You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

how do I get the Photos app to update

How do I get the Photos app to update on my iMac?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Apr 1, 2022 9:25 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 1, 2022 9:39 AM

The Photos.app is a part of the system. To get a newer version of Photos you have to upgrade to a more recent system version.


I see, you have been reading a support document about the RAW support. Do you need RAW support for a new camera? The RAW support is also provided by the system. To get new RAW Support, upgrade the system.

If you upgrade to the most recent system version, macOS 12 Monterey, these camera models will be supported: Digital camera RAW formats supported by iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey - Apple Support


Or what is the problem why you want to update Photos?


7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 1, 2022 9:39 AM in response to Dutch3131

The Photos.app is a part of the system. To get a newer version of Photos you have to upgrade to a more recent system version.


I see, you have been reading a support document about the RAW support. Do you need RAW support for a new camera? The RAW support is also provided by the system. To get new RAW Support, upgrade the system.

If you upgrade to the most recent system version, macOS 12 Monterey, these camera models will be supported: Digital camera RAW formats supported by iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey - Apple Support


Or what is the problem why you want to update Photos?


Apr 1, 2022 11:32 AM in response to Dutch3131

One thing you should know is that if you upgrade to Monterey any 32 bit application which you have will not work, only 64 bit apps. To find out which will and will not work download and use the free GO64 app.


Also your Mac may be too old to upgrade to Monterey. What model and year is it? This Apple document lists those models that are compatible with Monterey: macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support


Apr 1, 2022 11:36 AM in response to Dutch3131

macOS 12 has brought quite a few nice new features for Photos, you may want to upgrade at least to macOS 10.14 Mojave and Photos 4.

Before taking the jump to macOS 10.15 Catalina and beyond you need to check carefully the compatibility with your apps and additional hardware, also the codecs of videos. This upgrade is breaking all older 32-bit apps and drivers, also some older video and image codecs (About legacy media in iMovie for macOS - Apple Support)

And Photos 5 to 7 are very different from the version you are using now, for example the Moments are gone.



Apr 1, 2022 10:06 AM in response to léonie

I know my camera is supported. I shoot in RAW Ive been using the photos app on my iMac for years, I prefer it to Lightroom. Far simpler to use. But I want the updated version of Photos, I think it may have some added features which now need. Are you saying that macOS Sierra 10.12.6 is outdated and I should be upgrading to macOS12 ?

how do I get the Photos app to update

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.