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I want to get a new iMac, but most of the software I need to use isn't ready for Big Sur. Can I load older OS in a brand new machine?
Thanks for the quick replies, guys, but…
Grrr…Frustrating! Hopefully most WILL catch up eventually, but it's been quite a long time since Big Sur arrived and some very prominent music software companies still don't use it; this list of not-yets is HUGE:
https://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/macos-11-big-sur-compatibility-guide/
BTW and as an FYI. This has been the case with Mac OS since it's inception well over 20 years ago. The general rule is that version of Mac OS the computer shipped with is also the earliest it can possibly run. If your 3rd party apps are not keeping up with technology this is a good hint to you that you may want to begin researching apps to replace them with.
Apple has beta program on all versions of Mac OS that developers can participate in. If your 3rd party apps are not participating in this program they are boxing their users (you for example) into a corner. Please look for alternatives and also urge the developers to keep their apps up-to-date.
Yup, I was just dreaming there was some sort of exception or work-around; dumb question really:)
But the idea that running the latest OS is more important than keeping access to deeply complex and already mature, plus highly personalized apps that one uses everyday and has a long history with, is nonsense IMO. These are the real tools my computer is basically just a tool-case for. And what they need is what I give 'em; looking for replacements is NOT an option. Also the general rule for most pro users since the inception of the Mac OS.
And if it was just a few developers who weren't keeping up with Apple, I'd be wiling to blame them. But when it's nearly ALL of the main devs in a single industry who 4 months in, haven't yet managed it, well, it looks like a Apple problem to me.
But I expect to be very happy with my new (old) tool case; Apple FTW here, no doubt:)
There is one option that is open to you that I forgot. You can install Parallels on the computer which would allow you to run older versions of Mac OS and then also include your legacy software. If you are not familiar with this solution please visit https://www.parallels.com/.
Parallels allows you to run multiple OS's simultaneously. For most apps this is fine unless they are very GPU intensive like CA, CAM, 3D gaming etc... Those types of apps will still run but will not have the speed.
Good to know, thanks! But I wouldn't want to depend on this being a totally transparent, trouble-free solution (iow, by buying a Big Sur machine) without hearing that it'd been tested thoroughly by some folks who are experts in computer music apps, with all the audio and MIDI drivers, external devices, and inter-app connections these apps require working perfectly.
No. They don't contain the drivers needed to boot it.
(193845)
+1, No, you cannot.
Bought a refurb iMac Pro so I'm not stuck at Big Sur and can update to it whenever… Thanks again for the quick replies!
Can new iMacs run older OS?
