MacOS Upgrade

Upgrade to macOS 15 or macOS 26

The following instructions will show you how to upgrade the Operating System on your University of Edinburgh Supported macOS Device.

Before beginning, it is important to know why it is essential that this upgrade is performed.

It is essential that you upgrade the Operating System on your device to make sure that it is secure and running the latest security updates. Any device that does not have the latest security updates installed is considered vulnerable. To upgrade your OS Apple recommend your system have at least 35Gb of free space.

Before performing the upgrade, please take into consideration the following:

 

  • Your data - An upgrade is a "non-destructive" process, meaning that it should keep all data intact. However, we would always recommend that you backup your data before attempting this process in the event of a worst-case-scenario. The UoE offers two services for keeping your data backed up and secure:

Please note that Information Services cannot be held responsible for any data loss.

  • Installed software - Any standard licensed UoE software will also be upgraded. However, if you use any specialised software you may need to look at the software manufacturers website (or contact them directly) to make sure that the installed version of the software you use is compatible with the Operating System you choose to upgrade to macOS 15 - Sequoia, macOS 26 - Tahoe or macOS 27 Golden Gate.
  • Device compatibility - Within Self Service, if you do not see the option to upgrade to macOS 15 - Sequoia or macOS 26 - Tahoe  then your device is not compatible. Please note that without a compliant OS your Mac cannot be supported and will have issues with software compatability. The estimated date that Apple will stop support for each of these Operating Systems (please note these dates may change): 
    • macOS 15 (Sequoia) - November 2027
    • macOS 26 (Tahoe) - November 2028
    • macOS 27 (Golden Gate)- November 2029
  • Time required - The process can take between 1 - 5 hours depending on the specification of your device and your network speed.

Upgrading your Operating System

  • Open the Self Service Application. There should be an icon in your dock.
Self Service Icon
  • If not then you will find it in your Applications folder:
Self Service (Folder)

Within Self Service:

  • Select Browse
  • Select OS

If you see all options for upgrading then we would recommend that you upgrade to the newest compatible OS (taking into account the Installed software point listed above).

 

OS Upgrade
  • Select Upgrade to begin the upgrade process.

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