Should I update my Mac to macOS 27 despite previous issues with screen distortion and the twirling ball of death?

<< I am now seeing the twirling ball of death. >>

A newer version of macOS rarely fixes such issues. In fact, it can make them worse.

The best way to analyze what is happening is to use a 'discovery' Utility, and post the results so that users can identify what your issues might be.

Consider downloading and running this little "discovery" utility, Etrecheck. It changes NOTHING. Etrecheck was developed by a senior contributor here, and uses mostly system calls and simple tests to collect often-needed information.

it contains little tests for speeds of devices, CPU utilization, memory usage, energy usage and a digest of recent problems, in one easy to use package. it does not even need to be Installed. Because less can be learned when your Mac is running great, best time to run is when your problems are actually occurring, if possible.

if you follow the directions faithfully, its report (pre-laundered of all personally-identifiable information) can be "Shared" to the System ClipBoard, then Pasted into an ‘Additional Text’ window in a reply on the forums.

Use Etrecheck Pro for free:

http://Etrecheck.com

The amount of data you get can be daunting. If you POST your report, some Readers here are willing to look over those reports, and can provide valuable insights.

Copy your report

In order to post your EtreCheck report, you must first copy it to the clipboard.

An easy wasy to copy your report is to use the "Share report" control in the toolbar. This text version of the report automatically removes any personal information. Never post personal information on the internet. Screenshots have been disabled for EtreCheck when running in trial mode. They are difficult to read and, unlike the text report, they can show personal information.

Then start a new reply on the forums, click the "Additional Text" icon, and PASTE

Slwoness and the beach usually stem from different issues on the Mac that are generally not resolved by updating.

With that said, you are now 3 versions down from current, so yes, if you update to macOS 27 there will be major changes.

with that said, if you post an Etrecheck report, someone here may be able to help you resolve the slowness and beachballing without resorting to updating to macOS 27.

Etrecheck generates a report of the current sate of your Mac. It does not include any personal details.

click here ➜ Using EtreCheck - Apple Community

You may also want to startg by removing any anit-virus, anti-malware, cleaning and security apps you may have as those will almost always cause more issues than they actually solve.

You can obtain MacOS 15 Sequoia by using Safari as your Browser, by using EXACTLY the link in this article for it, under the heading:

Download via the App Store.

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Attempts to get it directly from the Mac App Store by 'surfing' to the Mac App Store will fail because most MacOS versions are "put away" to keep users from downloading "by accident".

I suggest this version because it adds capabilities while not seeming too much different than previous versions.

Once you have this version installed it will make the next upgrade, if/when required, seem simpler.

Carolitis wrote:

I am still operating under Sonoma because last time there was a big update I had to spend days talking to apple support because all my screens went wacko and 3 dimentional even. I am now seeing the twirling ball of death and the only update being offered is 27 OS.

What should I do?

I am older and use my Mac for simple things but each time they make a change things get worse. I Cannot even really use pages after it suddenly changed on me with a scheduled update. I would like to write a document but not only did they make it harder I cannot make corrections on the document without issues. I was using it fine for simple things before. If they are going to make lots of changes they need to do some hand holding to help me use the change. Am I no longer update to one of the other OS?

The newest might not be right for me but surely they have worked out bugs on some of the earlier ones I would think.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Should I update?

Do you ever state what exact mac is this...? and what specific version of your macOS Sonoma ???

It does not sound like upgrading your macOS is going to solve any of your on going issues.

There were some major interface changes in macOS 26 Tahoe....you may well find overwhelming and adding more issue to sort out.

current versions—

macOS 27 Golden Gate is compatible with these computers

macOS 27 Golden Gate is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

Apple Genius bar can help with your current interface issue if you need one-on-one assistance—

Genius Bar appointment

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Local USA—

Store List - Apple Store - Apple

Around the World—

Choose your country or region - Apple