Installing macOS Sierra: A Challenge with Untrusted Certificates
The latest operating systems from Apple, such as Catalina, are not compatible with older hardware that would otherwise be able to support them. This is because the End User License Agreement (EULA) and privacy agreement certificate for these updates has expired and can no longer be agreed to.
As a result, upgrading from El Capitan to Catalina requires a stop at High Sierra first, which introduced the Apple File System (APFS). Unfortunately, some stages of the update process cannot be skipped, as they involve agreeing to new privacy statements that are required by law.
This bureaucratic hurdle can be frustrating for users who want to upgrade their operating system but are unable to do so because of these issues. For example, I have seen cases where people would prefer to buy a PC instead of a Mac because they would lose access to their music library if they upgraded their OS.
In extreme cases, the inability to agree to new privacy statements can be an insurmountable barrier for some users. For instance, I have had clients throw out their Macs because they were unable to transfer their Solitaire scores or other data.
However, once an operating system is no longer supported by Apple, it will eventually cease to function, forcing the user to buy a new machine. This is another reason why upgrading to a newer OS is ultimately necessary.
It's worth noting that not all older Macs are unable to run newer operating systems. I have seen ancient Macs that still work and are capable of running the latest software. Additionally, Apple's App Store has made it more difficult for independent repair shops to provide support for older Macs.
In conclusion, while there may be some challenges associated with installing macOS Sierra due to untrusted certificates, it is ultimately necessary to upgrade to a newer OS in order to continue using your device effectively.
