Stuck at version 10.13.6, need 10.15. Not available under software update

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Level 1

13 points

Stuck at version 10.13.6, need 10.15. Not available under software update

I went attempted to download iMovie for a work project; however, it gives me this notification: "iMovie can’t be installed on “OS X Base System” because macOS version 10.15.6 or later is required." Following this, I proceed to System preferences to ensure that my Mac is up to date. It is up to date to it's fullest extent which is only version 10.13.6. There are no more available software updates. Listed, there are 4 applications requiring OS X v10.15. I am not able to upgrade, there is no option.

I have a MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) macOS High Sierra, Intel Core i5. I assume that it is MacOS 10.15 Catalina that I need in order to complete these updates and downloads. Any ideas? Is my MacBook too "old?"

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 11, 2021 6:04 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BDAqua

Level 10

245,183 points

Feb 11, 2021 8:00 PM in response to taylor_lynn

You're between a rock & a hard place, but it'd be wise to get another external drive for some kind of backup, a clone or TM.

Then...

Don't use FireFox for these links…

macOS Catalina - Technical Specifications

General Requirements

OS X 10.9 or later
4GB of memory
12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210190

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?ls=1&mt=12

How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support

And caution on 10.15 or higher, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

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Answer 2

taylor_lynn Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 11, 2021 7:01 PM in response to dialabrain

I am worried about losing files during the upgrade. I understand the use of time machine for backups, however the only external drive that I have is made by Seagate - 1TB. Not a brand that I think is trusting enough for this case

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

124,769 points

Feb 11, 2021 6:09 PM in response to taylor_lynn

You can upgrade to Big Sur.

See: How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support

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Answer 4

taylor_lynn Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 11, 2021 7:36 PM in response to BDAqua

All I wanted to download was iMovie. In the process, I found these 4 incompatible updates (requires 10.15: Compressor, Motion, Logic Pro, & Main Stage. I understand that a back-up is highly recommended. I see there are multiple options for backing up via Time Machine. I understand this correctly, right - I would need to upgrade from the Seagate external hard drive to a more reliable USB or thunderbolt, a NAS device, or an AirPort time capsule, firewire? I'm not sure where to start next.

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