MacBook 12" 2015 getting slower with Catalina

[Z3man]

I have the base 2015 model running Catalina, i tried BigSur but didn't really like it so i stuck with Catalina.

I still really love my MacBook but it is starting to get a bit slower and is not loading pictures and photo's on some websites. Could this be because i am still using Catalina, would it be any better if i upgraded to BigSur. I am thinking it is not loading the pictures because some websites are not supporting Catalina, the big websites like Amazon and eBay etc are fine its just some of the smaller sites like Taunton Leisure and Paramo, there are a few others but i can't remember them at the moment.

Thanks

 

[Bigwaff]

Try reboot MacBook. Still slow pictures? Not MacBook. Internets be slow. Reboots the router.

 

[Z3man]

It's not that the pictures are slow to load, they won't load at all.

I just get a large grey cross or a small blue square with a white question mark inside it, that's what makes me think it is a compatibility issue.

 

[Adora]

It's not that the pictures are slow to load, they won't load at all.

I just get a large grey cross or a small blue square with a white question mark inside it, that's what makes me think it is a compatibility issue.

Ist it only in Safari or other browser too?

 

[Z3man]

Ist it only in Safari or other browser too?

Yes only in Safari, that's all i use.

The websites i mentioned will not load the pictures on my original iPad Air either, but they will load on my iPhone X, both are running the latest software they can. I am pretty sure it is something to do with these websites not supporting older operating systems, but i don't want to upgrade to BigSur unless it is going to make a difference to loading the sites i am having problems with.

 

[MultiFinder17]

Try grabbing a more updated browser and see if that fixes some of the issues you're having. Most likely it's just compatibility issues like you think.

 

[Z3man]

Try grabbing a more updated browser and see if that fixes some of the issues you're having. Most likely it's just compatibility issues like you think.

I thought about trying that but i would prefer to keep using Safari because of the integration with iCloud and all my other devices, and i don't think i would be able to use all my bookmarks with a different browser.

 

[Adora]

I thought about trying that but i would prefer to keep using Safari because of the integration with iCloud and all my other devices, and i don't think i would be able to use all my bookmarks with a different browser.

This one is very similar to Safari and also works on older macOS (back to 10.14 I think). Not sure if it can also sync everything with iCloud. Maybe just try it. It also supports extensions for other browsers.

Orion Browser by Kagi

kagi.com

 

[Adora]

EtreCheck

etrecheck.com

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Yes, it’s because the version of Safari on “Catalina” hasn’t been updated since 2022.
Updating to “Big Sur” might fix several of these compatibility issues, plus I thought Big Sur was a significantly better received update than Catalina at the time.
But even the version of Safari on Big Sur hasn’t been updated in quite a while, so it will eventually start having compatibility issues as well.
After that, you can start looking into things like legacy patcher, but I had an awful experience with one of these so I don’t necessarily recommend it.
Other people swear by it though, so it is an option.

 

[Z3man]

Thanks for the info.

I have just remembered my Mam has an old MacBook Air running BigSur, i am going to borrow in later tonight and see if her's can upload the pictures on these sites i am having problems with.

If it doesn't i will probably either put up with it or maybe have an upgrade to an M1 Macbook. I love the size of the 12" so much though so i would like to keep what i have if possible, but i want it to be working properly within the Apple eco system.

 

[bzgnyc2]

Thanks for the info.

I have just remembered my Mam has an old MacBook Air running BigSur, i am going to borrow in later tonight and see if her's can upload the pictures on these sites i am having problems with.

If it doesn't i will probably either put up with it or maybe have an upgrade to an M1 Macbook. I love the size of the 12" so much though so i would like to keep what i have if possible, but i want it to be working properly within the Apple eco system.

Whether reasonable or not, Catalina's Safari has become impractical for today's web. Besides compatability problems with many websites (I've seen some major sites break and then restore Safari/Catalina but most persist), it doesn't support things like WebP images at all. Orion has very good compatability with the Apple ecosystem and uses the same version of WebKit as used in the latest Safari on the latest macOS, but even its latest versions still don't support WebP on Mojave and Catalina.

If you want WebP support under Catalina, you need to run either Firefox or Brave (version 1.69.168 was the last version that supported Catalina). Note that Firefox will continue to get updates on Catalina but Brave has dropped support for it.

