[tab name=’News’]
As Windows Phone users have come to learn recently, older products can’t be updated forever. The same case applies to computers, and Apple has now made users aware that the new Mountain Lion OS X update won’t work on all Macs.
Officially known as OS X 10.8, the operating system is weeks, if not days, away from launching as a digital download. Apple revealed the update earlier this year, and we’ve watched closely as new beta versions have been rolled out to developers over that time.
If you’ve got an older iMac or MacBook then you may be out of luck, with Apple leaving you on the current version – OS X Lion (10.7) as the final software update. The list of products that will get the update is as follows:
- iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
While many of Apple’s computers are covered in this selection of supported devices, there are a few omissions that will mean disappointed Apple fans. For example, the original MacBook Air will not receive the update. Older iMac and Mac Mini models will also be left on either Snow Leopard or Lion, depending on their age.
It is thought that Apple is limiting the update to newer devices due to the software needing more power from the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Some of the older Macs, while they may have a 64-bit processor, have 32-bit GPUs, which is a no-go for Mountain Lion.
The new OS is a further merger of mobile and PC, with features such as Notification Centre and the Reminders app making their way from the iPhone and iPad to the Mac. It will be offered as a digital download from the Mac App Store, and is expected to cost £19.99.
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
[/tab]
[end_tabset]