The latest and final operating system that can be upgraded to on a 2012 MacBook Pro is macOS Catalina. This upgrade was released by Apple in October 2019 and brought several new features and improvements to the Mac platform.
Before Catalina, the previous operating system was macOS Mojave, which introduced a system-wide dark mode, redesigned Mac App Store, and improved privacy and security features. However, with the release of Catalina, Apple introduced even more significant changes.
One of the notable enhancements in Catalina is the separation of iTunes into three separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV. This change allows for a more streamlined and focused approach to media management on the Mac. Additionally, the new Sidecar feature enables users to use their iPad as a secondary display or as a drawing tablet with Apple Pencil support.
Furthermore, Catalina brings the Catalyst framework, which allows developers to easily port their iPad apps to the Mac platform. This means that users will have access to a wider range of apps, including popular iPad titles, directly from the Mac App Store.
In terms of security, Catalina introduces the concept of “Gatekeeper,” which enforces stricter app notarization requirements. This ensures that all apps running on the Mac are from trusted sources and have been checked for any potential malicious code.
However, it’s important to note that upgrading to Catalina may not be suitable for everyone. The latest macOS requires a 64-bit processor, so if your 2012 MacBook Pro has a 32-bit processor, it won’t be able to support Catalina. Additionally, some older applications may not be compatible with Catalina, as it no longer supports 32-bit apps.
If you’re unsure about whether your MacBook Pro can be upgraded to Catalina, you can check by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting “About This Mac.” From there, click on “System Report” and under the “Hardware” section, look for the “Model Identifier” field. If it states “MacBookPro9,1” or newer, then your device can support Catalina.
Before upgrading to any new operating system, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and ensure that you have compatible versions of any critical software or peripherals you rely on. Additionally, consider checking online forums or contacting Apple support for any specific compatibility or performance concerns you may have.
MacOS Catalina is the latest and final operating system that can be installed on a 2012 MacBook Pro. It brings several new features and improvements to the Mac platform, but it’s important to check the compatibility of your device and any software or peripherals you rely on before upgrading.