Technology

Discover the latest version your Mac can run

Below, FPT Shop will assist you in finding out if your Mac machine is capable of running the latest Sonoma version and which macOS version is most suitable for your Mac.

Administrator

26 December, 2023

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If you’re wondering what macOS version your Mac can run, you can use the macOS compatibility checker to find out. However, instead of spending a lot of time doing that yourself, FPT Shop will clarify exactly which Mac machines are supported by different versions of macOS and Mac OS X, so you can know which version your Mac should run.

What macOS Can My Mac Run?

Apple releases new versions of macOS almost every year, but not every Mac machine is supported by each new macOS version. Every year, more and more Macs are excluded from the compatibility list and can’t be updated to take advantage of the latest features.

With the release of macOS Sonoma on September 26, many Mac users might be wondering if their Mac can support macOS 14 Sonoma or not. Officially, the operating system that is available on your Mac at the time of purchase is the latest macOS version that can run on your Mac.

Older operating systems may not include the necessary drivers for the hardware on your newer Mac machine. Because of this, installing an older macOS version on a newer Mac can be difficult.

Note: In each case below, the release year is the year the Mac machine was introduced. For example, you might have bought a MacBook in early 2017, but it’s still a MacBook 2016. This is important to keep in mind if you’re looking to run an older macOS version on your Mac. Mac machines generally aren’t compatible with macOS versions older than the version they came with.

Compatibility of macOS Sonoma

macOS Sonoma will be available to install on compatible Mac machines starting from September 26, 2023. If you want to install this operating system update, you can only do so on one of the following Mac machines:

iMac from 2019 onwards
Mac Pro from 2019 onwards
iMac Pro from 2017
Mac Studio from 2022 onwards
MacBook Air from 2018 onwards
Mac mini from 2018 onwards
MacBook Pro from 2018 onwards

Compatibility of macOS Ventura

Apple released macOS 13 Ventura to the public on October 24, 2022. The latest version is 13.6, released in September 2023. So, to run Ventura, your Mac will need to be one of the following models:

MacBook models from 2017 onwards
MacBook Air models from 2018 onwards
MacBook Pro models from 2017 onwards
Mac mini models from 2018 onwards
iMac models from 2017 onwards
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro models from 2019 onwards
Mac Studio (all models)

Compatibility of macOS Monterey

macOS Monterey was made available for download on October 15, 2021. The latest version is 12.7, released in September 2023. The following Mac machines will be compatible with macOS Monterey:

MacBook models from early 2016 onwards
MacBook Air models from early 2015 onwards
MacBook Pro models from early 2015 onwards
Mac mini models from 2014 onwards
iMac models from 2015 onwards
iMac Pro (2017 onwards)
Mac Pro models from late 2013 onwards
Mac Studio

Compatibility of macOS Big Sur

macOS 11 Big Sur is a macOS version released on November 12, 2020. The latest version is 11.7.10, released in September 2023. The following Mac machines can run macOS Big Sur:

MacBook models from early 2015 onwards
MacBook Air models from 2013 onwards
MacBook Pro models from 2013 onwards
Mac mini models from 2014 onwards
iMac models from 2015 onwards
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro models from 2013 and 2019

Compatibility of macOS Catalina

Catalina was released in October 2019, with the latest version being macOS 10.15.7 with the 2022-05 security update (released in July 2022) and can run on the following Mac machines:

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 M-series Mac machines can’t run Catalina or older versions. M-series (Apple Silicon) Mac machines can’t be downgraded beyond Big Sur.

Compatibility of macOS Mojave

Mojave was released in September 2018 (latest version 10.14.6) and can run on the following Mac machines:

MacBook (Early 2015 to 2017)
MacBook Air (Mid 2012 to 2017, similar to the 2015 model)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2017)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
iMac (Late 2009 to 2015)
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro (Late 2013, along with Mid 2010 and Mid 2012 models with supported GPU)

Compatibility of macOS High Sierra

macOS 10.13 High Sierra was released in September 2017 (latest version 10.13.6) and can run on the following Mac machines:

MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)
MacBook Air (Mid 2010 to 2017, similar to the 2015 model)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2018)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2018)
iMac (Late 2009 to 2017)
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2012)

Compatibility of macOS Sierra

macOS 10.12 Sierra was released in September 2016 (latest version 10.12.6) and can run on the following Mac machines:

MacBook (Late 2009 to 2017)
MacBook Air (Mid 2010 to 2017, similar to the 2015 model)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 to 2015)
Mac mini (Mid 2010 to 2014)
iMac (Late 2009 to 2015)
Mac Pro (Mid 2010 and 2012)

Compatibility of macOS El Capitan

El Capitan was released in September 2015 (latest version 10.11.6) and can run on the following Mac machines:

MacBook (Early 2015 to 2017)
MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 to Early 2015)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2009 to Early 2015)
Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2014)
iMac (Mid 2007 to Mid 2015)
Mac Pro (2008, 2010, 2013)

Compatibility of macOS Yosemite

Yosemite was released in October 2014 (latest version 10.10.5) and can run on the following Mac machines:

MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 to Mid 2013)
MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2009 to Mid 2014)
MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid/Late 2007 to Mid 2014)
MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2007 to 2011)
Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2012)
iMac (Mid 2007 to 2011)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 and 2010)

Compatibility of macOS Mavericks

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 of Mac OS X Mountain Lion

MacBook (Late 2008 to 2010)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 to Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (Mid 2007 to Mid 2012)
Mac mini (Early 2009 to 2011)
iMac (Mid 2007 to 2011)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 and 2010)

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Frequently asked questions

You can easily determine the latest macOS version your Mac can run by using the Apple menu. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, then select ‘About This Mac’. This will bring up a window displaying your macOS version and other system information. Alternatively, you can use the System Information app or check the model number of your Mac to determine its compatible macOS versions.

There are a few ways to identify the compatible macOS versions for your specific Mac model. One way is to use the Apple menu method mentioned earlier. Another approach is to use the System Information app, which provides detailed specifications about your Mac, including the compatible macOS versions. You can also refer to online resources, such as Apple’s website or third-party compatibility charts, by searching for your Mac’s model number.

Knowing the latest compatible macOS version for your Mac is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you can take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and improvements offered by Apple. Running an older, unsupported version of macOS may leave your system vulnerable to security threats and hinder your access to new apps and services. Additionally, understanding your Mac’s capabilities helps you make informed decisions about upgrading hardware or software to stay compatible with the latest technologies.

Upgrading to the latest compatible macOS version offers numerous benefits. You gain access to enhanced security features, improved performance, and the latest technologies, such as Apple’s Metal graphics framework. Newer versions of macOS also introduce new features, such as improved multitasking, better file management, and enhanced privacy controls. Keeping your macOS version up-to-date ensures a smoother and more secure experience, allowing you to make the most of your Mac’s capabilities.

If your Mac doesn’t meet the requirements for the latest macOS version, you have a few options. You can consider upgrading your hardware, such as adding more RAM or storage, to improve your system’s capabilities. Alternatively, you can choose to continue using an older, compatible version of macOS that your Mac supports. Keep in mind that older versions may have limited support and lack the latest features and security updates. Regularly backing up your data is essential to ensure you can transition to a newer macOS version in the future if needed.