How am I supposed to get access to my iPhoto photos when the required app update is not available?

By opening the library in Photos. If you'd like to go on using iPhoto in addition to or instead of switching to Photos, clickhereand try following the instructions; you'll only be able to do so if you previously got iPhoto from or associated it with the Mac App Store.

(134484)

Take your issue to the iPhoto for Mac forum and seek help on how to continue using iPhoto.

iPhoto for Mac

Late 2012 Mac mini, OS X El Capitan 10.11; Apple Watch, 38 mm silver AL, Watch OS 2; iPad Air 2 & iPhone 6+, iOS 9.0.2

A special process is needed to access it; click on the link I posted above. Unless the process works or Apple tells you otherwise, never.

(134529)

iPhoto was not deleted from your hard drive, only removed from the Dock. If you have iPhoto 9.6.1 you can still use your iPhoto library.

If you don't have that version but some earlier version of 9.x try following Terence Devlin's instructions in this post to obtain iPhoto 9.6.1 from the App Store:

Terence Devlin

Apr 14, 2015 11:21 AM

Re: Is Iphoto gone ? i want it back!

in response to Johannes666

Recommended

Go to the App Store and check out the Purchases List. If iPhoto is there then it will be v9.6.1

If it is there, then drag your existing iPhoto app (not the library, just the app) to the trash.

Install the App from the App Store.

Sometimes iPhoto is not visible on the Purchases List. it may be hidden. See this article for details on how to unhide it.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4928

One question often asked: Will I lose my Photos if I reinstall?

iPhoto the application and the iPhoto Library are two different parts of the iPhoto programme. So, reinstalling the app should not affect the Library. BUT you should always have a back up before doing this kind of work. Always.