Apple is removing support for some older Mac models. If your computer is no longer compatible with the latest update, you will need to continue using macOS Catalina until you upgrade to a newer model


List of Mac models compatible with MacOS Big Sur:

MacBook Air (2013 and newer)
MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later)
MacBook (2015 and newer)
iMac (2014 and newer)
iMac Pro (2017 and newer)
Mac mini (2014 and newer)
Mac Pro (2013 and newer)

If your Mac isn’t on the list, you won’t get important software updates. Important software updates include updates to core applications such as Safari and Mail. if you’re using an Apple device running iOS 14 or later, you won’t be able to transfer files or perform local backups using Finder.

Apple generally provides important security fixes for two versions of macOS that are earlier than the current version. This means that even if your Mac does not meet the hardware requirements, you can install it with the Software Update option on the System Settings tab and receive important security updates for two years.

Learning Your Mac Model

If you’re not sure which Mac you have, you can check it out from the Apple menu at the top of the screen. Click the Apple menu at the top of your screen, and then select About This Mac. You will see that the Mac model you have is listed under the currently installed version of macOS.

Some Mac models may be separated not only by year, but also by the period in the year in which they were produced. For example, if you have a MacBook Pro listed as a” late 2013 ” model, your computer is compatible with Big Sur. MacBook Pro models released in “early 2013” or “mid-2013” are not compatible with Big Sur.

Not having the latest updates and features is frustrating. But let’s note that your Mac will still be supported for a few years, at least until the security updates expire. Besides, there are many things you can try to bring an old Mac back to life: such as installing Linux, turning it into a file server, or using it as a media player…

Why is Apple removing support for older Macs?

macOS Big Sur is ending support for machines like the 2012 MacBook Pro, which is now over eight years old. While cutting support is an annoying situation for owners of older machines, this is probably due to the limited capabilities of such older hardware.

Big Sur also brings some pretty big changes to the Mac. This update is the last Big 10.X Edition. So Big Sur also bears the first traces of macOS 11.0. While a revamped interface is being introduced, largely inspired by Apple’s mobile operating systems, iOS and ipados, the changes point to much more than a new name.

The new interface makes extensive use of transparency and floating windows. Besides, almost every basic application available in Big Sur will have a degree of user interface overhaul. In other words, the graphics load in normal use will be greatly increased. It’s possible that older machines don’t have the graphics power to keep up with it, or that they’ve been evaluated as such by Apple.

Before getting a new Mac

If your Mac is no longer supported by Apple, you may have considered switching to a newer Mac computer. Before buying any Mac, you need to think well about whether this is the best time to buy a new Mac. Because there are two important considerations: Apple may introduce its new Mac series, albeit late. These newly introduced series will receive power from ARM processors. As you know, after a long time, Apple will stop using Intel processors and start using its own processors, as it once did