Why do older apps run in macOS 10.16 Compatibility Mode?

FxFactory may refuse to load plug-ins in older versions of After Effects or Premiere Pro. FxFactory will ask that you upgrade to macOS 11 even though your Mac is running macOS 11, 12, or 13.

To fix this problem, please upgrade to a newer version of your Creative Cloud apps.

Older versions of After Effects and Premiere Pro are running in macOS 10.16 Compatibility Mode, a version of macOS that Apple never shipped. It is used to maintain compatibility with older apps that might break on macOS 11, 12 or 13:

Big Sur is both 10.16 and 11.0 – it’s official

As soon as you upgraded your app, it will correctly recognize the version of macOS and allow you to use our products.