2015 Mac Book Pro A1502 OS Upgrade

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Level 1

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2015 Mac Book Pro A1502 OS Upgrade

I recently cam across a brand new, still in the shrink wrap, Mac Book Pro. Is it a early Retina 2015 model A1502. I unboxed it and fiired it up. All was good. Tried to update the installed OS, which is Sierra. Apple update tells me "No updates available" - no app or Os updates. A little research indicates this Mac Book Pro should support up to Monterey. If Apple dosen't offer an update is there any other path that will allow an update to Monterey?

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Earlier Mac models

Posted on Apr 30, 2023 6:02 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Johnb-one

Level 6

9,180 points

May 1, 2023 12:40 PM in response to TommyBob2

I think you have to go step by step-bit of a pain, I’m sure, but there it is

john B

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

71,648 points

May 2, 2023 8:21 AM in response to TommyBob2

The one thing I worry about is the battery. Having sat unused for six years may have left it unable to give you any runtime. Those things age without being used.

Also carefully look at the seam between the computer's bottom plate and the chassis for any gaps. Those could indicate a swelling battery that has the potential to destroy the computer.

The battery is not user-serviceable but this Apple support page:

Mac Repair & Service - Apple Support

shows the 13-inch Early 2015 Macbook Pro is still eligible for factory battery service. It's the oldest listed so I would not delay in getting a fresh battery even if this one works now. Old batteries are prone to swelling.

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Answer 3

TommyBob2 Author

Level 1

7 points

Apr 30, 2023 6:43 PM in response to Johnb-one

Johnb-one - thanks for the link. I followed the link and read the directions. Just a bit confused. This MacBook Pro has Sierra OS. Can I go directly from Sierra to Monterey, or must I do the updates/upgrades incrementally?

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Answer 4

TommyBob2 Author

Level 1

7 points

May 2, 2023 7:22 AM in response to Johnb-one

Johnny-one

Thanks for all the advice. For future reference, I was able to download and install Monterey in one shot. Went straight from Sierra to Monterey in 30 minutes - smooth as silk, no hitches. Thanks again.

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Answer 5

TommyBob2 Author

Level 1

7 points

May 3, 2023 1:29 PM in response to Allan Jones

Alan Jones,

I appreciate the input. Upon close inspection I can see no signs of battery swelling and/or case separation. Battery charges fully and appears to hold charge as expected.

I really question if this “old” MacBook Pro is worth the $250.00 to get a replacement battery. I found a “generous” $150.00 trade in offer. Think money best put towards new machine.

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Answer 6

Johnb-one

Level 6

9,180 points

Apr 30, 2023 6:34 PM in response to TommyBob2

Hi TommyBob2 - follow this link to get up to Catalina/Monterey: How to download macOS - Apple Support (CA)

Your MacBook Pro can run Monterey no sweat…

john B

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2015 Mac Book Pro A1502 OS Upgrade

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