Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld gives a complete compatibility checker to assist customers decide which macOS variations their Mac can run based mostly on mannequin and yr.
- M-series Macs assist newer macOS variations like Sequoia and Tahoe with full Apple Intelligence options, whereas older Intel Macs have restricted compatibility.
- Customers ought to confirm their Mac’s compatibility earlier than upgrading, as Apple usually helps solely the 2 most up-to-date macOS variations with safety updates.
Questioning which variations of macOS your Mac can run? We’ve put collectively a macOS compatibility checker that can present you what Macs the totally different variations of macOS and Mac OS X assist, so you’ll be able to inform what model you need to be operating in your Mac if you would like the most recent options and safety protections.
Learn on to seek out out precisely which Macs are supported by every model of the Mac working system.
Newest supported macOS model
The newest macOS model is macOS 26 Tahoe, which might run on all M-series Macs and a small variety of Intel-powered Macs from 2019, however the older Macs don’t get all the brand new options. There are additionally two variations of macOS that obtain safety updates: macOS 15 Sequoia and macOS 14 Sonoma.
- Newest model: macOS 26 Tahoe, launched September 15, 2025
- Newest replace: macOS 26.3, launched February 11, 2026
- Helps: All M-series Macs and most Intel Macs from 2019 onward
- Safety-supported variations: macOS 15 Sequoia (15) and Sonoma (14) nonetheless get important safety updates
Which model of macOS can my Mac run?
Apple releases a brand new model of the Mac working system yearly—however the latest model of the Mac working system doesn’t assist each Mac. Annually an increasing number of Macs fall off the compatibility listing and are unable to be up to date to benefit from the most recent options.
Right here’s a easy desk you need to use to establish the model of macOS your Mac can run based mostly on the yr it was launched. Be aware there are some exceptions the place solely sure fashions are appropriate with a macOS model. For extra particulars of particular fashions examine the sections afterward on this article.
| 12 months | MacBook Air | 14-inch MacBook Professional | 16-inch MacBook Professional | iMac | Mac mini | Mac Studio | Mac Professional | 13-inch MacBook Professional | 15-inch MacBook Professional | iMac Professional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2024 | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – | – | – |
| 2023 | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – | – |
| 2022 | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – |
| 2021 | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – | – | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – |
| 2020 | macOS 26 Tahoe (M1 solely) & macOS 15 Sequoia (Intel) |
– | – | macOS 26 Tahoe (27-inch mannequin solely) | macOS 26 Tahoe | – | – | macOS 26 Tahoe (4-ports solely) | – | – |
| 2019 | macOS 14 Sonoma | – | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 15 Sequoia | – | – | macOS 26 Tahoe | macOS 15 Sequoia | macOS 26 Tahoe | – |
| 2018 | macOS 14 Sonoma | – | – | – | macOS 15 Sequoia | – | – | macOS 15 Sequoia | macOS 15 Sequoia | – |
| 2017 | macOS 12 Monterey | – | – | macOS 14 Sonoma | – | – | – | macOS 13 Ventura | macOS 13 Ventura | macOS 15 Sequoia |
| 2016 | macOS 12 Monterey | – | – | – | – | – | – | macOS 12 Monterey | macOS 12 Monterey | – |
| 2015 | macOS 12 Monterey | – | – | macOS 12 Monterey | – | – | – | macOS 12 Monterey | macOS 12 Monterey | – |
| 2014 | macOS 11 Huge Sur | – | – | macOS 12 Monterey | macOS 12 Monterey | – | – | macOS 11 Huge Sur | macOS 11 Huge Sur | – |
| 2013 | macOS 11 Huge Sur | – | – | macOS 11 Huge Sur | – | – | macOS 12 Monterey | macOS 11 Huge Sur (Retina solely) | macOS 11 Huge Sur | – |
For recommendation about putting in macOS learn: Find out how to set up macOS in your Mac and browse our information to each model of macOS launched to seek out out in regards to the newest model.
macOS 26 Tahoe compatibility
There have been fears that macOS Tahoe wouldn’t assist any Intel-powered Macs – fortunately this isn’t the case, however Apple has confirmed this would be the final model of macOS to assist Macs that don’t run on Apple’s personal silicon.
