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Why does my MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) not show any software updates, but it's only at 10.12.16?

Can I still update somehow? Why isn't this happening automatically? I need to update to something newer to use some newer software.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Dec 4, 2021 8:02 AM

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Question marked as Apple recommended

To be clear, software update generally means to install software that revises the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.


To update your current macOS, click the Apple  icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like.  Software updates may be set to occur automatically.  If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.


A software upgrade is usually a generational step up to a newer macOS; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur.


Upgrades do not happen automatically. They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.


❗️ Do NOT upgrade until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine


How to Upgrade  macOS:

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac.


Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 10.13 High Sierra is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here


❗️ – IMPORTANT – Your 32-bit apps won’t work in Catalina, Big Sur or Monterey.

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

Use the free utility Go64 to check the compatibility of your apps:

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


✅ - IF your Mac and apps are compatible, then using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > High SierraMojaveCatalinaBig Sur  or  Monterey.

Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

Posted on Dec 4, 2021 8:15 AM

2 replies
Question marked as Apple recommended

Dec 4, 2021 8:15 AM in response to ablack12

To be clear, software update generally means to install software that revises the macOS currently running on the Mac; update Catalina 10.15.1 to Catalina 10.15.7, for example.


To update your current macOS, click the Apple  icon > About This Mac and then click Software Updates.... If there are any updates available for your Mac, they will be listed and you can apply them when you like.  Software updates may be set to occur automatically.  If no updates are presented, then it may be assumed that none are available for your current OS.


A software upgrade is usually a generational step up to a newer macOS; upgrade from 10.13 High Sierra to 10.14 Mojave, for example, or from 10.15 Catalina to macOS 11 Big Sur.


Upgrades do not happen automatically. They must be initiated by a user with admin privileges.


❗️ Do NOT upgrade until you have made a Time Machine or other backup of your startup drive.

Learn How to Back up your Mac with Time Machine


How to Upgrade  macOS:

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac.


Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 10.13 High Sierra is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here


❗️ – IMPORTANT – Your 32-bit apps won’t work in Catalina, Big Sur or Monterey.

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

Use the free utility Go64 to check the compatibility of your apps:

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


✅ - IF your Mac and apps are compatible, then using Safari only, download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > High SierraMojaveCatalinaBig Sur  or  Monterey.

Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

Dec 4, 2021 10:15 AM in response to ablack12

As Previous person mentioned. Update is within the same version already installed.


An upGrade - that is another issue.


Because, when the upGrade was offered - the User chose to not upGrade at that time.


Now that Big Sur was released in November 2020 and Monterey was release Oct 25, 2021 - the OS upgrade has passed this computer by dues to the choices of user.


Just follow the advise of @D.I Johnson and all should go well.

Why does my MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) not show any software updates, but it's only at 10.12.16?

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