Safari/Big Sur does support WebP but it is also falling behind. I still would not use that for general browsing of the web. Orion/Big Sur would be safer, faster, and more compatible with the modern web while still preserving integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Otherwise if your priority is the Apple ecosystem, I think you have to go all in on that including staying on the Apple upgrade train (i.e. ongoing software upgrades and eventually hardware...both of which you are due for by Apple standards).

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Thanks for the info.

I have just remembered my Mam has an old MacBook Air running BigSur, i am going to borrow in later tonight and see if her's can upload the pictures on these sites i am having problems with.

If it doesn't i will probably either put up with it or maybe have an upgrade to an M1 Macbook. I love the size of the 12" so much though so i would like to keep what i have if possible, but i want it to be working properly within the Apple eco system.

If you absolutely want to stick with the 12 inch MacBook form factor, you can look for a used 2017 online.
The 2017 version can be updated, officially all the way to Ventura which is two versions newer.
Safari for Ventura is still getting updates, and it should until the end of 2025.

However, if you want my personal recommendation the M2 MacBook Air is your best bet.
The M1s are still fine, but are starting to become a little bit difficult to recommend given that the chip is almost 5 years old at this point.
The M2 it frequently discounted for between $750 and $850, now comes with 16 GB of RAM by default, and has the newer slightly lighter design.

 

[Z3man]

Thanks for all the info guy's it is very helpful, i have took it all on board and it is a great help knowing what my options are.

I have just tried my Mam's MacBook Air and it is loading the sites fine that i can't and it is quite snappy as well.

So for now i am going to upgrade mine to Big Sur, and all should be fine hopefully, i will let you know.

I am going to set the download off now and go for a bath, hopefully it will done when i am finished.

In the future if Big Sur stops being compatible with some websites i will see about upgrading to an M series, not sure which one, depends on budget at the time, but will try for M2 at least.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I have the base 2015 model running Catalina, i tried BigSur but didn't really like it so i stuck with Catalina.

I still really love my MacBook but it is starting to get a bit slower and is not loading pictures and photo's on some websites. Could this be because i am still using Catalina, would it be any better if i upgraded to BigSur. I am thinking it is not loading the pictures because some websites are not supporting Catalina, the big websites like Amazon and eBay etc are fine its just some of the smaller sites like Taunton Leisure and Paramo, there are a few others but i can't remember them at the moment.

Thanks

Old boxes do slow down over time. OS and apps demand more RAM, etc. as time goes on. It is just the way it is. You can try to stick with old app versions, etc. but the internet makes that mostly unfeasible.

Since limited RAM is unequivocally contributing to your slowdown you may benefit from
• Frequent restarts
• Only run one app at a time
• Have an SSD as boot drive and keep it not more than 50%-80% full.
• Limit the number of tabs when a browser is your one open app. Note that as soon as you check email or whatever you then have 2 apps open.

 

[MBAir2010]

Safari seems slower on my Mojave osx Macbook Pro 2012 13"m compared to Opera, Fireofx and Vivaldi.
This is very obviously that safari is making a very good laptop slow,
as  thinks that will induce a seed to have one upgrade to something they don't really need.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

OP, mysterious slowdowns are Apple's way of saying "time to give us new money." The Apple timetable for Macs is only 7 years and you are at year 10. As Ferris Bueller says at the end of his movie, "it's over... go home."

If you want to keep using a Mac, time to buy a new Mac. What you are experiencing will only worsen as you step forward through time. It doesn't matter if you cling to the last stable version of macOS and dodge new upgrades- the apps themselves will stop working as you are experiencing with Safari not being able to load some websites. That will just get worse... and move beyond only Safari. The apparent "design" is to drive ever-growing frustration until you open the wallet for a new one.

2 OTHER OPTIONS

1. Hack it with OCLP, which can allow older Macs to run newer macOS at the risk of whatever unique security risks are exposed by leaning on the hack. LOTS of older Mac users do this and seem quite happy with it. OCLP readily proves that older Macs can run newer macOS versions just fine but where's "another record quarter" in that?
2. Install Windows 11 on bootcamp and you should have an up-to-date Windows PC good for at least a few more years.

Otherwise, you are fighting against a rising current "designed" to overwhelm you. Move along with a new Mac, a hack, make that one a "new" PC... or roll on with ever-growing frustrations.