To drill in to precisely which Mac mannequin run macOS Tahoe you’ll be able to browse the chart under:
Each Mac that helps macOS Tahoe
Foundry
Apple lists the next Macs as appropriate with macOS 26 Tahoe and the Apple Intelligence-powered options:
M-series Macs that run Tahoe
- MacBook Professional (M1 and later)
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
- iMac (M1 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (M1 and later)
- Mac Professional (M1 and later)
Intel Macs that run Tahoe
These are the Intel Macs that run macOS Tahoe (however don’t assist Apple Intelligence):
- MacBook Professional (Intel, 13‑inch, 2020, 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Professional (Intel, 16‑inch, 2019)
- Mac Professional (Intel, 2019)
- iMac (Intel, mid 2020)
Macs that don’t run Tahoe
The next Macs that had been supported by 2024’s macOS Sequoia, and any which are older than these, are usually not capable of run Tahoe:
- iMac (Intel, 2019)
- iMac Professional (Intel, 2017)
- Mac mini (Intel, 2018)
- MacBook Professional (Intel, 2018)
macOS 15 Sequoia compatibility
Which Macs run Sequoia? All of the M-series Macs!
Apple
Sequoia (macOS 15) turned accessible on Tuesday, September 16, 2024. The software program was frequently up to date previous to the introduction of Tahoe, however now that Tahoe is right here Sequoia will solely get safety updates when required.
Newest model: macOS Sequoia 15.7.4 on February 11, 2026.
M-series Macs that run Sequoia
All M-series Macs can assist Sequoia (and Apple Intelligence options), together with:
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
- MacBook Professional (M1 and later)
- iMac (M1 and later)
- Mac Professional (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (M1 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
Intel Macs that run Sequoia
The next Intel Macs can run Sequoia. None of those fashions can assist the Apple Intelligence options although.
- iMac (Intel, 2019 and August 2020)
- Mac Professional (Intel, 2019)
- iMac Professional (Intel, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Intel, March 2020)
- Mac mini (Intel, 2018)
- MacBook Professional (Intel, 2018, 2019 and Might 2020)
Macs that don’t run Sequoia
The next Macs that had been supported by 2023’s macOS Sonoma, and any which are older than these, are usually not capable of run Sequoia:
- MacBook Air (Intel, 2019)
- MacBook Air (Intel, 2018)
For extra data learn: Can my Mac run Sequoia?
macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility
macOS Sonoma
arrived in 2023
IDG
macOS 14 Sonoma turned accessible on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Apple continues to be issuing safety updates for Sonoma.
Newest model: macOS Sonoma 14.8.4 on February 11, 2026.
Macs that run Sonoma
- iMac from 2019
- Mac Professional from 2019
- iMac Professional from 2017
- Mac Studio from 2022
- MacBook Air from 2018
- Mac mini from 2018
- MacBook Professional from 2018
For extra data learn: Can my Mac run Sonoma?
macOS 13 Ventura compatibility
Apple
Apple launched macOS 13 Ventura to the general public on October 24, 2022. Apple continues to be issuing safety updates for Ventura, the newest was 13.7.8 in August 2025, this can be the final Ventura replace now Tahoe is right here, as Apple tends to solely assist the previous two variations with safety updates.
Newest model: macOS Ventura 13.7.8, August 2025.
Macs that run Ventura
- MacBook fashions from 2017 or later
- MacBook Air fashions from 2018 or later
- MacBook Professional fashions from 2017 or later
- Mac mini fashions from 2018 or later
- iMac fashions from 2017 or later
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional fashions from 2019 or later
- Mac Studio (all fashions)
For extra data learn: Can my Mac run Ventura?
macOS 12 Monterey compatibility
Apple
macOS 12 Monterey was made accessible to obtain on October 15, 2021 (newest model 12.7.6 in July 2024). Apple is not issuing safety updates for Monterey.
Newest model: macOS Monterey 12.7.6, July 2024.
Macs that run macOS Monterey
- MacBook fashions from early 2016 or later
- MacBook Air fashions from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Professional fashions from early 2015 or later
- Mac mini fashions from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2015 or later
- iMac Professional (2017 and later)
- Mac Professional fashions from late 2013 and later
- Mac Studio
macOS 11 Huge Sur compatibility
Apple
macOS 11 Huge Sur was the model of macOS that arrived on November 12, 2020. Apple is not issuing safety updates for Huge Sur, but it surely did problem an replace in February 2026 to deal with a certificates problem with FaceTime and Messages.
Newest model: macOS Huge Sur 11.7.11, February 2026.
