Will upgrading my Mac Mini macOS, will it affect my memory & data?

Hello. Since then, I have not updated my MacOS in my Mac Mini. To this date, it still remained as MacOS Sierra 10.12.6. If I will be updating it to a higher version, what elements, applications in the system would be compromised. Moreso, I cannot already use the fb messenger as it is requiring a 10.15 version. If I go this high, how will it affect my memory, data sheets like the google sheets, saved tabs/history? Will the move sync in all my devices?

Thanks for the replies in advance.


Grace


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 10.12

Posted on Nov 2, 2022 6:39 PM

Reply
5 replies

Nov 3, 2022 9:25 AM in response to MaryPaulineMkna

Hi Grace, one step higher generally won't change much of what can be run, since very little changed from 10.12 to 10.13, 10.14 was a bit more changes & 10.15 blew a lot of Apps off the table.


For specific Apps search roaringapps,com

For instance...

Adobe Photoshop CS5 – RoaringApps


macOS High Sierra - Technical Specifications


General Requirements

  • OS X 10.8 or later
  • 2GB of memory
  • 14.3GB of available storage to perform upgrade*
  • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
  • Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS High Sierra:

  • MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

macOS High Sierra - Technical Specifications

https://itunes.apple.com/app/macos-high-sierra/id1246284741?mt=12



macOS Mojave 10.14.6 - Technical Specifications


General Requirements

OS X 10.8 or later

2GB of memory

12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*

Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.

Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Mojave:

MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)

MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)

MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)

Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)

iMac (Late 2012 or newer)

iMac Pro (2017)

Mac Pro (Late 2013; Mid 2010 and Mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards)


https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-mojave/id1398502828?mt=12


MacOS Catalina 10.15.7 - Technical Specifications


General Requirements

OS X 10.9 or later

4GB of memory

12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*

Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.

Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)

MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)

MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)

Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)

iMac (Late 2012 or newer)

iMac Pro (2017)

Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

How to download macOS - Apple Support


https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?ls=1&mt=12


How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support


And caution on 10.15 or higher, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...


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


macOS Big Sur - Technical Specifications


General Requirements

OS X 10.9 or later

4GB of memory

35.5GB available storage on macOS Sierra or later*

Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.

Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur:

MacBook (2015 or later)

MacBook Air (2013 or later)

MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or later)

Mac mini (2014 or later)

iMac (2014 or later)

iMac Pro (2017 or later)

Mac Pro (2013 or later)

Learn about compatibility and how to identify your specific Mac model


https://apps.apple.com/us/app/macos-big-sur/id1526878132?ls=1&mt=12


And caution on 10.15 or higher, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...


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


Nov 4, 2022 12:59 AM in response to BDAqua

Hello BDAqua.

Thank you so much for this detailed reply.

Yes, I am really a bit hesitant to just upgrade without putting into consideration the apps I have and even sometimes printer drivers. One of my printer's driver system got archived because it does not match anymore the requirements of the new upgrade. To think that the printer is still working.

Anyhow, I will put into consideration the items you posted above and give myself a real good time discerning which of the upgrades I will be doing.

Again, thank you.


Grace


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Will upgrading my Mac Mini macOS, will it affect my memory & data?

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