Optimal OS for old (mid 2015) but good MacBook Pro ?

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Optimal OS for old (mid 2015) but good MacBook Pro ?

I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) which I bought second hand a few years ago. It had been cleaned up and rebatteried by a guy who fixes and refurbs older macs - still fast and heaps of battery life. I don't do anything that I need it to be super speccy for. Mostly just web browsing, email, streaming tv/movies/music, working in basic adobe and office apps.

It's still running Mojave (10.14.6). Have avoided updating OS in case it slows it down, but now at the stage where some functions aren't working - e.g. airdrop doesn't 'see' this machine from my phone or from my newer work macbook

Official apple compatibility advice aside, wondering if updating to a newer OS (e.g. Monterey?) will compromise functionality or speed at all? If so, which OS beyond Mojave would be a safe bet while allowing devices to talk to each other and making the most of other handy functionality of newer systems?

Appreciate any advice as I'm not very knowledgeable about what this hardware can handle, and not confident I won't mess up a good machine. MAchine specs below.

Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro 15″, 10.14

Posted on Nov 10, 2022 7:07 PM

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PRP_53

Level 10

85,591 points

Nov 11, 2022 4:25 AM in response to -stella-

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.

Computer Qualify for the Monterey upgrade This computer qualifies to run this version of macOS

macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements

macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements

For you peace of mind -->>

Do you have a Rescue Plan In-Place. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup is very useful.

Point # 12 - For addition purposes - two Tested Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site

Tips Big Sir Upgrade Released Nov 2020

Tips Monterey Upgrade Released Oct 25, 2021

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 require an update or upGrades to 64 Bit Version

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Optimal OS for old (mid 2015) but good MacBook Pro ?

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