Can an old iMac be updated?

Can I update an old Mac to an earlier version? You may be able to update to Big Sur. To check for and install available updates, click the Apple menu, select System Preferences, and then click Software Update. If you can update to Big Sur, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
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Is my Mac too old for Big Sur update?

If your Mac was released in 2015 or later, it's compatible. Thankfully, Apple helpfully lists all Mac models that are compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur on its website.
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Can you install new OS on old Mac?

While you might want to upgrade to macOS Catalina, you might not be able to – it all depends on the model of Mac or MacBook that you have. Much like iOS, Apple only supports recent hardware in macOS Catalina, due to likely performance issues with the power-hungry OS running on older kit.
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What is the oldest Mac that is still supported?

Catalina launched in 2019 and supported the following Macs:
  • MacBook (early 2015 or later)
  • MacBook Air (mid 2012 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (mid 2012 or later)
  • Mac mini (late 2012 or later)
  • iMac (late 2012 or later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or later)
  • Mac Pro (late 2013 or later)
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What can you do with an outdated iMac?

If your old iMac doesn't work anymore, you can still recycle it. Electronics can't go in your city recycling bin, but many companies accept old electronics for recycling. You can drop off your old iMac at a local Staples or Best Buy. You can also return old Apple products to Apple for recycling.
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Upgrade older Mac to the newest OS (2011 and later)



Is a 10 year old iMac obsolete?

The OS released in 2029 would receive support from Apple until 2032, and most third-party tools that worked on the final version of the OS would be supported until at least 2035. This means that in general, you can expect at least 10 solid years of life from a Mac, barring any unforeseen hardware issues.
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Are old iMacs worth anything?

As of this writing (2011), on average I'd say most old Macs are worth about $100. Many less than that. An original 128k Mac, truly rare items and prototypes can command hundreds to thousands of dollars. For most systems, sentimental values tend to be higher than resale prices.
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Is my Mac too old to update 2021?

Apple considers Mac "vintage" if they were released between 5 and 7 years ago, and obsolete if older than 7 years. Obsolete Macs no longer qualify for service and support. Security updates are no longer available.
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Is my Mac too old to update to Catalina?

In the case of Catalina, the latest macOS version, the operating system doesn't work on models released before mid-2012 (and Mac Pros before late 2013). Apple's official list of Macs supporting macOS Catalina: MacBook (Early 2015 or newer) MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
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Can I upgrade my 2011 iMac to Catalina?

No sorry, a Mid 2011 iMac can only be updated to 10.11 High Sierra. If you need or want to run Mojave, Catalina or Big Sur when it is released, then you will need to buy a new or newer Mac.
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What Imacs are still supported?

iMac
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
  • iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
  • iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
  • iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)
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What OS can I upgrade my Mac to?

Upgrade from macOS 10.11 or newer

If you are running macOS 10.11 or newer, you should be able to upgrade to at least macOS 10.15 Catalina. To see if your computer can run macOS 11 Big Sur, check Apple's compatibility info and installation instructions.
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How do I update my Mac when it says no updates available?

What to do if you see 'no updates available'
  1. Try again later. ...
  2. Check your Wi-Fi and broadband. ...
  3. Check Apple's System Status page. ...
  4. Make sure there is an update available. ...
  5. Restart your Mac. ...
  6. Fix issues on your Mac. ...
  7. Try updating manually.
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How do I know if my Mac is compatible with Big Sur?

iMac models from 2014 or later

So, as long as your iMac has a Retina display you should be able to install Big Sur. If you have one of the entry-level non-Retina 21.5in iMacs that were sold after 2014 it will also be supported.
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How do I update my iMac 2015?

Then follow these steps to find and install any available software updates or upgrades.
  1. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences.
  2. In the System Preferences window, click Software Update. ...
  3. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now:
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What is the latest OS for iMac late 2012?

All replies. A 2012 iMac will go to Catalina V10. 13.6, if you need a more up-to-date version of Mac OS it is time to buy a newer Mac.
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Is El Capitan still supported?

macOS El Capitan no longer supported by Apple

El Capitan was replaced by Sierra 10.12, High Sierra 10.13 and the current release, macOS 10.14 Mojave. As a result SCS Computing Facilities (SCSCF) is phasing out software support for all computers running macOS 10.11 El Capitan and will end support on October 31, 2019.
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Why can't I update my macOS?

If you are unable to update your Mac even after you clean up the storage, restart your Mac. A normal restart often fixes random issues. So, give it a try. Once your Mac has rebooted, head to the System Preferences > Software Update and try to install the update.
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How long should an iMac last?

iMac 3-8 years

iMacs are also a bit more upgradable. Adding memory or faster and larger hard drives may make your iMac last longer. iMacs typically last between 3 to 8 years depending on how they are configured. Most iMacs will come with larger hard drives as a standard configuration.
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Can I update Safari on an old Mac?

Yes, you can update Safari without the need to update a Mac. It can be done by manually updating the browser from the App Store. Keep in mind that manual Safari updates are only available for older versions of macOS.
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When should I change my Mac?

5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Mac
  1. There's not enough space. Over time, we accumulate digital data and apps that take up a significant amount of storage on our hardware. ...
  2. Hardware is damaged. ...
  3. Poor performance. ...
  4. You experience regular software issues. ...
  5. It can't run the latest version of macOS.
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Can a 2008 iMac be upgraded?

Disasembling the computer is not simple, but the hard drive in these models also can be swapped out with a faster 3 Gb/s SATA-equipped SSD, and the swap is no more difficult than upgrading the hard drive. All of the 20-Inch and 24-Inch Aluminum iMac models have the same hard drive support.
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Should I upgrade my 2012 iMac?

You should upgrade your internal storage to a larger/faster SSD, or offload more of what is on the internal SSD off. That should improve your performance. As for the RAM, 16 GB should be plenty for what you're using it for. Just focus on the SSD.
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Why does my old Mac last forever?

There are a couple of main factors that contribute to the lifespan of these old macs: One of the obvious points is that these old devices can be very cheaply retrofitted with more RAM and SSD storage to keep them in line with the newer released Macs.
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