It is October 2022 and Apple just released their brand new operating system. While there will be a separate post about new features and functionality, the question now is should you upgrade to macOS Ventura right away or wait till later? tl;dr; Don’t unless you really need to. It’s better to wait for now. If you’re looking for security updates only, you can keep your current system and download just the security patches. More advice and safety tips below.
Your hardware is compatible with Ventura
Below is a list of all Mac models compatible with macOS Ventura. If your mac is not in that list it is recommended that you forgo macOS Ventura upgrade altogether or proceed with an alternative installation option.
- MacBook Pro introduced in 2017 or later
- MacBook Air introduced in 2018 or later
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017) or later
- Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later
- Mac mini (M1, 2020) or later
- iMac introduced in late 2017 or later
- iMac Pro
- Mac Studio
- Mac Pro introduced in 2019 or later
Find your Mac make and model
If you don’t remember when your mac was made or simply don’t know, then the simplest way is to check About This Mac window, available by choosing About This Mac from the Apple menu. If you’re still having problems, then it is recommended you use the following identifying guides provided by Apple for each of the compatible devices.
Have a backup ready
If you have an external hard drive, which can be used for backup – use it. It is recommended that you backup your current system, preferably using Apple’s Time Machine before you begin macOS Ventura update.
The tradeoff is quite simple. If you don’t back up and things go south, you’re cooked. Most users, however, completely neglect this recommendation and roll a new system without a backup. While it may work just fine most of the time, there’s still a chance that the upgrade crashes and burns. In that case having a backup is super awesome.
If you don’t have a fresh backup and don’t have a hard drive to make one, then maybe you should not upgrade, unless of course you don’t care loosing all your files.
Have time to recover
The risk with every upgrade is that it cripples some of the currently installed apps. It could be a minor thing or a major one, depending on the line of work that you’re in. An effect in your editor may malfunction or an important plugin not work any longer. Essentially if that happens the alternatives are – try to fix it your self or wait for a patch to come out. In the latter case it would be required to roll back the whole system from backup.
Basically if you have important work due or need to have your machine operational it may be inconvenient to update just now and maybe wait for a weekend.
Software incompatibility reports
On October 26, 2022, Wired reported that MacOS Ventura breaks third-party security Tools. Link to article.
Critical vulnerabilities found
Arbitrary code execution vulnerability has been discovered shortly after release. Apple has already published a security patch to fix the issue on October 24, 2022.
Don’t upgrade only for security
If the only reason you are upgrading from Monterey or Big Sur is to apply the latest security patches, then there is definitely no need to do that. Don’t. Apple has released macOS 12.6.1 and 11.7.1 security updates for Monterey and Big Sur.
Older macOS upgrade to Ventura is riskier
If you want to upgrade your OS to Ventura and you’re not running Big Sur or Monterey, there is generally a higher chance to run into issues. Be prepared. If possible do a fresh install of Ventura instead of an upgrade.
Have enough free space
Make sure you have enough free space available on your system. Having at least 50Gb should suffice, but the more, the better, of course. If you’re running low on space, then may be hold off with that update.
Good luck
As with any macOS update, it wouldn’t hurt. Also
Video version
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