 

[CooperBox]

OP, mysterious slowdowns are Apple's way of saying "time to give us new money." The Apple timetable for Macs is only 7 years and you are at year 10. As Ferris Bueller says at the end of his movie, "it's over... go home."

If you want to keep using a Mac, time to buy a new Mac. What you are experiencing will only worsen as you step forward through time. It doesn't matter if you cling to the last stable version of macOS and dodge new upgrades- the apps themselves will stop working as you are experiencing with Safari not being able to load some websites. That will just get worse... and move beyond only Safari. The apparent "design" is to drive ever-growing frustration until you open the wallet for a new one.

2 OTHER OPTIONS

1. Hack it with OCLP, which can allow older Macs to run newer macOS at the risk of whatever unique security risks are exposed by leaning on the hack. LOTS of older Mac users do this and seem quite happy with it. OCLP readily proves that older Macs can run newer macOS versions just fine but where's "another record quarter" in that?
2. Install Windows 11 on bootcamp and you should have an up-to-date Windows PC good for at least a few more years.

Otherwise, you are fighting against a rising current "designed" to overwhelm you. Move along with a new Mac, a hack, make that one a "new" PC... or roll on with ever-growing frustrations.

Your statement in the first paragraph is basically sound. I don't think many will argue that after a few years, Apple are far more content to keep their shareholders happy rather than their medium-term faithful users. But..... speaking for myself and I'm sure millions of other faithful users, after 7 or even 10 years of use, if the hardware is still functioning correctly it's far "from over "
For Z3man:-
I advise you to ditch Safari now! It's doing you no favours. Download the latest version of Firefox for your system and you will have no problems running both those smaller sites you mention. I've just tried Taunton Leisure and Paramo on Mojave (the OS prior to Catalina) and both run perfectly - and this is on a mid-2012 MacBookPro (the 'Golden Age' of Apple). I ditched Safari so many years ago for Firefox and never looked back. Imho it provides a more polished performance and wins out especially when it comes to Privacy/Security & Malware/Phishing protection. I'd even advise you to downgrade from Catalina to Mojave, as so many will agree it's a superior OS.
When there are no longer regular updates to Firefox, rather than buying a new Mac (as others have suggested above) upgrade to Big Sur by performing a clean install. You should see an immediate improvement. Or, test OCLP and a later OS. If still not satisfied, then I agree it may be time for a more recent computer.
Please report back if you follow this advise, especially if it proves satisfactory and provides improved performance.
One thing's for sure, when I no longer can receive Firefox updates on the current Mojave, this wonderful 13 year old MBPro will be given a few more years life with OCLP & Ventura....... without the use of Safari!

 

[Z3man]

I down loaded Big Sur last night and everything is running fine, those sites i mentioned are loading the pictures fine now.

I don't particularly like the look of Big Sur but i can put up with it, so i will stick with Big Sur/Safari for now. If i have any browser problems i will try Orion or Firefox.

I am thinking about upgrading to an M series MacBook. I am not in a rush so i will take my time and see if any bargains pop up locally on forums or eBay. But for now all seems fine, though i will have to upgrade to a more powerful faster machine at some point.

Thanks for everybody's help and advice.

 

[Z3man]

Your statement in the first paragraph is basically sound. I don't think many will argue that after a few years, Apple are far more content to keep their shareholders happy rather than their medium-term faithful users. But..... speaking for myself and I'm sure millions of other faithful users, after 7 or even 10 years of use, if the hardware is still functioning correctly it's far "from over "
For Z3man:-
I advise you to ditch Safari now! It's doing you no favours. Download the latest version of Firefox for your system and you will have no problems running both those smaller sites you mention. I've just tried Taunton Leisure and Paramo on Mojave (the OS prior to Catalina) and both run perfectly - and this is on a mid-2012 MacBookPro (the 'Golden Age' of Apple). I ditched Safari so many years ago for Firefox and never looked back. Imho it provides a more polished performance and wins out especially when it comes to Privacy/Security & Malware/Phishing protection. I'd even advise you to downgrade from Catalina to Mojave, as so many will agree it's a superior OS.
When there are no longer regular updates to Firefox, rather than buying a new Mac (as others have suggested above) upgrade to Big Sur by performing a clean install. You should see an immediate improvement. Or, test OCLP and a later OS. If still not satisfied, then I agree it may be time for a more recent computer.
Please report back if you follow this advise, especially if it proves satisfactory and provides improved performance.
One thing's for sure, when I no longer can receive Firefox updates on the current Mojave, this wonderful 13 year old MBPro will be given a few more years life with OCLP & Ventura....... without the use of Safari!

