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Unable to install Catalina on iMac 27" late 2012

Hi guys, there is no OS update showing via the app store for my iMac 27" late 2012. I need to update to Catalina... Any thoughts as it should be compatible. Many thanks.


iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on May 1, 2022 6:31 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 1, 2022 7:36 AM

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.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence.


macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements


macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements


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 & Monterey 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.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 1, 2022 7:36 AM in response to DevsRocks

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.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence.


macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements


macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements


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 & Monterey 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.

Unable to install Catalina on iMac 27" late 2012

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