Why does the App Store say Big Sur and even Sonoma work on my iMac if it can't find the software updates?

Big Sur to Sonoma appear available and are even listed as "Works on this Mac", but then their software updates can't be found? I have 10.15.7 and they say 10.13 or later.

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 21, 2024 8:27 PM

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Posted on Jan 22, 2024 8:39 AM

What is the model year of your iMac? The model year of an iMac is available at Apple menu > About This Mac.

A late 2012 through late 2013 iMac can be upgraded to Catalina 10.15.7 but no later. 

A mid 2014 and late 2014 iMac can be upgraded to the latest version of Big Sur macOS 11 but no later. 

A late 2015 iMac can be upgraded to the latest version of Monterey macOS 12 but no later. 

A 2017 iMac can be upgraded to the latest version of Ventura macOS 13 but no later. 

For all of the above, see instructions in: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support  

A 2019 or later iMac can be upgraded to the current version of Sonoma macOS 14. See:How to upgrade to macOS Sonoma - Apple Support


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 22, 2024 8:39 AM in response to lukerage

What is the model year of your iMac? The model year of an iMac is available at Apple menu > About This Mac.

A late 2012 through late 2013 iMac can be upgraded to Catalina 10.15.7 but no later. 

A mid 2014 and late 2014 iMac can be upgraded to the latest version of Big Sur macOS 11 but no later. 

A late 2015 iMac can be upgraded to the latest version of Monterey macOS 12 but no later. 

A 2017 iMac can be upgraded to the latest version of Ventura macOS 13 but no later. 

For all of the above, see instructions in: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support  

A 2019 or later iMac can be upgraded to the current version of Sonoma macOS 14. See:How to upgrade to macOS Sonoma - Apple Support


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Why does the App Store say Big Sur and even Sonoma work on my iMac if it can't find the software updates?

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