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Can't update to MacOS 11 - Big Sur

My MBPro mid 2014 is updated to Catalina 10.15.7 (latest). However, when I try to update to Big Sur a message says I am "Up to Date".


My MBPro is eligible for updating but there's no way for me to download Big Sur.


Suggestions?

Posted on Nov 27, 2020 2:35 PM

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Posted on Nov 27, 2020 3:28 PM

Hi John,


Thanks for the links. I'm an engineer and thoroughly knowledgable how the computer works.


The problem isn't a procedural one. It's that under no circumstances will the Apple server recognize and deliver the download. It gives back a message saying "Up to Date" each time as if the MBPro isn't eligible for an update and that 10.15.7 is the highest upgrade it will allow.


That is different from other issues people have been having with the late-2013 and mid-2014 machines, where they could upgrade but it bricked their machine. Or, after installing Big Sur, their machine ran very slow.


I've been on the phone with Apple Support while typing this and just found out from Tier 2 support that there is a known problem that the MBPro's of these two years aren't being recognized by the server. They are working on it and hope to have it fixed soon. No timeline given.


Gary

13 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 27, 2020 3:28 PM in response to John Galt

Hi John,


Thanks for the links. I'm an engineer and thoroughly knowledgable how the computer works.


The problem isn't a procedural one. It's that under no circumstances will the Apple server recognize and deliver the download. It gives back a message saying "Up to Date" each time as if the MBPro isn't eligible for an update and that 10.15.7 is the highest upgrade it will allow.


That is different from other issues people have been having with the late-2013 and mid-2014 machines, where they could upgrade but it bricked their machine. Or, after installing Big Sur, their machine ran very slow.


I've been on the phone with Apple Support while typing this and just found out from Tier 2 support that there is a known problem that the MBPro's of these two years aren't being recognized by the server. They are working on it and hope to have it fixed soon. No timeline given.


Gary

Nov 29, 2020 9:48 AM in response to GaryZiesés

Same issue, but minor difference. Got 2020 M1 Air. Gonna give 2014 MB Pro, with Big Sur running flawlessly, to wife. Somehow, while trying to wipe MB Pro clean I bricked it. With help from Apple was able to install Yosemite than up to Catalina 10.15.7. But won’t allow update to Big Sur. Says computer up to date. After 2 days with Apple cs this is what I get:


Thoughts?

Nov 28, 2020 5:00 AM in response to DeeperDiver

I was told by Apple Support to stop trying various “fixes” for now like resetting NVRAM and such, in order to somehow get the update, as they will not solve the issue. Apple Servers for now won’t allow a download of Big Sur to the late 2013 and mid 2014 model years, until such time as they fix the bricking, slowness and Bluetooth issues.


Better that than having a messed up MBPro and having to do a reinstall of Catalina. We will just have to be patient for now.


Gary

Nov 29, 2020 10:00 AM in response to ge_rox

Glen,


What they sent you in writing confirms what they told me on the phone. They had too many "bricking" and other issues with the older MBPro's and decided to pull the plug on allowing anymore downloads/updates to Big Sur.


It's an annoyance for now and hopefully it will be resolved soon. Aside from bricking, there have been issues with extreme slowness once installed along with some bluetooth disconnect issues.


So, I'd rather wait for not only a stable update to the installer, but more importantly, a stable Big Sur that will work with our older model MBPro's.


Unfortunately we're probably very close to what's considered the 'end of life' for these models


Gary

Nov 29, 2020 1:26 PM in response to GaryZiesés

I hope you’re wrong about the last part Gary. IMHO I think the 2014 13” MacBook Pro is one of Apple’s best iteration of macbooks. It’s got a very good processor with ample ports and great battery life.


FYI, not only did I have Big Sur running smooth on 2014 MBP, I also had it running great on my wife’s 2014 MacBook Air.


Let’s hope there’s a fix soon.

Nov 29, 2020 5:11 PM in response to ge_rox

I know how you feel Glen. I totally agree that this series of MBPro was a great product. Probably one of the best ever!


However, I'm a retired SVP from Silicon Valley, and the reality is that there is always an "end of life" to all hardware. Just no way for the hardware/software to be able to keep up with advancing technology. I have a host of incredible old candy-colored iMac's, original MBooks, etc. They all work great, but they can't be upgraded. The hardware has just become too "ancient".


I have a lot of respect for how Apple's products have held up over the years. I have used and abused so many of them, yet they still "keep on tickin' "


IMHO, with my knowledge of the Valley, I think Big Sur is probably the last update we'll see for these models. I'd be happy to be wrong.


Just so you know, I've got an M1 Mac Mini, 16GB, 1TB, on order and a M1 MBPro too. I'll let you know how great they are when they come in, which hopefully will be in the next couple of weeks.


Best,


Gary

Can't update to MacOS 11 - Big Sur

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