Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
Hey,
Can I install an older version of an app on macOS Catalina? It's not a problem of compatibility, but I like the old version of the app way better than the new version. Is there a way to get the previous version?
Thanks
MacBook Air 11″, macOS 10.15
If it is an Apple app, then an older version will not run on a newer OS since Apple wants you to have the latest version. But, if you have a complete backup of your prior OS version, you can erase your drive and reinstall the oldeer version from your backup and then run the older app (which is kind of silly to do all of that because of one app).
I'd think a better idea is to get used to the newer app.
If it is an Apple app, then an older version will not run on a newer OS since Apple wants you to have the latest version. But, if you have a complete backup of your prior OS version, you can erase your drive and reinstall the oldeer version from your backup and then run the older app (which is kind of silly to do all of that because of one app).
I'd think a better idea is to get used to the newer app.
I tried to download as an example an older version of macOS Server on an iMac late 2011, copied the program to a usb drive and opened it then on my MacBook Air running macOS Catalina. It gave me a message that the version on the app is no longer supported on this version of macOS. The app is definitely a 64-bit application, I checked (and inserted an image of that below).
Is there a way to get around that? Or even an easier way to download an older version of the app? I hope this wasn't the best way to do it, cause it was certainly not convenient.
This depends on which app you're talking about.
Almost invariably it won't run an older version of an Apple app (Safari, Mail, Contacts, etc) as they are tightly linked into the operating system.
But third party apps may well run.
So basically you need to locate the version of the application that you want and then make sure it's compatible with 10.15 Catalina.
If you give me an example of the application, you want I might be able to check it for you.
Your most significant issue is this: Catalina requires applications to be 16-bit. 32-bit applications won't run on Catalina. And most older applications are 32-bit.
Can't answer that either since I've never tried that. However, if you want to try, make sure you have a good backup (and a bootable clone as well which would make it easier to fix a borked system) and then try. Worst case: you need to wipe the drive and reinstall or clone back.
Do not reply to Brian Diaz74 on the phone number he listed it is a scam, I am going to get it removed.
Do not call any phone numbers posted in response to your query. Scam.
Yeah I'm thinking about macOS Server right now, but do you know how to do it in general?
Sorry - going a bit over my head now - I've never used server ; hopefully someone else can help out.
Good luck
Ok thanks. Not the solution I hoped for, if anybody has any ideas, feel free to tell me :-). Maybe running an older version of macOS in a virtual machine will work...? I'm gonna try that.
Install older versions of an app: macOS Catalina