How would i downgrade to Mojave, i think my MacBook would have come with El Capitan as it was made November 2015. I am not very technical, would i loose anything and would it be difficult, i have always backed up to a Time Capsule if this helps.

I had forgotten how much is dislike the whole interface of Big Sur, wish i had stuck with Catalina now. But if is is going to be really difficult to downgrade i will just have to put up with this.

Are all the newer versions of macOS as awful as Big Sur.

 

[bzgnyc2]

How would i downgrade to Mojave, i think my MacBook would have come with El Capitan as it was made November 2015. I am not very technical, would i loose anything and would it be difficult, i have always backed up to a Time Capsule if this helps.

You would basically need to do a complete backup of your files, a clean install of Mojave, and then restore your files. I am sure you could do it but it won't be nearly as easy as it was to run the upgrade wizard to get to Big Sur.

I had forgotten how much is dislike the whole interface of Big Sur, wish i had stuck with Catalina now. But if is is going to be really difficult to downgrade i will just have to put up with this.

Catalina was the last macOS with that GUI.

Are all the newer versions of macOS as awful as Big Sur.

The UI/UX doesn't get better.

In any case, I can't recommend going back to Mojave but then still running Safari. I like Mojave but it's Safari has security and compatability issues. I also can't really recommend sticking with Big Sur and still running Safari for security reasons. If you want to run Safari these days you should really be on at least Ventura (which of course is not supported on your model of Mac). In the meantime, you're not worse off running Big Sur/Safari over Catalina/Safari but you will want to look at a new/refurb machine or at least switching browsers.

Mojave was a good OS and the MacBook 2015 was the little engine that could. Both are good enough for what most people want to do but are not supported to do so anymore. There's no money in keeping them going.

 

[Z3man]

You are certainly correct when you say the user face doesn't get any better. I have been to my local Curry's store to have a look at the latest MacBook's running the latest software and they are pretty much the same as Big Sur. I m not impressed, i was hoping they might have changed the UI over the last few years. I certainly won't be paying £1500 for a MacBook pro with an interface like that, i wasn't that impressed with the look of the MacBook either, it doesn't look and feel as premium as it should anymore. But i was very impressed how fast and smooth they are.

I am going to stick with Big Sur for a few days and see if i can get used to it. I don't think i can be bothered with downgrading to Mojave or Catalina. After all i am going to have to get used to this cheapo looking cartoon like iPad look at some point because it looks like Apple are sticking with it.

I have been doing some customising of the toolbars and fonts ect this afternoon and have got it looking a little bit better, so i will persevere with it a little bit longer, you never know i might eventually come to like it.

 

[MultiFinder17]

It's certainly a big change from previous macOS designs, and I remember when it first came out not being terribly thrilled with it. But given enough time I honestly just kinda forgot about it. It's like anything else, as you start working the UI just kind of fades into the background. Work with it for a bit and see if you don't just generally forget about it for a while.

 

[Z3man]

It's certainly a big change from previous macOS designs, and I remember when it first came out not being terribly thrilled with it. But given enough time I honestly just kinda forgot about it. It's like anything else, as you start working the UI just kind of fades into the background. Work with it for a bit and see if you don't just generally forget about it for a while.

Yes i think you are right, i have been using it quite a lot the last couple of days and i am starting to get used to it already. So i doubt i will be downgrading to Mojave or Catalina, but i might try some different browsers like Orion and Firefox as people have suggested.

 

[MultiFinder17]

Yes i think you are right, i have been using it quite a lot the last couple of days and i am starting to get used to it already. So i doubt i will be downgrading to Mojave or Catalina, but i might try some different browsers like Orion and Firefox as people have suggested.

Switching to an alternative browser once Apple stops supporting Safari in the version of macOS that you're running is always a good idea. Especially if you're doing anything sensitive in any way, using an up to date browser is a must.