Macs that may run macOS Huge Sur
- MacBook fashions from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Air fashions from 2013 or later
- MacBook Professional fashions from 2013 or later
- Mac mini fashions from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2014 or later
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional fashions from 2013 and 2019
macOS 10.15 Catalina compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019. Apple is not issuing safety updates for Catalina, but it surely did problem an replace in February 2026 to deal with a certificates problem with FaceTime and Messages.
Newest model: macOS Catalina 10.15.8, February 2026.
Macs that may run Catalina
- MacBook (2015 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 to 2019)
- MacBook Professional (Mid 2012 to 2019)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 to late 2018)
- iMac (Late 2012 to 2019)
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional fashions from 2013
Be aware that the M-series Macs won’t be able to run Catalina or earlier.
macOS 10.14 Mojave compatibility
Mojave arrived in September 2018 (newest model 10.14.6 in July 2021) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Early 2015 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 to 2017, as a result of it’s the identical as 2015 mannequin)
- MacBook Professional (Mid 2012 to 2018)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 to late 2018)
- iMac (Late 2012 to mid 2017)
- iMac Professional (all fashions)
- Mac Professional (Late 2013, plus mid 2010 and mid 2012 fashions with really helpful Steel-capable GPU)
macOS 10.13 Excessive Sierra compatibility
Excessive Sierra arrived in September 2017 (newest model 10.13.6) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 to 2017, which is similar as 2015 mannequin)
- MacBook Professional (Mid 2010 to 2017)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
- iMac (Late 2009 to mid 2017)
- Mac Professional (Mid 2010 and 2013)
macOS 10.12 Sierra compatibility
Sierra, the primary replace to drop the “X” from the title, arrived in September 2016 (newest model 10.12.6) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 to 2017, which is similar as 2015 mannequin)
- MacBook Professional (Mid 2010 to 2015)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
- iMac (Late 2009 to 2015)
- Mac Professional (Mid 2010 and 2013)
Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan compatibility
El Capitan arrived in September 2015 (newest model 10.11.6) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Early 2015 to 2017)
- MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 to early 2015)
- MacBook Professional (Mid/Late 2007 to early 2015)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2014)
- iMac (Mid 2007 to mid 2015)
- Mac Professional (2008, 2010, 2013)
OS X 10.10 Yosemite compatibility
Yosemite arrived in October 2014 (newest model 10.10.5) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 to mid 2013)
- MacBook Professional (13″ Mid 2009 to mid 2014)
- MacBook Professional (15″ Mid/Late 2007 to mid 2014)
- MacBook Professional (17″ Late 2007 to 2011)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2012)
- iMac (Mid 2007 to mid 2014)
- Mac Professional (2008 and 2010)
Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks compatibility
Mavericks arrived in October 2013 (newest model 10.9.5) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 to mid 2013)
- MacBook Professional (Mid 2007 to early 2013)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2012)
- iMac (Mid 2007 to early 2013)
- Mac Professional (Early 2008 and 2010)
Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility
Mountain Lion, the final of the “large cat” variations of the Mac working system launched in July 2012 (newest model 10.8.5) and may run on the next Macs:
- MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 to mid 2012)
- MacBook Professional (Mid/Late 2007 to mid 2012)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2011)
- iMac (Mid 2007 to 2011)
- Mac Professional (Early 2008 and 2010)
Questioning how lengthy Apple will assist your Mac for? Learn:
How lengthy do Macs final?
Can I set up an older OS on my Mac?
Formally, the working system that was accessible in your Mac on the time that you simply purchased it’s the oldest model of macOS that may run on that Mac. It’s probably that an older OS received’t embrace the mandatory drivers for the {hardware} on newer Macs. Because of this, it’s unlikely that it is possible for you to to put in an older model of macOS on a brand new Mac—however you’ll be able to check out the right way to set up previous variations of macOS or OS X for different Macs. House owners of Macs with M-series chips (generally known as Apple Silicon) received’t have the ability to run older variations of macOS that weren’t designed for Apple Silicon Macs which use a distinct structure, often called ARM, as a substitute of x86.
However it might not simply be a case of desirous to know in case your Mac can run the most recent working system. You may also wish to know whether it is attainable to downgrade your Mac to an older model of macOS and must know the oldest model of macOS you need to use. You’ll additionally discover that data under. It’s also possible to see a whole listing of all of the totally different variations of macOS and Mac OS X. Undecided which Mac you personal? Verify our article about the right way to establish your Mac.
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