What are my options if my Macbook Pro doesn't support higher than 10.12.6?

I have apps requiring a Chrome update but my Macbook Pro version, 10.12.6 (late 2015), doesn't support the needed Chrome update and doesn't show any available ios updates. How can I update to 10.13, 10.15 or higher on this Macbook?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 8:24 AM

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Posted on Oct 9, 2023 8:34 AM

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the model and year of your Mac.

Click the Apple icon  at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac



These MacBook models are compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra:

• MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)

• MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)



These MacBook models are compatible with macOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)

• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)

• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)



If your Mac does not meet the specs for a particular macOS version, your options are:

• Continue to use the Mac with the software you already have.

• Purchase a newer Mac that meets the specs of a newer macOS.


If $ is a concern regarding a newer Mac, you might look here at Apple Refurbished Macintosh computers.


EDIT - I realized now that your MacBook Pro is a 2015 model. That model IS supported by macOS versions 11, 12 and 13 - Big Sur, Monterey and Ventura. Baring some hardware problem, there should be no reason you cannot upgrade to one of these.

7 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 9, 2023 8:34 AM in response to GigiPoppy

The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the model and year of your Mac.

Click the Apple icon  at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac



These MacBook models are compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra:

• MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)

• MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)



These MacBook models are compatible with macOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)

• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)

• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)



If your Mac does not meet the specs for a particular macOS version, your options are:

• Continue to use the Mac with the software you already have.

• Purchase a newer Mac that meets the specs of a newer macOS.


If $ is a concern regarding a newer Mac, you might look here at Apple Refurbished Macintosh computers.


EDIT - I realized now that your MacBook Pro is a 2015 model. That model IS supported by macOS versions 11, 12 and 13 - Big Sur, Monterey and Ventura. Baring some hardware problem, there should be no reason you cannot upgrade to one of these.

Oct 9, 2023 8:37 AM in response to GigiPoppy

I am not seeing a "late 2015" MBP in Mactracker. but both the early and mid 2015 MBP can run upto and including Monterey. you can find the older macOS here: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support


but going from Sierra to Monterey, I would recommend at least upgrading from Sierra to High Sierra before attempting to get Monterey. and if you have the time, I would upgrade one macOS at a time all the way up to Monterey.

Oct 9, 2023 8:37 AM in response to GigiPoppy

How to Upgrade  macOS:


STEP 1 - Ensure you have a current backup of your computer.


The macOS version you can upgrade to depends on the year your Mac was released.

Click the  (Apple) menu at the top of your screen and choose About This Mac.


Check the Compatibility of your Mac with newer versions of macOS:

➡️ macOS 10.13 High Sierra is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.14 Mojave is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 10.15 Catalina is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with the Macs listed here

➡️ macOS 13 Ventura is compatible with the Macs listed here


❗️ – IMPORTANT – None of your 32-bit apps will work in macOS Catalina or newer. This includes MS Office apps and any other older software apps and drivers. These will require that you find 64-bit updates and/or replacement titles.

32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later - Apple Support

Use the free utility Go64 to check the 64-bit compatibility of your apps:


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

✅ - IF your Mac is compatible, then download the macOS upgrade installer app:

Click > High SierraMojaveCatalinaBig SurMonterey  or  Ventura.


Once downloaded, double-click the “Install macOS…” app in the Applications folder to begin the upgrade.

Please see > How to download macOS.


Oct 9, 2023 9:31 AM in response to GigiPoppy

Before you upgrade, check the free space on your storage drive. Some older entry-level Macbook Pros shipped with tiny 128 or 256GB SSDs and may currently not have enough free space to allow the upgrade until some serious housekeeping is done.


I like my free space to be at least twice the size of the installer to allow for unstuffing the installer and any file swapping that goes on with a system upgrade.



What are my options if my Macbook Pro doesn't support higher than 10.12.6?

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