'Previous Versions' Coming to Mac App Store for Users of Older Macs - MacRumors
Skip to Content

'Previous Versions' Coming to Mac App Store for Users of Older Macs

by

mac_app_store_icon_150Last month, Apple began offering a "last compatible" version feature in its iOS App Store, giving developers the option of offering users running pre-iOS 7 operating systems on their iOS devices the ability to download older versions of their apps compatible with those devices and operating systems.

With today's launch of OS X Mavericks, Apple has notified Mac developers that a similar feature is coming to the Mac App Store, allowing users to continue using older versions of apps on their Macs that may not be compatible with Mavericks.

Users who have already purchased your Mac app are now able to download previous versions, allowing them to use your app with Macs that may no longer be supported by OS X Mavericks.

If you do not want previous versions of your app to be available for download as a previous purchase, for example due to a usability or legal issue, you can manage their availability in the Rights and Pricing section of the Manage Your Apps module on iTunes Connect. To exclude a specific version, click “Manage iCloud download settings for this app.” For more information on managing previous versions, see the iTunes Connect Developer Guide or contact us.

For those users who are able to update their machines to Mavericks, the new operating system is a free download available now on the Mac App Store.

Top Rated Comments

162 months ago
Awesome news for us Snow Leopard lovers.
You Snow Leopard lovers just got a free upgrade to Mavericks!
Go directly to Mavericks, do not pass Lion, do not collect Mountain Lion.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Goftrey Avatar
162 months ago
Awesome news for us Snow Leopard lovers.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Goftrey Avatar
162 months ago
It's time to move on.

As CDM said as soon as Snow Leopard stops receiving security updates (like Leopard did in May 2012) I'll have to look at an upgrade. But considering a considerable chunk of OS X users a STILL on Snow Leopard Apple just can't afford to drop 100,000's in the deep end at this moment in time.

I think the whole logic behind Mavericks being free is that they're trying to draw people away from Snow Leopard, as it's rapidly becoming the Windows XP of the Mac world.

Some people don't want useless features like 'Launchpad' or 'Game Center'. I like the barebones, straight to the point style of Snow Leopard. Quick, efficient, supported. What more could you want?

----------

You Snow Leopard lovers just got a free upgrade to Mavericks!
Go directly to Mavericks, do not pass Lion, do not collect Mountain Lion.

Meh, 3D maps & colour-coded tags don't rock my boat :p
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Goftrey Avatar
162 months ago
You are aware that you don't have to use those "useless features" and that they don't open themselves automatically or force themselves upon you right?

Sometimes it feels like the people who adamantly stick to SL are only doing so because it makes them feel like they're part of some elite Apple purist club.

The performance upgrades and tech in 10.9 are really worth upgrading for.

I've tried Lion, Mountain Lion & now Mavericks. All are considerably slower than Snow Leopard. I like Mavericks - it feels like a really refined version of Lion, which is awesome. I just don't need the features, and so I stick with Snow Leopard. Until a date comes that I am forced to upgrade or Apple introduces a new feature that I actually see myself using I'm fine where I am.

I find it slightly worrying that you're getting aggravated over someone stating they run x on their Mac instead of y. Take it easy.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
162 months ago
Previous iOS Version?

I want previous version for iOS! I highly dislike iOS 7!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
clukas Avatar
162 months ago
awesome! Good business practice apple!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Apple Preparing 'Most Significant Overhaul in the iPhone's History'

Sunday March 29, 2026 8:18 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has high expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone. In his Power On newsletter today, he said the foldable iPhone will be "the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history." "iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X were clearly a big deal, but this is a whole new design," he said. Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will reportedly open up like ...
Apple Event Logo

Apple to Launch These 15+ New Products Later This Year

Friday March 27, 2026 2:03 pm PDT by
March has been an incredibly busy month for Apple, with the company unveiling more than 10 new products and accessories. We said hello to the MacBook Neo at the start of the month, and we bid farewell to the Mac Pro at the end of it. Nevertheless, there is still a lot more to come this year. Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches, Apple's all-new smart home hub is...
Apple Apps Grid

Apple Releasing Two New iPhone Apps This Year

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00 am PDT by
Apple is expected to release two new iPhone apps this year, including an Apple Business app and a Siri app with chatbot-like functionality. With the Apple Business app, employees at businesses using the new Apple Business platform will be able to install apps for work, view contact information for colleagues, and request support. Apple Business is launching on April 14, and it replaces Apple ...