What to do... 2013 iMac / MacBook outdated OSX?

[moustachebandit]

I have a 213 iMac and MB Pro that have been my work horses for the past 10 years, and still work perfectly, do everything I require.

My concern isn't the hardware but the software, both devices are running High Sierra, which is high as I can go with the OSX and Apple have stated they will no longer support OS updates on these older models.

So inevitably they will start to become obsolete and less software will be compatible.

This recent came to light when I tried to use Fusion 360 to find out its no longer compatible with my machines.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could do to keep these machines functional so they aren't outdated by the outdated OS? I know Linux is an option for an OS, but honestly ignorant to what it is because I havent had to learn about it.

Comments appreciated.

[mmm-five]

Two options (if you want to keep the device):

1. use a hack to install a later version of the OS (https://dosdude1.com/software.html)...but realise some features will not work as the hardware is not physically there (or capable)
2. use the latest OS you can (might be 10.15 Catalina), and keep using the version of the software you have...resisting the temptation to go for the latest & greatest version

Be aware that unless you have a speedy SSD in the iMac, you may find the later OS becomes dog slow!

Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 9th March 14:20

[mikef]

mmm-five said:

use a hack to install a later version of the OS (https://dosdude1.com/software.html)...but realise some features will not work as the hardware is not physically there (or capable)

I used to install DosDude’s patched MacOS but I think he’s given up on the more recent MacOS releases (?). These days I’m installing Opencore Legacy Patcher on my older Macs, which takes a different approach using a custom bootloader: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher...

[Buffalo]

Have the same issue with a 2014 MBP. I've been looking into running Linux on it, and potentially a VM to see if it will run a modern Mac OS. Mine is only one distribution onto the outdated list and has more power than my MB that is a few months younger but can run the latest OS. I am semi-used to Linux though so it doesn't worry me, I'm just annoyed to lose some of the Mac software I've invested in but can't justify a new model yet.

Ubuntu is probably a good bet for Linux if you're fully used to Mac. Mint is probably the best out the box distro but is more akin to windows in operation.

[mikef]

I have OCLP running MacOS Ventura on my 2016 MBP. It’s a bit of a pain to install but works

[blearyeyedboy]

This?

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/turn-old-mac-into...

[Bikerjon]

Those 2013 Mac's should be able to run 10.15 Catalina, which although not current should be OK for a couple more years use.

[Teppic]

Another vote for Open Core Legacy Patcher (OCLP) here. I’ve used it to install Ventura on a 13” 2012 MacBook Pro and it works absolutely fine. There are plenty of installation tutorials OCLP on YouTube.

[megaphone]

My 2013 Air can go to Big Sur natively, so check yours again. I'm actually running Ventura on it via OCLP, it has been a bit buggy, not too bad, but occasional lag. still very usable.

I'm running Catalina on my 2009 iMac using OCLP, runs like it was new, it has mechanical drives.

Remember any OS later than Catalina is 64bit only, so check if you use any 32bit apps.

[Alorotom]

You could always buy a parallels license and run windows on it - I’d imagine it should still be more than capable for windows 11

I bought my Parallels license (legit) from eBay for about £30

[Buffalo]

Well, I have just tried the OpenCore patcher to install Ventura on my mid-2014 MBP and it worked seamlessly, so thanks very much for the heads-up about that. Please I can keep it going for a while longer. I'd recommend having a go OP, was remarkably simple. The only thing for my model was it needed to boot into safe mode to patch the Nvidia drivers, I was a bit unsure how to proceed after that, but re-booted and it went into normal mode fine and so far so good.

[sutoka]

megaphone said:

My 2013 Air can go to Big Sur natively, so check yours again. I'm actually running Ventura on it via OCLP, it has been a bit buggy, not too bad, but occasional lag. still very usable.

I'm running Catalina on my 2009 iMac using OCLP, runs like it was new, it has mechanical drives.

Remember any OS later than Catalina is 64bit only, so check if you use any 32bit apps.

This my 15' MBP is October 2013 and running Big Sur, going to replace sometime but running a 2021 24' iMac on Ventura and it's not a million miles away for general browsing.

[moustachebandit]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I am going to go the OpenCore route, it looks like the most suitable option.

I am going to do my MBPro first as thats fully supported and see how I get on, looks like my iMac isn't fully supported yet. If it means I can run Fusion360 then that will be perfect.

Do people recommend backing up before the change? Is it possible to wind everything back to the original Mac OS if needed?

[mikef]

moustachebandit said:

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, I am going to go the OpenCore route, it looks like the most suitable option.

I am going to do my MBPro first as thats fully supported and see how I get on, looks like my iMac isn't fully supported yet. If it means I can run Fusion360 then that will be perfect.

Do people recommend backing up before the change? Is it possible to wind everything back to the original Mac OS if needed?

Definitely back up. Preferably to more than one location

In my Mac Pro I alternate between two separate SSDs for new OpenCore installs, so it's not really a risk. I imagine with a single SSD it could all go wrong and require a clean re-install...

[megaphone]

I use SuperDuper to clone my Macs before I do upgrades etc. It does an exact clone, so you can always go back. You can aslo access all your files if you just want to drag them across.

https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuper...