Updating from macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) to macOS Catalina (10.15) is a significant jump that introduces new features like dedicated Music, TV, and Podcasts apps, but also marks the end of support for 32-bit applications. 1. Check Hardware Compatibility
Before starting, verify that your Mac is officially supported. You can check your model by clicking the Apple icon > About This Mac. Catalina-Compatible Mac Models: MacBook: Early 2015 or newer MacBook Air: Mid 2012 or newer MacBook Pro: Mid 2012 or newer Mac mini: Late 2012 or newer iMac: Late 2012 or newer iMac Pro: 2017 Mac Pro: Late 2013 or newer 2. Prepare for the Upgrade
Stuck at version 10.13.6, need 10.15. Not… - Apple Community
Upgrading from macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 to macOS Catalina 10.15 is a direct process for supported hardware. You do not need to install macOS Mojave as an intermediate step unless your Mac model requires a firmware update typically included in Mojave. Critical Pre-Upgrade Requirements macOS - How to Upgrade - Apple (SI)
Upgrading from macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) to macOS Catalina (10.15) is a major jump that changes how your system works—most notably, it drops support for all 32-bit applications. 1. Check Hardware Compatibility
Before starting, ensure your Mac is on the official compatibility list: how to update macos high sierra 10136 to 1015
Stuck at version 10.13.6, need 10.15. Not… - Apple Community
Report: Updating macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) to macOS Catalina (10.15)
This report outlines the necessary steps, prerequisites, and important warnings regarding the upgrade from macOS High Sierra (10.13.6) to macOS Catalina (10.15).
Some Macs on High Sierra can directly install macOS Big Sur (11) or Monterey (12) without installing Catalina first, provided they meet hardware requirements.
Check your Mac’s maximum supported OS: Updating from macOS High Sierra (10
To get a newer OS: Search App Store for “macOS Monterey” or “macOS Big Sur.” If the installer allows it, download and run directly from High Sierra. If not, the installer will tell you to update to an intermediate version (Catalina).
Before initiating any major operating system upgrade, you must back up your data.
The most significant change between High Sierra and Catalina is the end of support for 32-bit applications.
Apple no longer prominently features Catalina on the App Store (it now promotes newer OS versions), but the direct link still works.
General Steps:
Backup Your Data: Before you start, ensure you've backed up your Mac. Use Time Machine or another backup method to protect your data in case something goes wrong during the update.
Check Compatibility: Ensure your Mac is compatible with the version of macOS you're aiming to update to. Apple usually provides a list of compatible devices for each macOS version.
Check for Updates:
Download and Install Update: If an update is available, you'll see it listed here. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now to begin the process. Depending on your internet connection, this might take a while.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process. Your Mac might restart several times during the installation. Go to EveryMac
Fix: Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift at startup) and clear caches and Time Machine local snapshots:
tmutil listlocalsnapshots / and then tmutil deletelocalsnapshots /You now have macOS Catalina. However, several essential tasks remain.