Upgrading Macbook Pro OS (circa 2012)

markj341 wrote:

What is the newest OS I can upgrade to on my macbook pro 2012 currently running Yosemite OS? Do I need to upgrade in stages if I can upgrade further?

macOS Catalina—

see the details macOS Catalina - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

says mavericks...

older macOS installer backups on this server:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211683

verify you are using the Safari browser to download/initiate the macOS links.

It never pays to get too far behind in the software or hardware, only

makes the migration more questionable, upgrade all software as you go. especially iphoto to photos

I would recommend stair step up to High Sierra if necessary,

With the release of macOS 10.15 Catalina, applications will have to be 64-bit. App developers will issue updated apps if they want their apps to work on this newest macOS upgrade

32-bit app compatibility with macOS... - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436

ref: About the read-only system volume in macOS Catalina - Apple ...

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210650


You can run up to macOS 10.15 Catalina. Here are the system requirements for Catalina:

macOS Catalina - Technical Specifications

In theory you should be able to upgrade directly to Catalina according that Apple article. Make sure all your third party apps have been upgraded to 64 bit versions since Catalina no longer supports 32 bit apps:

32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later - Apple Support

I recommend you also create the optional bootable macOS USB installer so you have more options if something does go wrong.

How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support

Make sure to have a good backup before attempting to upgrade macOS just in case something goes wrong.

Hi,

2012 -> macOS Catalina