macOS compatibility guide: What OS can my Mac run?

This comprehensive guide helps you determine which macOS versions are compatible with your Mac. Apple releases a new macOS version annually, but not all Macs support the latest updates. This guide will help you identify compatible versions for your specific Mac model.

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How to Check macOS Compatibility

Determining your Mac's compatibility with the latest macOS is simple:

1. Click the Apple icon (top-left corner).
2. Select "About This Mac."
3. Note your Mac's model and year.

Use this information to compare your Mac against the compatibility charts below.

macOS Compatibility Chart

The following sections detail macOS compatibility by version:

macOS 15 Sequoia (Released September 16, 2024):

Compatible with:

• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• MacBook Air (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• Mac Mini (2018 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• Mac Studio (all models)

Apple Intelligence features (macOS 15.1 and later) require Apple Silicon Macs:

• iMac (2021 and later)
• Mac Pro (2023 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• MacBook Air (Late 2020 and later)
• Mac Mini (Late 2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2020 and later)

Learn more about macOS Sequoia features [link to macOS Sequoia features article].

macOS 14 Sonoma (Released September 26, 2023):

Compatible with:

• MacBook (2017 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• Mac Mini (2018 and later)
• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (all models)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• Mac Studio (all models)

Discover the best macOS 14 Sonoma features [link to macOS Sonoma features article].

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(macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 10.15 Catalina, macOS 10.14 Mojave, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, macOS 10.12 Sierra, macOS 10.11 El Capitan, macOS 10.10 Yosemite, macOS 10.9 Mavericks, macOS 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility charts would follow here, mirroring the original input but potentially rephrased for better flow and consistency. This section would include the same model and year specifications as the original.)

What if My Mac is Incompatible?

If your Mac doesn't support your desired macOS version, don't worry! Here are some options:

Option 1: Install Security Updates for Your Current macOS:

Apple provides security updates for older macOS versions. Check for updates via:

1. Apple menu > System Settings.
2. General > Software Update.

Option 2: Optimize Your Mac's Performance:

CleanMyMac can remove junk files and improve performance.

1. Install and open CleanMyMac.
2. Select "Cleanup" from the side menu.
3. Click "Scan" > "Review All Junk."
4. Select files to remove > "Clean Up."

iStat Menus monitors your Mac's performance, providing insights and alerts.

Option 3: Consider Hardware Upgrades:

For the latest macOS features, hardware upgrades might be necessary. Novabench benchmarks your Mac's performance to identify areas for improvement.

Summary:

This guide provides a macOS compatibility chart and solutions for Macs that don't support the latest macOS versions. Consider using CleanMyMac and iStat Menus for optimization, and Novabench for assessing hardware upgrade needs. These tools are available on Setapp, a platform offering a 7-day free trial.

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