HT1557: About firmware updates for Intel-based Macs

Learn about About firmware updates for Intel-based Macs
oztuck

Q: iMac w/Intel Core 2 Duo that is currently OS X Version 10.4.11. I'm trying to get it updated to at least 10.5 but cannot find the software update for it (when I run the updater it says there are none available). Am I SOL? Or is there a way?

I'm trying to get my iMac updated from 10.4.11 to at least 10.5... I have tried to get through the "Software Update" using the 'About This Mac' from the drop down menu but it is reporting that there are no updates available. Is there any way I can get this computer updated or am I out of luck? This is having several detrimental effects - specifically an inability to use iTunes as it won't accept any of the iTunes upgrades.

 

Any help available?

 

Thanks,

 

oztuck

iMac (24-inch), Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jul 8, 2012 8:40 AM

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Q: iMac w/Intel Core 2 Duo that is currently OS X Version 10.4.11. I'm trying to get it updated to at least 10.5 but cannot find the ... more

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  • by Matt Clifton,

    Matt Clifton Matt Clifton Jul 8, 2012 9:09 AM in response to oztuck
    Level 7 (29,905 points)
    Jul 8, 2012 9:09 AM in response to oztuck

    Updates from 10.X to 10.Y are never free. Good news is, you can buy a retail 10.6 install DVD ($30 from Amazon or other online sources), install it, update to 10.6.8, and then go directly to 10.8 when it gets released next month ($20).

     

    How much RAM do you have? I'd recommend at least 4GB.

     

    Matt

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jul 8, 2012 9:25 AM in response to Matt Clifton
    Level 9 (60,707 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 8, 2012 9:25 AM in response to Matt Clifton

    Matt's plan is a good one. You need not go through each major Upgrade -- you can skip 10.5 altogether.

     

    But I am not sure whether pre-2008 Mac Pro will support 10.8. -- 10.7 may be as far as 32-bit-only firmware (pre-2008) Macs can go.

     

    Stay tuned for the final word when the software is actually released, expected this month (July 2012).

  • by MiiCK,

    MiiCK MiiCK Jul 8, 2012 9:56 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (120 points)
    Jul 8, 2012 9:56 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Mountain Lion Supported Machines

     

    Supported
    Models

    • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
    • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
    • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
    • Xserve (Early 2009)
    • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
    • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
    • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)

     

    Requirements

     

    General Requirements

    • OS X v10.6.8 or later
    • 2GB of memory
    • 8GB of available space
    • Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
    • Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.
  • by noondaywitch,

    noondaywitch noondaywitch Jul 8, 2012 10:19 AM in response to oztuck
    Level 6 (8,142 points)
    Jul 8, 2012 10:19 AM in response to oztuck

    As noted, It's not an update - it's a major OS upgrade.

    10.5.x is possible, but difficult to get hold of and expensive.

    10.6.x is still available from the online Apple Store for around $30; http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDAzOA

    Note that it is no longer available from Apple High St stores.

     

    I frankly wouldn't bother with Lion or ML, but if you feel the need, you'll need to update to 10.6.8 in order to download them from the App Store. http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1399

     

    Expect to need updated drivers for printers or scanners, and some applications may require updates.

     

    If you use AppleWorks or other PPC era applications like earlier versions of MS Office, be aware that you need to select Rosetta during the Snow Leopard installation.

    Lion & ML will not run those applications at all.