Wondering what versions of macOS or Mac OS X your Mac can run? We’ve put together a macOS compatibility checker that will show you which Macs different versions of macOS and Mac OS X support so you can know which version you need to be running on your Mac.
What Mac operating systems can my Mac run?
Apple releases a new version of Mac operating system almost every year, but the new version of Mac operating system will not support all Macs. Every year more and more Macs fall off the compatibility list and cannot be updated to take advantage of the latest features.
With macOS Ventura now available for download on compatible Macs, it’s likely that many Mac users will be wondering if their Mac can support the latest version of macOS. Read on to find out which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac operating system. For tips on installing Ventura, read: How to install Ventura on your Mac.
Officially, the operating system that was available on your Mac when you purchased it is the oldest version of macOS that can run on that Mac. It’s likely that an older operating system won’t include the drivers needed for your new Mac’s hardware. For this reason, you’re unlikely to be able to install an older version of macOS on a new Mac, but you can see how to install older versions of macOS or OS X for other Macs. Mac M1 owners will also not be able to run older versions of macOS on M1 Macs.
But it might not just be about whether your Mac can run the latest operating system. Some people will want to know if it is possible to downgrade their Mac to an older version of macOS and need to know the older version of macOS. You will also find it below. You can also see a full list of all the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X. Not sure which Mac you have? Check out our article on how to identify your Mac.
Apple
Note: In each case, the year referenced below is the year the Mac was introduced – for example you might have purchased a 2016 MacBook in early 2017, but it is still the 2016 MacBook. This is important to keep in mind if you’re looking to run an older version of macOS on a Mac. Macs are generally incompatible with versions of macOS earlier than the one they ship with.
macOS Ventura compatibility
Apple released macOS 13 Ventura on October 24, 2022 and the most recent version of macOS 13.3. To run Ventura, you’ll need one of these Macs:
- 2017 or later MacBook models
- 2018 or later MacBook Air models
- 2017 or later MacBook Pro models
- Mac mini models from 2018 or later
- 2017 or later iMac models
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro models from 2019 or later
- Mac Studio (all models)
For more information, read: Can my Mac run Ventura?
macOS Monterey compatibility
macOS Monterey was made available for download on October 15, 2021, and the most recent version is macOS 12.6.4. The following Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey:
- Early 2016 or later MacBook models
- Early 2015 or later MacBook Air models
- Early 2015 or later MacBook Pro models
- Mac mini models from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2015 or newer
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Late 2013 and later Mac Pro models
- mac studio
macOS Big Sur Compatibility
macOS 11 Big Sur was the version of macOS that arrived on November 12, 2020, and the latest version is macOS 11.7.5. Here is a list of Macs that can run macOS Big Sur:
- Early 2015 or later MacBook models
- MacBook Air models from 2013 or later
- 2013 or later MacBook Pro models
- Mac mini models from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2014 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- 2013 and 2019 Mac Pro models
macOS Catalina Compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019, and the latest version is macOS 10.15.7 with security update 2022-05 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (2015 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 to 2019)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 to 2019)
- Mac mini (late 2012 to late 2018)
- iMac (late 2012 to 2019)
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro models from 2013
Note that M1 series Macs will not be able to run Catalina or earlier.
macOS Mojave compatibility
Mojave arrived in September 2018 (latest version 10.14.6) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (early 2015 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 to 2017, as it’s the same as the 2015 model)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 to 2018)
- Mac mini (late 2012 to late 2018)
- iMac (late 2012 to mid-2017)
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013, plus Mid 2010 and Mid 2012 models with Metal-capable GPU recommended)
macOS High Sierra Compatibility
High Sierra arrived in September 2017 (latest version 10.13.6) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (late 2009 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (late 2010 to 2017, same as 2015 model)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2017)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
- iMac (late 2009 to mid-2017)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2013)
macOS Sierra compatibility
Sierra arrived in September 2016 (latest version 10.12.6) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (late 2009 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (late 2010 to 2017, same as 2015 model)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2015)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
- iMac (late 2009 to 2015)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2013)
macOS El Capitan Compatibility
El Capitan arrived in September 2015 (latest version 10.11.6) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (early 2015 to 2017)
- MacBook (late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (late 2008 to early 2015)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 to Early 2015)
- Mac mini (early 2009 to 2014)
- iMac (mid 2007 to mid 2015)
- Mac Pro (2008, 2010, 2013)
macOS Yosemite compatibility
Yosemite arrived in October 2014 (latest version 10.10.5) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (late 2008 to mid 2013)
- MacBook Pro (13″ Mid-2009 to Mid-2014)
- MacBook Pro (15″ mid/late 2007 to mid 2014)
- MacBook Pro (17″ late 2007 to 2011)
- Mac mini (early 2009 to 2012)
- iMac (mid 2007 to mid 2014)
- Mac Pro (2008 and 2010)
macOS Mavericks Compatibility
Mavericks arrived in October 2013 (latest version 10.9.5) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (late 2008 to mid 2013)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2007 to Early 2013)
- Xserve (early 2009)
- Mac mini (early 2009 to 2012)
- iMac (mid 2007 to early 2013)
- Mac Pro (early 2008 and 2010)
Mac OS X Mountain Lion Compatibility
Mountain Lion, the latest of the “big cat” versions of the Mac operating system launched in July 2012 (latest version 10.8.5) and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (late 2008 to mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 to Mid 2012)
- Mac mini (early 2009 to 2011)
- iMac (mid 2007 to 2011)
- Mac Pro (early 2008 and 2010)
Wondering how long Apple will support your Mac? Read: How long do Macs last?
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