Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iMac 2019 Downgrade OSX to High Sierra - Required for specific software

Hey All, having some issues downgrading my iMac OSX version.

I have specific software that only works on High Sierra or lower (don't ask) and I am in need of a new work station.

I have purchased a used iMac to facilitate this requirement - Retina 4k. 21.5, 2019 that had Big Sur latest installed.

I am having issues installing High Sierra. I have created a bootable flash drive using the support technique and command line.

How to create a bootable installer for macOS - Apple Support


I have first deleted all data using recovery mode. No OS is installed now.


When I use the boot drive, I am able to select the drive . Only the X circle icon comes up.



Is my process correct? Is this iMac able to run High Sierra?

Any tips would be very helpful. Thank you.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on May 13, 2022 7:28 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 13, 2022 8:30 AM

The most recent iMac capable of running High Sierra would the the 2017 iMac. Everything after that shipped with 10.14 or later. A Mac can not run a version of macOS older than the one it shipped with.


The 2018 MacBook Pro shipped with High Sierra and was the last to do so.

The 2017 MacBook Air is the last of that line that will run it.

The last Mac mini it will run on is the Late 2014.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 13, 2022 8:30 AM in response to mhulbrock

The most recent iMac capable of running High Sierra would the the 2017 iMac. Everything after that shipped with 10.14 or later. A Mac can not run a version of macOS older than the one it shipped with.


The 2018 MacBook Pro shipped with High Sierra and was the last to do so.

The 2017 MacBook Air is the last of that line that will run it.

The last Mac mini it will run on is the Late 2014.

iMac 2019 Downgrade OSX to High Sierra - Required for specific software

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.