Upgrading from macOS Monterey to Sequoia on a 2020 MacBook Pro with limited memory

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Upgrading from macOS Monterey to Sequoia on a 2020 MacBook Pro with limited memory

Hi, I have a 2020 13"MBP with M1 chip and 8 GB Memory. I've only updated my OS system once on an older MBP but it was a long time ago. I never upgraded Monterey because it always suited my needs but there are no more updates and for security reasons I need to upgrade now.

I'm hesitant to go directly to Tahoe because of the low amount of memory that I have and with all the AI stuff and "liquid glass" on a small screen I'd like to wait. Tahoe will probably be the last upgrade I can even do on this computer but I think I'd rather do Sequoia since it probably has most of the glitches worked out.

I have done a recent backup on Time Machine on a separate HD just for backups. Anyway. I know I can get Sequoia from the App Store. Is it really easy as just pushing the blue button "Get" just like anything else I get on the App Store??

Can some give me a brief, easy to understand breakdown of what happens next?

Thanks!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Monterey to Sequoia questions

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 1:50 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Level 10

216,692 points

Nov 3, 2025 2:29 PM in response to Spudgirl

Basically, yes, its that easy.

When you click on "Get" it will start the download, and once complete it will launch the installer automatically and walk you through the process.

There's not much else to it.

If for any reason the install doesn't start you can go to the Applications Folder in Finder and double click on the installer to start the install.

For more information, see the following support document.

click here ➜ How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

During installation the Mac will restart to a black screen (sometimes more than once) with an Apple logo and a progress bar usually. Just let it sit there and do not disconnect or power down during this phase.

It will reboot into the login screen on its own when it's done.

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

135,527 points

Nov 4, 2025 12:16 PM in response to Spudgirl

Spudgirl wrote:

I just play on the internet, email, bill pay and such so I don't run a bunch of apps or programs. In the event I do upgrade to Sequoia and with my simple use of my computer do you think I'll be okay?

FWIW, if that's all you do you should be fine with Sequoia or Tahoe.

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,193 points

Nov 4, 2025 2:48 AM in response to Spudgirl

OP wrote " 2020 13"MBP with M1 chip and 8 GB Memory. "

Apple transitioned from an 8GB to a 16GB RAM base configuration for all its Mac computers, including the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines, on October 30, 2024.

This change was announced alongside the introduction of new M4-powered Macs (iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro) and applied simultaneously to the existing M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, effectively ending the era of 8GB base-model Macs.

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/30/macbook-air-now-starts-with-16gb-ram/#:~:text=iPhone%2016-,Apple%20Announces%20MacBook%20Air%20Now%20Starts%20With%20Increased%2016GB%20of,for%20the%20MacBook%20Air%20today.

This change does not diminish the performance of your 2020 13"MBP with M1 chip and 8 GB Memory during the time of macOS 11 Bug Sur, macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura and possibly macOS 14 Sonoma.

However, with the introduction of macOS 15 Sequoia and Apple Intelligence, the Unified RAM requirements for a Full and Productive usage of Apple Intelligence AI / LMM) were increased (doubled).

The first set of Apple Intelligence features was made available on October 28, 2024, in the United States, with updates for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.

The point being.

The users experience on macOS 15 Sequoia or possible macOS 26 Tahoe maybe less that desirable

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Answer 4

Spudgirl Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 4, 2025 12:13 PM in response to Owl-53

Thank you.

I wish they would state the memory required for these upgrades. For dummies like me anyway. I know a new MacBook is in my future but I was trying to hold off for awhile.

Maybe I should just upgrade to Sonoma for now as they are still doing security and bug fixes thru I believe 2026.

I just play on the internet, email, bill pay and such so I don't run a bunch of apps or programs. In the event I do upgrade to Sequoia and with my simple use of my computer do you think I'll be okay?

Maybe someone with my set up will chime in that has my set up and report their user experience with Sequoia.

Thank you!

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