I have iOS 10.12.6 on my Mac. why can't I update more? it says no update available

Back up your data, check your applications for compatibility, and depending on which MacBook Air model you have, click on High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, or Big Sur. They're full-version upgrades and won't appear in the Updates list.

Mojave requires it to be a 2012 or newer one.

(206027)

altamay16 wrote:

there is no update available on my Mac but I need to update out of iOS 10.12.6 to iOS 10.14.0 or higher. how do I do that>

An update is defined as moving from Sierra 10.12.5 to Sierra 10.12.6. If the computer is at Sierra 10.12.6 - it is up-to-date.

It appear one really meant upGrade.

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.

With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install.  For Best results use Safari to commence the download as Others may not work.

Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS

Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina & Big Sur supports only 64 bit and there is no workaround.

Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.

Are there any AntiVirus, Disk Cleaner, Optimizers, Un-installers, etc installed which should be removed as per Developers Instructions. They are useless, unneeded, cause havoc and interfere with the normal operation of the OS and may even Corrupt the OS requiring a Reinstallation