Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Update software on Mac

How do I update the software on a Mac?

MacBook

Posted on May 18, 2020 2:14 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 18, 2020 2:18 PM

You should go into the App Store and Upgrade.


This is a great guide that covers the upgrade


https://www.apple.com/macos/how-to-upgrade/


5 replies

May 18, 2020 3:52 PM in response to aoife197

FWIW, newer OS versions are upgrades, not updates.


A late 2012 iMac can run Catalina; however you best check that you have a minimum 8 GB RAM or the experience will not be good, the new OS versions require much more RAM. Also, there are major system changes in Catalina - none of your old 32 bit apps will work, so you need to either upgrade them, buy new ones or different apps if necessary. Check all of that thoroughly before you take the plunge.


Also make sure that you have at least one good complete backup - a bootable clone would be best - just in case the new OS is not working as it should, so you can easily boot from that clone, wipe yout hard drive, and clone back your old system.

Update software on Mac

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