Upgrading from macOS Yosemite (10.10) to High Sierra (10.13) is generally advisable if you rely on security updates, modern web browsing, app compatibility, and newer features such as APFS, Metal graphics, and Siri on the Mac. High Sierra extends ongoing support, patches critical vulnerabilities, and introduces performance and media improvements that benefit daily use. However, the decision depends on your hardware, need for 32-bit app support, peripheral compatibility, and tolerance for potential regressions. This evergreen overview compares stability, security, app support, and feature changes to help you decide whether upgrading is worth the tradeoffs.
Key Differences at a Glance
The most important practical differences between Yosemite and High Sierra are security maintenance, file system, browser support, app compatibility, and core technology upgrades. High Sierra introduces APFS, Metal graphics improvements, Safari authentication improvements, and more robust media frameworks, while ending mainstream support for older 32-bit workflows. Consider these dimensions when deciding whether to upgrade.
Supported Hardware and Prerequisites
High Sierra requires Macs introduced in 2009 or later, plus some late 2008 models. Yosemite has slightly broader hardware support. Verify that your Mac model is officially supported by High Sierra before upgrading. Also ensure you have adequate free storage (several gigabytes) and a reliable backup (Time Machine) before starting the update.
Security, Stability, and Updates
Apple ended security updates for Yosemite years ago, leaving unpatched vulnerabilities for modern web browsers, email clients, and system components. High Sierra received updates until late 2020, which addressed exploit chains used in real-world attacks. From a security and stability standpoint, High Sierra is materially safer than Yosemite on compatible hardware, provided you keep the system updated.
Filesystem and Data Integrity
High Sierra introduces APFS as the default file system for SSDs and Fusion Drives, with copy-on-write, snapshots, and fast cloning. Yosemite relies primarily on HFS+. APFS improves data integrity, encryption handling, and resilience power outages, though Time Machine behavior changes and migration considerations require attention. For most users, the benefits outweigh the transition complexity on supported hardware.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| macOS Version | Yosemite 10.10, High Sierra 10.13 | Apple Official |
| End of Security Updates | Yosemite ~2016, High Sierra ~2020 | Apple Update Tables |
| Default File System in High Sierra | APFS for SSD/Fusion; HFS+ retained for spinning disks | Apple Documentation |
| Minimum Hardware | High Sierra requires 2009 or later Macs, some 2008 models | Apple Support |
| 32-bit App Support | Dropped after High Sierra for many apps and components | Apple Transition Notes |
Application Compatibility
High Sierra dropped meaningful support for 32-bit apps, which Yosemite could still run on compatible hardware, and updates system frameworks that many modern apps rely on. If you depend on older 32-bit utilities that have not been updated, test them carefully on High Sierra or maintain a separate Yosemite environment using a virtual machine or second user account. Most mainstream apps (browsers, office suites, media tools) are well supported on High Sierra.
Performance, Media, and Productivity Features
High Sierra includes Metal-based graphics optimizations, faster H.264 and HEVC encoding, improved Photos import and search, refined App Nap behavior, and Safari updates that reduce fraudulent certificate prompts. These changes typically yield smoother video playback, quicker exports, and more efficient background power usage. Siri, Notes improvements, and Files across Mac and iOS are more mature in High Sierra than in Yosemite.
Upgrade Path, Backup, and Rollback
Back up with Time Machine and verify the backup before upgrading. Perform the upgrade from the App Store or from an Apple Recovery partition; if problems occur, you can reinstall Yosemite from a Time Machine snapshot or an external installer. Keep in mind that reinstalling Yosemite after moving to High Sierra may require re-creating partitions and restoring user data, so treat the upgrade as generally one-directional for convenience and safety.
Should You Upgrade? Decision Checklist
Use this concise checklist to decide quickly. Upgrade to High Sierra if security, app compatibility, APFS benefits, and newer media features matter and your Mac is supported. Stay on Yosemite only if you rely on unreplaceable 32-bit workflows, specific peripherals that fail on High Sierra, or you prefer a very stable, untouched environment and can accept increased security risk. When in doubt, test first on a non-critical Mac or run High Sierra in a virtual machine where feasible.
- Upgrade if: You need current security updates, use mostly App Store and 64-bit apps, want APFS and Metal benefits, have supported Mac hardware, and keep regular backups.
- Stay on Yosemite only if: You depend on 32-bit apps with no updates, have verified peripheral or workflow issues on High Sierra, and can accept unpatched vulnerabilities and limited future support.
Risks and Considerations
Risks include peripheral driver issues, rare problems with specific 32-bit software, and subtle changes in Finder or system behavior after migration. Mitigate these by checking release notes for your Mac model, testing critical apps in a separate user or VM, and maintaining a complete Time Machine backup. If you rely on legacy hardware or niche peripherals, confirm driver availability before upgrading.