I cannot update my iMAC OS beyond Catalina 10.15.7 - Do i simply lack enough memory space available or perhaps my iMac is too dated and should be replaced?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15
What is the model year of your iMac? A mid 2014 or later can be upgraded beyond Catalina.
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 or mid 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
What is the model year of your iMac? A mid 2014 or later can be upgraded beyond Catalina.
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 or mid 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
You can avoid the most significant security issues by using a 3rd party internet browser that supports running their current version on your Mac rather than Safari. One option is Chrome: https://www.google.com/chrome/
There is also a user tip about which browsers will work with each operating system: Browsers by Mac operating system - Apple Community
However there have been other security updates not related to Safari. See: Apple security releases - Apple Support
FoxFifth - Thanks for your prompt reply. As you note in your reply, the model year of my iMAC running Catalina 10.15.7 is late 2013 and cannot be upgraded any further. Should I be concerned about security issues by continuing to use this iMAC? If there are security issues that cannot be resolved without an upgraded, it seems clear that i should simply purchase a new iMac, right?
FoxFirth - Thanks so much for your prompt replies - very useful recommendations - Much Appreciated.
Unable to update my iMac beyond macOS Catalina
