Update Mac OS Mojave- Yes or No?
Update Mac OS Mojave? Here's the Direct Answer
Short version: Yes, you should update — unless you have a specific reason not to. Mojave is six years old. Apple dropped security updates for it. Your machine is exposed whether you like it or not.
Long version: keep reading.
What Mac OS Mojave Actually Is
MacOS Mojave (10.14) launched in September 2018. That makes it ancient in software years. Apple released it alongside the iPhone XS and a completely different tech landscape.
Six years means:
- Zero security patches since late 2021
- New apps won't run on it
- Web browsers have dropped support
- Hardware quirks won't get driver fixes
If you're still running Mojave, you've been running on borrowed time. The question isn't whether to update — it's when you finally pull the trigger.
The Security Problem Nobody Talks About
Apple released security updates for Mojave until 2022. That ended. No more patches. No more fixes. If a new vulnerability shows up, your system stays wide open.
Here's what that means in practice:
- Zero-day exploits won't get fixed on your machine
- Browser vulnerabilities stay exposed
- Any app with security flaws won't see patches
- Network-level attacks have free reign
Mac users love feeling "safe" because Macs get fewer viruses. That advantage evaporates when you run unpatched software. You're not safer — you're just a smaller target who stopped updating.
App Compatibility Is Already Broken
Try installing the latest Chrome or Firefox on Mojave. You can't. Both browsers ended Mojave support in 2023.
This creates a cascade:
- Many websites stop working properly
- Google Docs, Slack, and other web apps show glitches
- Security-conscious workplaces block access from Mojave machines
- Developer tools require newer systems
You're not just missing out on new features. You're locked out of the modern web piece by piece.
Hardware Performance: The Real Trade-off
Old Macs running new macOS can feel sluggish. This is the only legitimate reason people cite for staying on older systems. And it's valid — sometimes.
Newer macOS versions do demand more from your hardware. If you have:
- 4GB RAM and a spinning hard drive — new macOS will crawl
- An older Intel Mac (pre-2015) — the upgrade pain might not be worth it
- A recent Intel Mac or Apple Silicon — you won't notice a difference
Test before you commit. Download the installer and run it. See how it feels. If it's unusable, you have data to make your decision.
Who Should Stay on Mojave
Let's be honest about this group. It's small:
- You run legacy software that won't work on newer macOS and you can't replace it
- You have critical hardware (printers, scientific equipment) with no updated drivers
- Your Mac genuinely can't handle the upgrade and replacement isn't an option
If none of these apply, you're just avoiding change. That's not a strategy — it's inertia.
Who Needs to Update Right Now
You if:
- You use your Mac for any work
- You access sensitive accounts (banking, email, healthcare portals)
- Your Mac is on a network with other devices
- You handle any kind of client data
- You're still reading this article, which means you're not a specialized legacy user
Security vulnerabilities don't announce themselves. You won't know your system is compromised until it's too late.
Your Actual Options — Compared
| Option | Security | App Support | Performance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay on Mojave | None | Broken | Best on old hardware | Legacy-only workflows |
| Update to Monterey (12) | Until 2025 | Most apps work | Good on 2015+ | Older hardware, most users |
| Update to Ventura (13) | Until 2026 | Full support | Fine on 2017+ | Current workflow needs |
| Update to Sonoma (14) | Until 2027+ | Full support | Best on Apple Silicon | Future-proofing |
Monterey is the practical sweet spot for older machines. It gets security updates for a few more years and supports nearly everything. Sonoma is overkill on aging hardware.
How to Update Your Mac from Mojave
Step 1: Check What You're Working With
Click the Apple menu → About This Mac. Note your model year and current macOS version. This tells you what you can upgrade to.
Step 2: Back Up Everything
Use Time Machine or a clone tool. Seriously. Updates fail. Drives die. Back up first, questions later. This takes 20 minutes and saves your ass.
Step 3: Free Up Space
New macOS needs roughly 20GB free. Delete old apps, clear downloads, empty trash. Your system drive needs room to breathe.
Step 4: Run the Installer
Go to System Settings → General → Software Update. Click Update Now. The download takes 30-60 minutes depending on your connection.
After downloading, the installer runs automatically. Keep your Mac plugged in. Don't touch it. Walk away for an hour.
Step 5: Deal With the Aftermath
Some apps will need updates. Some old apps won't work at all. Reconnect your printer. Check that critical software still functions. This is where legacy users discover their actual blockers.
The Bottom Line
Update your Mac unless you have a concrete, documented reason not to. Mojave is dead software on living hardware. The security risks are real. The app compatibility issues are already here.
If your hardware can't handle a modern macOS, that's a hardware problem — and it means your Mac is probably due for replacement anyway. A six-year-old machine running unpatched software isn't a working computer. It's a liability.
Stop delaying. Back up. Update. Move on.