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 the different Mac versions supported by macOS and Mac OS X so you can know which version to run on your Mac.
What Mac operating systems can my Mac run on?
Apple releases a new version of the Mac OS almost every year—but not every Mac will support a new version of the Mac OS. Every year more and more Macs fall off the compatibility list and can’t be updated to take advantage of the latest features.
With macOS Ventura now available for download on compatible Macs, many Mac users are likely wondering if their Macs can support the latest version of macOS. Read on to see which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac OS. For tips on installing Ventura, read: How to Install Ventura on Your Mac.
Officially, the operating system that was available on your Mac at the time you purchased it is the oldest version of macOS that can run on that Mac. The older operating system may not have the necessary drivers for the devices on your newer Mac. Because of this, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to install an older version of macOS on a new Mac — but you can take a look at how to install older versions of macOS or OS X for other Macs. M1 Mac owners also won’t be able to run older versions of macOS on M1 Macs.
But it might not just be a case of wanting to know if your Mac can run the latest operating system. Some people will want to know if it is possible to downgrade their Mac to an earlier version of macOS and need to know which version of macOS is older. You will also find that below. You can also see a complete list of all the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X. Not sure which Mac you own? See our article on how to get your Mac recognized.
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Note: In each case, the year indicated below is the year the Mac was introduced – for example you could buy a 2016 MacBook in early 2017, but it’s still a 2016 MacBook. It’s important to keep in mind if you’re looking to run a version Legacy of macOS on your Mac. Macs generally aren’t compatible with versions of macOS earlier than they shipped with.
macOS Ventura compatibility
Apple released macOS 13 Ventura to the public on October 24, 2022 and the later version of macOS 13.2. To run Ventura, you’ll need one of the following Macs:
- MacBook models from 2017 or later
- MacBook Air models from 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro models from 2017 or later
- Mac mini models from 2018 or later
- iMac models from 2017 or later
- 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 latest version is macOS 12.6.3. The following Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey:
- MacBook models from early 2016 or later
- MacBook Air models from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Pro models from early 2015 or later
- Mac mini models from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2015 or later
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro models from late 2013 and later
- mac studio
Compatibility with macOS Big Sur
macOS 11 Big Sur was the macOS version that arrived on November 12, 2020, and the latest version is macOS 11.7.4. Here is a list of Macs that can run macOS Big Sur:
- MacBook models from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Air models from 2013 or later
- MacBook Pro models from 2013 or later
- Mac mini models from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2014 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro models from 2013 and 2019
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 is 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, as well as mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with a recommended metal-capable GPU)
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)
Compatibility with macOS El Capitan
El Capitan arrived in September 2015 (latest version 10.11.6) and can run on the following Mac devices:
- 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)
Compatibility with Mac OS X Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion, the last of the “big cats” versions of the Mac OS released in July 2012 (latest version 10.8.5) 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 Work?