You’ve heard all about the new features coming to Macs with MacOS Ventura later this year. There is no doubt that you are now wondering if your Mac will be able to update to the next version of Max when it launches. Okay, we’re here to let you know if your Mac is compatible with Ventura.
It will not be possible to install Ventura on every Mac. A few more Macs will be dropped from updates to the latest version of MacOS this year.
The system requirements for macOS 13 Ventura are as follows. However, you should keep in mind that while your Mac can run Ventura, this does not mean that you will get it All Features.
Read more about macOS Ventura and its new features. Can you run my Mac Find any version of macOS? Useful, especially if you’re getting an old Mac.
The following Macs can run macOS Ventura:
- 2017 or later MacBook models
- 2018 or later MacBook Air model
- 2017 or later MacBook Pro model
- Mac Mini Model 2018 or later
- IMac models from 2019 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- 2013 or later Mac Pro models
- Mac Studio (all models)
This means that the following Macs, previously supported by Monterey, will not be able to run Ventura:
- iMac (model from 2015)
- MacBook Air (2015 and 2017 models)
- MacBook Pro (2015 and 2016 models)
- Mac Mini (2014 model)
- Mac Pro (2013 Model: Cylinder / Trash Can)
- MacBook (2016 model)
Undoubtedly there will be some Mac users who are disappointed by that list. Many Macs that are not supported by Ventura are still being sold by Apple until quite a while ago. The 2014 Mac Mini went on sale until 2018, the ‘Trash Can’ Mac Pro until 2019, and the 2017 MacBook Air went on sale until July 2019. We thought Apple wouldn’t remove those Macs from the supported list, because people might have bought the model a while ago.
Keep in mind, however, that these ‘unlucky’ Macs may be on MacOS Monterey (or upgrade) and will still be officially supported by Apple for at least another two years. They may not be able to use the latest features, but they will continue to receive security patches and other ongoing support. For more information, see: How long Apple supports Mac.
It’s also possible that some ‘supported’ Macs won’t be able to take advantage of all the new features. Many of Monterey’s features, such as Universal Control, Special Audio, and AirPlay to Mac require either the M1 chip, or one of the more modern Intel-powered Macs. Read: Which Monterey features run on my Mac?
Will my Mac run Ventura?
Wondering if your owned Mac Monterey will be able to run? Below we outline Macs compatible with the latest version of macOS I hope you can easily identify your Mac from the description but if not then read: Do I have a Mac?
2017 or later MacBook models
This is the line of slimmer and smaller 12-inch MacBook models with retina displays that Apple introduced in March 2015 – 2015 and 016 models are no longer included as Ventura. If you have one of the 2017 MacBooks, available in Gold, Silver or Space Gray, you will have no problem upgrading to Ventura.
2018 or later MacBook Air model
In 2018 Apple gave MacBook Air a new look. If you have an older older model that only comes in silver, it will not be supported by Ventura. The 2017 model was sold until 2019, so probably several are still in use.
MacBook Pro model from next 2017
It was announced last year that the 2015 and 2016 MacBook Pro models could run MacOS Monterey, but this year they are out! The 2017 models arrived in July 2017 and had the Kaby Lake (7th-Gen) processor.
Mac Mini Model 2018 or later
Apple hasn’t updated the Mac Mini in several years, so chances are many of the 2014 models are still not in use, but if you have one it won’t be supported by Ventura. If you have one of the 2018 Space Gray models, or a virtually identical 2020 model, you will be able to run the Ventura.
IMac models from 2019 or later
Monterey 2015 was available on iMac, but if you have it and you want to run Ventura, you are out of luck. For Ventura only 2019 (Coffee Lake or 8th-gen), 2020 (Comet Lake or 10th-gen) and 2021 (M1) models are supported.
iMac Pro (all models)
The iMac Pro was only launched in 2017, then it was discontinued in early 2021. At least it is supported by Ventura.
Mac Pro models from 2019
The only Mac Pro model that supports the 2019 ‘Cheese Greater’ workstation. If you get one of the old aluminum towers or even a ‘trash can’ of black cylinder, you can’t run Ventura on it.