OS Big Sur

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Level 1

9 points

OS Big Sur

I have a late 2013 iMac and am unable to get the new Big Sur release. Why is this? What are the technical requirements? Will older Mac's be added to the list of devices? Concerned about this due to security patches I might miss.

Bill

Posted on Nov 13, 2020 5:16 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,114 points

Nov 13, 2020 5:52 PM in response to BillW.

It's not a 2014 or later. Apple did not get into the weeds about the internal hardware necessary for Big Sur, therefore anything we would write would be speculative which is a violation of the Terms of Use of these forums.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

203,770 points

Nov 13, 2020 5:22 PM in response to BillW.

Macs compatible with macOS Big Sur:

2015 and later MacBook
2013 and later MacBook Air
Late 2013 and later MacBook Pro
2014 and later iMac
2017 and later iMac Pro
2014 and later Mac mini
2013 and later Mac Pro

No. Older devices will NOT be added to the list.

Catalina will continue to get updates for at least the next 2 years.

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Answer 3

BillW. Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 13, 2020 5:40 PM in response to KiltedTim

Thank you. I’m extremely disappointed with Apple at the moment. What is the technical reasoning behind this, and what is the best course of action to avoid this issue? I understand technology changes but I was hoping for a 10 year life cycle on my Mac.

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,114 points

Nov 13, 2020 5:42 PM in response to BillW.

Very simply put, a 2013 iMac does not meet the system requirements for Big Sur. If you want or need Big Sur then it's time for an upgrade.

Your iMac if fully functional is not obsolete by any fashion, it simply cannot run Big Sur but it can run Catalina which should serve you well for at least 3-5 years.

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