mac. Here you will see your Macs year. For example, you can see "iMac, late 2013". in this window. This is the name you're looking for.

Then check if your Mac model is compatible with the macOS version you want to install.

See this links for the latest macOS releases and their compatibility

macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Ventura is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

If your Mac does not support the latest versions of macOS, there is a chance that it will support Mojave or High Sierra.

See here the requirements for Mojave: macOS Mojave - Technical Specifications (UK) and for High Sierra

macOS High Sierra - Technical Specifications (UK)

To upgrade your Mac, on newer Macs, go to system preferences/system settings> software update. On Macs older then Catalina, you can upgrade via de App Store. You might also find this link useful, which leads directly to the App Store pages of older macOS releases

How to get old versions of macOS – Apple Support (UK)

Updating your Mac

As mentioned before, updating your Mac means that you're going to install the new version of your existing operating system. At the moment of writing,Monterey, Ventura and Sonoma are receiving updates. Older versions of macOS don't receive new updates, but after installing a new copy of the macOS, it is reccommended that you check for software updates via App Store> updates for any old and missed software updates to be installed.

To update your Mac, go to system preferences/ system settings> software update to see if there are updates available for your Mac. Important to know is that when your Mac supports the macOS version, it will also support all the updates for that version. So when your Mac can run Monterey (version 12) it can also run the newest release, 12.5.1. When your Mac supports Sonoma, it supports it up to the latest release.

Troubleshooting macOS updates/upgrades

Although it is rare, it can occur that running a software update or upgrade is not going as expected. The first step you can try is to boot your Mac in to the safe mode, and try to run the update from the safe mode. Starting up your Mac in safe mode can help you identify whether issues you’re experiencing are caused by software that loads as your Mac starts up.

Startup Apple Silicon Mac in safe mode

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Shut Down.
2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
4. Select a volume.
5. Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
6. The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

Startup Intel Mac in safe mode

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
2. Log in to your Mac.
3. You might be asked to log in again.
4. On either the first or second login window, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.

A little word about macOS Sonoma

Sonoma is the latest version of macOS, and the computers supporting it are:

1. MacBook Pro (2018 and up)
2. MacBook Air (2018 and up)
3. iMac (2019 and up)
4. iMac pro
5. Mac mini (2018 and up)
6. Mac Studio
7. Mac Pro (2019 and up)

Most of the time, the update or upgrade will work in the safe mode. Happy updating!