3,2‑GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7

What are you using that can not be upgraded or replaced?

see > hhttps://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201686

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

No you can not simply downgrade or run an early macOS.

see > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201686

On your 3.2GHz 6-Core i7 Intel Mac Mini, you maybe able to use Parallels or VMware.

see > https://macexpertguide.com/how-to-run-older-versions-of-macos-on-m1-mac/

AxelLeRate wrote:

I don’t want to be forced into buying a lot of new software just because I buy a faster computer. And I especially do not want to be forced into subscribing and pay year in year out for stuf that I do not need daily or I may not need for weeks in between. It *****. I wanna own stuff and be happy. Understand?

As longtime user, I have the same concerns with the speed at which Apple rolls out new services, software and to some degree hardware.

Now how hard can it be to have a slightly older Mac OS running on the latest equipment that would allow me to just do that? I am a big Apple fan but I am getting really fed up with all this ever changing specifications and hardware connections, its a huge money drain.

To be totally honest, I was most content running Snow Leopard (iTunes, iPhotos, etc.) and it's been a rat race ever since. The last few years I've had to tone down/turn off countless features and automated services to keep what little sanity I have left.

I think Mojave would still help me out to run everything I use under High Sierra. If Mojave can be installed on the latest mac mini I mentioned I am a happy man and would buy it instantly. Never mind eventual bugs.

If it is a 2018 model Mac Mini at "About this Mac" then there is hope that you can completely wipe it and install Mojave. see > https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683

Also you will probable be better off with a CCC or SD clone as a backup to pull data from, because your current TM backup will be pretty much worthless.

Sometimes the Space Gray Intels pop up at > https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/mac-mini, but it's getting a little late in the game to find on from there.

You can also order one from > https://eshop.macsales.com/configure-my-mac/UAEH1FS2XXXX0XG

You're welcome.

Yes, Mojave can still run 32bit App's

I have 4 older Mac Mini's ranging from 2010 thru 2012 all with SSDs and a 2018 Mac Mini.

The 2010 and 2011 are media servers that run High Sierra.

One of the 2012 runs Mojave and the other 2012 runs Catalina.

The 2018 runs Catalina and keeps bugging me to upgrade to Big Sur.

The 2012 Mac Mini on Mojave is the my crossover machine, because it can run old App's like iPhotos and Photos side by side.

A good place to check App compatibly, is at > https://roaringapps.com/apps

AxelLeRate wrote:

...

Now how hard can it be to have a slightly older Mac OS running on the latest equipment that would allow me to just do that? ..

FWIW, not being able to install a macOS that is older than the version that shipped with a Mac is not anything new and has been that way for many years.

On the technical side, High Sierra simply does not have all the drivers necessary to run on a 2018 Mac Mini and to do that is not a simple task.

AxelLeRate wrote:

Tell me something new. I know they make a fortune squeezing every coin out of our pockets with their so called amazing new features on the one side but on the other side you almost have to start all over again with software, cables, adapters and other peripherals that suddenly don’t work or fit anymore. And that game is being pushed further and further, doing stuff yourself gets limited more and more and I am getting tired of it. If I buy something I own it and I want to decide what I do with it, what I run on it, that’s not up to the seller to decide upfront..

Better take a look around, but that is the way the entire industry is moving. Example, at this point, Microsoft Windows 11 may not even support PCs older than 5 years and will also be solely 64 bit with no 32 bit support.

AxelLeRate wrote:

Yes I know and that’s why I consider moving to open source, I find the digital prison that is being built by the industry and governments very worrying and suffocating. Linux is becoming more and more interesting. I don’t think all the high tech should be in the hands of a few big commercial players. That is not good for the consumers and their rights in the broadest sense of the word. Also, shortening the lifecycle of products that much isn’t very good in perspective of their efforts to be green and sustainable. Its al rather hypocritical. If you wanna be green and sustainable you endeavor to keep stuff running up to date as long as possible and I am 100% that is possible. But hey, it would be less interesting commercially speaking, so there we are, circle completed.

BTW: I noticed that the backwards compatibility of Windows is rather good, and this is exactly what I want, but unfortunately I don’t like Windows very much. I regret Apple is tightening its grip on their products more and more and I feel I am reaching my limit of acceptance.

It sounds to me that your ultimate solution is to build a Linux box.

The 2018 Mac mini was originally released with Mojave 10.14. So, yes, it would run.

Sorry, Mac's can't run an OS older than what was installed when they first shipped. That means downgrading to Mojave is possible but no further. High Sierra is too old.