Mac App Store Stops Working on Older macOS Versions

Mac users running macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier versions are reporting widespread issues accessing the Mac App Store, with many unable to sign in or download previously purchased apps.

Mac App Store General Feature
Based on reports compiled by Michael Tsai, the problems appear to have emerged around January 24, 2025, coinciding with Apple making changes to Mac App Store receipts. Users attempting to access the store on affected systems are receiving various error messages, including "An unexpected error occurred while signing in" and "The data couldn't be read because it isn't in the correct format."

Different behaviors have been reported across affected macOS versions. Catalina (10.15) and later versions continue to function normally, while users on Mojave (10.14) can browse the store but are unable to complete new purchases or download previous purchases once their current session expires. Meanwhile, High Sierra (10.13) users are reporting missing interface elements and failed sign-in attempts, and Sierra (10.12) users are encountering error messages preventing access.

The timing suggests a possible connection to Apple's recent changes in Mac App Store receipt handling, but the exact cause remains unclear. For users affected by these issues, Apple provides alternative sources for macOS installers, and many third-party apps remain available outside Apple's App Store ecosystem via direct downloads from developers' websites.

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Top Rated Comments

thefredelement Avatar
19 weeks ago
Long Live Snow Leopard!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goonie4life9 Avatar
19 weeks ago
Not to worry, everybody, for the OFFICIAL Apple troubleshooting steps are available from Apple Support:
[LIST=1]
* This is not an issue because Apple Support has not heard of it. Apple Support hears of issues before they affect any customers, because Apple Support talks to millions of customers an hour.
* To troubleshoot this known issue, you should uninstall and reinstall the app. To do so, uninstall the app, restart your device, and reinstall the app.
* If the issue continues, you will need to erase and reinstall the OS. After reinstalling the OS, do not restore from a backup.
* If the issue continues, Apple Support will initiate an RTA to Engineering. They will need to collect logs. You will download the log-collecting app, open the app and initiate the log collection, with Mail logging enabled just to be safe. You will then need to replicate the issue. After you have replicated the issue, you will end logging and upload the logs to Apple Support.
* Engineering will reply within 48 hours. The standard response will be issued: this is a known issue, keep your device up to date, and no further troubleshooting will be provided.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
19 weeks ago
@goonie4life9 A good summary of why I basically avoid Apple Support for anything other than straight up hardware issues/replacements

For software stuff I've never found it even remotely helpful

Solutions like "reinstall the OS" are complete non-starters
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
19 weeks ago
"Car running a bit rough?"
"Take it to the dealer and have the engine reinstalled"

-Apple Support
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justanthonylee Avatar
19 weeks ago

I have Ventura 13.7.2 and everything works great
Literally a newer OS version than what's affected if you read the FIRST SENTENCE! "macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier versions"

macOS Mojave came out in 2018, and yours is Ventura that came out in 2022 and is 4 major releases newer.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
trusso Avatar
19 weeks ago

Apple gasping for new mac sales.
The sad thing is, anyone still on Mojave or earlier either uses it as a second computer, or has no intention of upgrading anyway. So if this is meant to push customers to newer products, they’re way off base here. All they’ve done is handicap their own OS for no reason.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)