Andrew // Install Final Cut Pro on Mac Pro (cylinder) running macOS Monterey

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Level 1

15 points

Andrew // Install Final Cut Pro on Mac Pro (cylinder) running macOS Monterey

Hello all,

I'm a former filmmaker and recently acquired a Mac Pro (cylinder) for some editing fun.

As a longtime user and supporter of FCPX (I even used it on a feature film and PBS Nature show in 2011, at a time when the app was being openly lambasted. Shhhh!) I am sad to see that *no version* of FCPX will install on this Mac Pro.

The Mac Pro is running OS Monterey, and I'm logged into my Apple account.
I've purchased the FCPX app some time ago.
My license of FCPX is successfully running on two other Macs; FCP 12 on a MBP M4 as well as FCP 10.4 on an old Retina MBP/Catalina.

When I try to download the Final Cut Pro app from the App Store, I get a pop up that states I need OS26 (*no* Mac that I have runs OS26), while some other non-Apple apps state that I can download a version that works on Monterey.

Interestingly, the only Apple-made apps that seem to do this are versions of FCP, Pages and Keynote (..all now part of creator studio..)

I tried target disk mode from another Intel Mac that has my license of FCP on it. The app icon had a slash through it while connected, and although FCP did copy over to the Mac Pro-- it will not open, and a pop-up sends me again to the App Store (which has been a dead end).

Any recommendations are welcome! :)

...should I try bumping up my Catalina MBP to the same OS as the Mac Pro (Monterey) using OCLP patcher?...

...or do I try downgrading my new-to-me Mac Pro to Catalina (would rather not), to then hope the target disk copy works?..

All Best,

Andrew

MBP M4 Pro / Sequoia / FCP 12.2

Mac Pro 2013 cylinder / Monterey / no FCP :(

MBP Retina 2013 / Catalina / FCP 10.4

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 12:35 PM

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Answer 1

terryb

Level 4

3,856 points

Nov 6, 2026 2:59 PM in response to Andrew Burke

At some point earlier this year Apple stopped providing older FCP versions. In the past, if you purchased FCP, you could login to the App Store on your older Mac and download FCP. The App Store would complain that your system did not support the latest version and would offer the last version that did work. I submitted feedback at how disappointed I was when this was discontinued. I don't know what your options are other than finding a kind friend with a compatible version that you can copy.

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Answer 2

Andrew Burke Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 6, 2026 4:11 PM in response to terryb

Thank you sir, for your speedy reply.

Funny that this particular app wants me to be on OS26, and not something like 15.5...

Well, the quest for a fun editor continues. Will keep trying things. Perhaps a boot into recovery mode, and install the original OS this Mac Pro came with-> could then allow an 'upgrade' to Catalina-> and then a 'copy over' of my working FCP/Catalina combo would be clean??

Thank you again

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