Is there any compatible video conversion software for an old MacBook Air?

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Level 1

6 points

Is there any compatible video conversion software for an old MacBook Air?

Hello,

I have a 2017 MacBook Air (macOS High Seirra version 10.13.6). I am trying to find compatible software that can trim/cut and download YouTube videos, as well as convert them to mp3 audio files.

The previous software I had long been using now says when I attempted to upgrade, "You can’t use this version of the application “VidJuice UniTube” with this version of macOS. The application requires macOS 11.0 or later."

Unfortunately, I cannot upgrade to macOS 11 because I have a 2017 MacBook Air. So I have been looking to see if there is a work around, ie. some software that that can trim/cut and download videos and convert to mp3 that is compatible with my old computer. So far I have not found any such thing searching online. Is it the end?

Help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.

Posted on Feb 22, 2026 10:53 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 8

37,079 points

Feb 22, 2026 10:58 AM in response to M1M1M3

In fact, the 2017 MBA can be upgraded to macOS 11 Big Sur, even to macOS 12 Monterey.

➡️ macOS 11 Big Sur is compatible with these computers (c.2013)

➡️ macOS 12 Monterey is compatible with these computers (c.2015)

If your Mac is compatible with the newer OS, then this:

Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

M1M1M3 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2026 11:37 AM in response to M1M1M3

OK so apparently, Apple no longer lists older operating systems in the main App Store search, which explains why I couldn't find Mojave etc. I didn't know. Also, I'm reading that the App Store link often fails in browsers like Chrome, which I use, and you must use a specific direct link via Safari (which I also have.). So maybe I will be able to upgrade to Mojave. Gonna open up Safari

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Answer 3

Feb 22, 2026 11:00 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Follow up -

However ❗️ – IMPORTANT – If upgrading from 10.14 Mojave or earlier, your older 32-bit apps & drivers won’t work in Catalina or newer! They must also be updated or replaced. Use the free utility Go64 app from St. Claire Software to check your current apps.

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Answer 4

M1M1M3 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2026 11:05 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Hmmm. Here's the problem. When I went to software update nothing would come up. It would say, "No updates available." When I googled what was the reason it said the reason was because MacBook 2017 was too old. Let me try again now and I'll report back.

Thank you Obi Wan :-)

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Answer 5

Allan Jones

Level 10

80,686 points

Feb 22, 2026 11:21 AM in response to M1M1M3

Unfortunately, I cannot upgrade to macOS 11 because I have a 2017 MacBook Air.

Help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.

This image was on Apple's web site when OS 12 was released:

What software app are you trying to upgrade? That might help us use the Force to search the galaxy.

I understand if you still have some old 32-bit apps that cannot run on 10.15 Catalina or higher. I have kept a 2017 iMac at Mojave because of a long-term documentation project that relies on images from a 32-bit image processor app.

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Answer 6

M1M1M3 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2026 11:29 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks. Yeah if I could just get it to Mojave I think I would be ok. The initial software upgrade that led to this is https://www.vidjuice.com/. they recently updated to a point that is no longer compatible with High Sierra.

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Answer 7

Feb 22, 2026 1:08 PM in response to M1M1M3

The first thing to do is identify which apps and driver need to be updated. Use the Go64 app I posted earlier.

Some app publishers will have upgraded their apps to run in Catalina and newer macOS. Some never did.

Same with printer drivers, scanner drivers and drivers for some misc peripherals.

Mostly you can visit the websites of the manufacturers to download updated drivers and applications.

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Answer 8

M1M1M3 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2026 11:10 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

OH ok I did not know about this.

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Answer 9

M1M1M3 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 22, 2026 11:14 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

What is the best way to go about updating or replacing older 32-bit apps & drivers? This is all new to me. Thanks

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Answer 10

Feb 22, 2026 11:17 AM in response to M1M1M3

Google has turned to the Dark Side.

Trust your feelings, Luke, erm, M1M1M3!.

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Is there any compatible video conversion software for an old MacBook Air?

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