why can't some macs update to 10.12

"What's wrong with that?" Well, the latest version of Keynote can not be installed on my computer (MacBook Pro Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015). Version 6 files are also not compatible with version 7 files—they graphically fall apart. So, I have workmates on Keynote 7 yet I'm on 6. We can't collaborate and that's pretty bad.

Apple has not said why which is not unusual. The Macs not supported have less powerful CPU

No, the CPU is soldered to the logic board but it if could be replace I doubt Sierra could be installed since before updating the installer checks the Mac to see if it meets the requirements. That is likely done by the checking which firmware is installed on the Mac

tylerccp wrote:

So with not being able to update to sierra, am I "stuck" with El Capitan for the rest of life of the laptop?

Yes.

What's wrong with that? It still works like before just not the latest Sierra features.

Also note: Even if your hardware is Sierra compatible, not all Sierra features are available to all Mac models.

One example: Using Watch to Auto Unlock the Mac. (Mac must be mid-2013 or later model)

Buy as much storage and RAM as you can, none of it is upgradeable after purchase.

So I have the same problem with not being able to upgrade. The question asked: "What's so bad about that?" answer: The newest features on Microsoft Excel (like slicer in pivot tables) is only supported by OS 10.10 and above. It is the only thing holding me back from full on Mac use at work. Now I need to toggle ... I hate windows, I want so bad to move completely away, but there is unfortunately still nothing that competes with the power of Excel which is critical for my job. Do I need to get a new Macbook 1st?

EugeneDV wrote:

So I have the same problem with not being able to upgrade. The question asked: "What's so bad about that?" answer: The newest features on Microsoft Excel (like slicer in pivot tables) is only supported by OS 10.10 and above. It is the only thing holding me back from full on Mac use at work. Now I need to toggle ... I hate windows, I want so bad to move completely away, but there is unfortunately still nothing that competes with the power of Excel which is critical for my job. Do I need to get a new Macbook 1st?

Technology advances. Even an old Windows PC can't take advantage of the newest functionality of apps/programs. At some stage old computers become dated due to power, speed, architecture, etc. limitations. If you want to use the most current software, designed for use on current platform architecture, get a newer model computer. After 5 years your Apple device is considered obsolete or vintage, Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

Gosh, that's gotta be one of the cr@ppiest answers I've ever heard. This sounds a lot like Microsoft ... I'm trying to get away from that type of attitude. I understand that hardware gets old (My Mac book Pro is 2013 btw), but to start limiting OS like windows ... Another cause to morn the loss of Jobs ... C'est la vie

EugeneDV wrote:

So I have the same problem with not being able to upgrade. The question asked: "What's so bad about that?" answer: The newest features on Microsoft Excel (like slicer in pivot tables) is only supported by OS 10.10 and above. It is the only thing holding me back from full on Mac use at work. Now I need to toggle ... I hate windows, I want so bad to move completely away, but there is unfortunately still nothing that competes with the power of Excel which is critical for my job. Do I need to get a new Macbook 1st?

You can use 10.11 on your Mac, 11 is more than 10

EugeneDV wrote:

Gosh, that's gotta be one of the cr@ppiest answers I've ever heard. This sounds a lot like Microsoft ... I'm trying to get away from that type of attitude. I understand that hardware gets old (My Mac book Pro is 2013 btw), but to start limiting OS like windows ... Another cause to morn the loss of Jobs ... C'est la vie

Tacky