Mac OS Compatibility List

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Find the latest Mac OS that will run on your Mac

Use this Mac OS comparability list to see if your Mac is currently running the latest Mac OS that it’s hardware will support. Keeping your Mac up-to-date with the latest compatible macOS version is essential for several crucial reasons.

  • Firstly, software updates often bring important security patches and bug fixes that help protect your system from vulnerabilities and potential threats. By staying current, you ensure that your Mac remains resilient against evolving cybersecurity risks.
  • Secondly, each macOS update typically includes performance enhancements, optimizations, and new features that can improve your overall computing experience. These updates might introduce efficiency gains, improved battery life, and better compatibility with the latest software and applications.
  • Furthermore, running the latest macOS version ensures that you receive ongoing support from Apple and can access the latest features and services, keeping your Mac relevant and capable in an ever-changing digital landscape.
  • Lastly, by staying up-to-date, you contribute to the longevity of your Mac, ensuring it remains functional and supported for a longer period, thereby maximizing your investment.

Check Your Current Mac Model

To check your current Mac model, you can follow these steps:

  • Click on the Apple logo () in the top left corner of your screen.
  • Select “About This Mac” from the dropdown menu. A window will appear with an overview of your Mac’s information.
  • In the “Overview” tab, you should see information about your Mac, including the model name and the release year.

If you need more specific information about your Mac’s hardware configuration, you can click on the “System Report…” button in the same window. This will open the System Information application, where you can find detailed information about your Mac’s hardware components and specifications.

First on the Mac OS Compatibility list is macOS Monterey 12   macos monterey logo

Released in October, 2021, is compatible with the following Mac Models:
  • MacBook (early 2016 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (early 2015 or newer)
  • Mac mini (late 2014 or newer)
  • iMac (late 2015 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (mid 2017 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (late 2013 or newer)

If you need a bootable macOS Monterey flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Always refer to official Apple Support or documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.

Second on our Mac OS Compatibility list is macOS Big Sur 11  macos big sur logo

Released in 2020, is compatible with the following Mac models:
  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (2013 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Late 2013 or newer)
  • Mac mini (2014 or newer)
  • iMac (2014 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (2013 or newer)

If you need a bootable macOS Big Sur flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Always refer to official Apple Support or documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.

macOS Catalina 10.15   macos catalina logo

Released in 2019, is compatible with the following Mac models:
  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013, Mid 2010 and Mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-capable GPU)

If you need a bootable macOS Catalina flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Similar to macOS Mojave, for the Mac Pro models from 2010 and 2012, a Metal-capable GPU is required to run macOS Catalina. Always refer to official Apple Support or documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.

macOS Mojave 10.14    macos mojave logo

Released in 2018, is compatible with the following Mac models:
  • MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
  • iMac Pro (2017)
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013, Mid 2010 and Mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-capable GPU)

If you need a bootable macOS Mojave flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Please note that for the Mac Pro models from 2010 and 2012, a Metal-capable GPU is required to run macOS Mojave. This information is accurate as of September 2021. Always refer to official Apple Support or documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.

macOS High Sierra 10.13    macos high sierra logo

Released in 2017, is compatible with the following Mac models:
  • MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Late 2010 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

If you need a bootable macOS High Sierra flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Always refer to official Apple Support or documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.

macOS Sierra 10.12    macos sierra logo

Released in 2016, is compatible with the following Mac models:
  • MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
  • iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)

If you need a bootable macOS Sierra flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

For the most current and accurate compatibility information, refer to official Apple Support or documentation.

Trivia Note: Apple changed the naming convention of their operating system from “Mac OS X” to “macOS” starting with the release of macOS Sierra, which was version 10.12 of the operating system. This change was announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2016. The purpose of this change was to align the naming with Apple’s other operating systems (iOS, watchOS, tvOS) and to reflect the integrated nature of their ecosystem.

Mac OS X El Capitan 10.11    macos el capitan logo

Released in 2015, is compatible with the following Mac models:
  • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

If you need a bootable Mac OS X El Capitan flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

As always, it’s important to verify compatibility and system requirements from official Apple Support or documentation, especially for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Mac OS X Yosemite 10.10    macos yosemite logo

Released in 2014, is compatible with a specific set of Mac models. Here’s a list of Mac computers that support installation of Mac OS X Yosemite 10.10:
  • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

If you need a bootable Mac OS X Yosemite flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Always refer to official Apple Support or documentation for the most up-to-date compatibility information.

Mac OS X Mavericks 10.9    macos mavericks logo

Released in 2013, has its own set of compatible Mac models. Here’s a list of Mac computers that support installation of Mac OS X Mavericks 10.9:
  • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

If you need a bootable Mac OS X Mavericks flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

To get the most up-to-date and accurate compatibility information, refer to official Apple Support or documentation.

Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8    mac os x mountain lion

Released in 2012 and is compatible with a specific set of Mac models. Here’s a list of Mac computers that support installation of Mac OS X Mountain Lion 10.8:
  • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

If you need a bootable Mac OS X Mountain Lion flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

Verify compatibility and system requirements from official Apple Support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Mac OS X Lion 10.7    mac os x lion logo

Released in 2011 and is compatible with a specific set of Mac models. Here’s a list of Mac computers that support installation of Mac OS X Lion 10.7:
  • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

If you need a bootable Mac OS X Lion flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

It’s always a good idea to verify compatibility and system requirements from official Apple Support, especially if you’re looking for the most up-to-date information.

Last on our Mac OS compatibility list is Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6    mac os x snow leopard logo

Released in 2009 and is compatible with a range of Mac computers from that era. Here is a list of Mac models that support installation of Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6:
  • MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
  • iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

If you need a bootable Mac OS X Snow Leopard flash drive you can find it at the Mac Medic Store or Etsy or eBay.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to check Apple’s official documentation or Apple Support.

Article 119: MacMedicStore.com