Upgrading or updating your Mac

In this user tip, I will provide an overview of the update process on macOS. It is crucial to understand the distinction between updating and upgrading. According to the macOS Support Essentials Pro training book, an update refers to a new release of an existing operating system, such as macOS Monterey 12.5.1. An upgrade, on the other hand, signifies a complete new version of macOS, like macOS Sonoma, which represents the latest version.

During an update, the version number remains unchanged, such as 12 for Monterey. However, a new number is appended to the end, indicating the specific update, like 12.5.1. In contrast, upgrades involve a complete new version number, such as 13 for Ventura, 14 for Sonoma, and 15 for Sequoia.

Upgrading your Mac to the newest macOS release

To upgrade your Mac to a newer version of macOS, it is crucial to verify the compatibility of your Mac with the desired version. Access the Apple logo in the menu bar and select “About This Mac.” In this window, you will find the year of your Mac, such as “iMac, late 2013.” This is the model name you are seeking.

Next, check if your Mac model is compatible with the macOS version you intend to install. Refer to the following links for the most recent macOS releases and their respective compatibility information.

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

macOS Sequoia 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, navigate to System Preferences/System Settings>Software Update. For older Macs released prior to Catalina, you can upgrade via the App Store. Alternatively, you may find the following link helpful, which directly leads to the App Store pages of older macOS releases.

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

Updating your Mac

As previously mentioned, updating your Mac entails installing the latest version of your existing operating system. Currently, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma are receiving updates. Older versions of macOS do not receive new updates, but after installing a new copy of macOS, it is recommended to check for software updates via the App Store > Updates section to install any missed or outdated software updates.

To update your Mac, navigate to System Preferences > System Settings > Software Update to verify if there are available updates for your Mac. It is crucial to note that when your Mac supports the macOS version, it will also support all updates for that version. Therefore, if your Mac can run Monterey (version 12), it can also run the latest release, 12.5.1. Similarly, if your Mac supports Sonoma, it will support 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 Sequoia

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

1. MacBook Pro (2018 and up)
2. MacBook Air (2020 and up)
3. iMac (2019 and up)
4. iMac pro
5. Mac mini (2018 and up)
6. Mac Studio (2022 and up)
7. Mac Pro (2019 and up)

In most instances, the update or upgrade will function seamlessly within the safe mode. I extend our best wishes for a successful update.