As part of my ongoing video projects, I purchased a 2013 Mac Pro (the classic “trash can” model), I needed to get a copy of macOS Mojave. This version is significant because it’s the last macOS release to support 32-bit applications, making it the ideal system for running certain legacy software like DVD Studio Pro
When I tried to download macOS Mojave on my current Mac which runs on Apple Silicon, I hit a wall. The App Store displayed the frustrating message:
“This version of macOS is not compatible with this computer.
See full list of compatible devices.”
This restriction is expected. Apple only allows downloads of macOS versions that are compatible with your hardware. Since Apple Silicon Macs were introduced long after Mojave, they can’t officially run it and therefore can’t download it directly from the App Store.
Thankfully, there’s a solution: Mist. Mist is a macOS utility that can download official macOS installers, including Mojave, directly from Apple’s software update catalogs without checking hardware compatibility.
It’s a clean, native macOS app — and unlike some Terminal-based methods, Mist has a friendly interface and doesn’t require hunting for legacy Apple software update links.
It’s unfortunate that Apple no longer makes it straightforward to get these older installers, even for valid support scenarios. But thanks to projects like Mist, keeping vintage Macs useful is still very much possible.