Wondering which versions of macOS or Mac OS X can run your Mac? Our macOS compatibility tester will show you that Macs support different versions of macOS and Mac OS X so you can tell which macOS to run on your Mac.
Which Mac operating system can my Mac run?
Apple releases a new version of the Mac operating system almost every year, but it will not support every Mac. With more and more Macs falling by the wayside each year, the latest features can’t be updated to take advantage. Read on to find out which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac operating system
But that may not be the case with just asking if your Mac can run the new operating system. Some people want to know if it is possible to downgrade their Mac to an older version of macOS. In this case they may want to know what is the oldest macOS they can run.
Officially, the operating system that was available on that Mac at the time of your purchase is the oldest version of MacOS that can run on that Mac. It is likely that an older OS will not include the drivers required for your new Mac’s hardware. For this reason, it is unlikely that you will 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 guidance on what is possible. Or you can’t run older versions of macOS on M1 Macs.
We have here a complete list of different versions of macOS and Mac OS X.
Not sure which Mac you own? See our article on how to detect your Mac.
Note: In each case the year mentioned below is the year the Mac was launched – you bought a 2016 MacBook in early 2017 for example, but it is still a 2016 MacBook. This is important to keep in mind if you want to run older versions of macOS on Mac. Macs are generally incompatible with versions of MacOS that are older than shipping
Monterey compatibility
macOS Monterey was made available for download on Monday, October 25, 2021. Here’s how to update macOS.
The following Macs are compatible with MacOS Monterey:
- MacBook model in early 2016 or later
- MacBook Air models in early 2015 or later
- MacBook Pro models in early 2015 or later
- Mac Mini Model 2014 or later
- iMac 2015 or later
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro models in late 2013 and beyond
- Mac Studio
Big tune adjustment
Big Sur is a version of macOS that came to some Macs in November 2020. Here is a list of Macs that can run macOS Big Sur:
- MacBook models in early 2015 or later
- 2013 or later MacBook Air models
- 2013 or later MacBook Pro models
- Mac Mini Model 2014 or later
- iMac 2014 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro models of 2013 and 2019
Catalina compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019 and may 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.
Mozave adjustment
Mojave arrived in September 2018 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (early 2015 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (mid 2012 to 2017, because it’s like 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, mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with the proposed metal-enabled GPU)
High Sierra compatibility
Hi Sierra arrived in September 2017 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (2009 to late 2017)
- MacBook Air (2010 to late 2017, similar to the 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)
Sierra compatibility
Sierra arrived in September 2016 and may run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (2009 to late 2017)
- MacBook Air (2010 to late 2017, similar to the 2015 model)
- MacBook Pro (mid 2010 to 2015)
- Mac Mini (mid-2010 to 2014)
- iMac (2009 to late 2015)
- Mac Pro (mid 2010 and 2013)
L Captain adjustment
El Capitan arrived in September 2015 and may run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (early 2015 to 2017)
- MacBook (2008 to late 2010)
- MacBook Air (late 2008 to early 2015)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2007 / late 2015 to early 2015)
- Mac Mini (2009 to early 2014)
- iMac (mid-2007 to mid-2015)
- Mac Pro (2008, 2010, 2013)
Yosemite compatibility
Yosemite arrived in October 2014 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (2008 to late 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 ″ last 2007 to 2011)
- Mac Mini (early 2009 to 2012)
- iMac (mid-2007 to mid-2014)
- Mac Pro (2008 and 2010)
Mavericks compatibility
Mavericks arrived in October 2013 and may run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (2008 to late 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 (2008 and early 2010)
Mountain Lion Adjustment
Mountain Lion, the latest ‘cat’ version of macOS launched in July 2012, may run on the following Macs:
- MacBook (2008 to late 2010)
- MacBook Air (late 2008 to mid-2012)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2007 to mid-2012)
- Mac Mini (2009 to early 2011)
- iMac (mid-2007 to 2011)
- Mac Pro (early 2008 and 2010)
Wondering how long Apple will support your Mac? Read: How Long Does a Mac Last?