Wondering which versions of macOS your Mac can run? We’ve put together a macOS compatibility checker that will show you what Macs the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X support, so you can tell what version you should be running on your Mac.
Which version of macOS can my Mac run?
Apple releases a new version of the Mac operating system every year—but the newest version of the Mac operating system does not support every Mac. Each year more and more Macs fall off the compatibility list and are unable to be updated to take advantage of the latest features.
The latest version, macOS 15 Sequoia, arrived on September 16, 2024, it can run on all M-series Macs and the last generations of Intel-powered Macs, but the older Macs don’t get all the new features. Read on to find out exactly which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac operating system.
A new version of macOS is coming later in 2025. macOS 26 Tahoe was previewed at WWDC in June and is now being beta tested.
But the updates don’t only come yearly. Every month or so Apple updates macOS with a few near features and security updates. Apple released macOS 15.5 in May 2025, for example.
For advice about installing macOS read: How to install macOS on your Mac and read our guide to every version of macOS released to find out about the latest version.
macOS 26 Tahoe compatibility
Apple
There were fears that macOS Tahoe would not support any Intel-powered Macs – luckily this isn’t the case, but it is the last version of macOS to support Macs that don’t run on Apple’s own silicon.
Apple lists the following Macs as compatible with macOS 26 Tahoe and the Apple Intelligence-powered features:
- MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
- iMac (M1 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (M1 and later)
- Mac Pro (M1 and later)
Intel Macs that run Tahoe (but don’t support Apple Intelligence):
- MacBook Pro (Intel, 13‑inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (Intel, 16‑inch, 2019)
- Mac Pro (Intel, 2019)
- iMac (Intel, mid 2020)
The Macs that lose support that were supported by Sequoia are:
- iMac (Intel, 2019)
- iMac Pro (Intel, 2017)
- Mac mini (Intel, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (Intel, 2018)
macOS 15 Sequoia compatibility
Which Macs run Sequoia? All the M-series Macs!
Apple
Sequoia (macOS 15) became available on Tuesday, September 16, 2024. The software has been regularly updated, with macOS 15.5 arriving in May 2025.
M-series Macs that run Sequoia
All M-series Macs can support Sequoia (and Apple Intelligence features), include:
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
- MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
- iMac (M1 and later)
- Mac Pro (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (M1 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
Intel Macs that run Sequoia
The following Intel Macs can run Sequoia. None of these models can support the Apple Intelligence features.
- iMac (Intel, 2019 and August 2020)
- Mac Pro (Intel, 2019)
- iMac Pro (Intel, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Intel, March 2020)
- Mac mini (Intel, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (Intel, 2018, 2019 and May 2020)
This list excludes the 13-inch MacBook Air models from 2018 and 2019 which could run Sequoia’s predecessor, Sonoma.
For more information read: Can my Mac run Sequoia?
Can I install an older OS on my Mac?
Officially, the operating system that was available on your Mac at the time that you bought it is the oldest version of macOS that can run on that Mac. It’s likely that an older OS won’t include the necessary drivers for the hardware on newer Macs. 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 take a look at how to install old versions of macOS or OS X for other Macs. Owners of Macs with M-series chips (sometimes referred to as Apple Silicon) won’t be able to run older versions of macOS that weren’t designed for Apple Silicon Macs which use a different architecture, known as ARM, instead of X-86.
But it may not just be a case of wanting to know if your Mac can run the newest operating system. You might also want to know if it is possible to downgrade your Mac to an older version of macOS and need to know the oldest version of macOS. You’ll also find that information 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? Check our article about how to identify your Mac.
Note: In each case, the year referenced below is the year that Mac was first introduced–you could for example have bought a 2016 MacBook in early 2017, but it’s still the 2016 MacBook.
macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility
macOS Sonoma
arrived in 2023
IDG
macOS 14 Sonoma became available on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Apple is still issuing security updates for Sonoma, the most recent was 14.7.5 in March 2025.
The following Macs run Sonoma:
- iMac from 2019 and later
- Mac Pro from 2019 and later
- iMac Pro from 2017
- Mac Studio from 2022 and later
- MacBook Air from 2018 and later
- Mac mini from 2018 and later
- MacBook Pro from 2018 and later
For more information read: Can my Mac run Sonoma?
macOS 13 Ventura compatibility
Apple
Apple released macOS 13 Ventura to the public on October 24, 2022. Apple is still issuing security updates for Ventura, the most recent was 13.7.5 in March 2025.
To run Ventura you will need one of these 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?
Compatibility of older macOS versions
macOS 12 Monterey compatibility
Apple
macOS 12 Monterey was made available to download on October 15, 2021 (latest version 12.7.6). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Monterey.
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
macOS 11 Big Sur compatibility
Apple
macOS 11 Big Sur was the version of macOS that arrived on November 12, 2020 (latest version 11.7.10). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Big Sur.
Here’s a list of the 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 10.15 Catalina compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019 (latest version 10.15.7). Apple is no longer issuing security updates for Catalina:
The following Macs can run Catalina.
- 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 the M-series Macs will not be able to run Catalina or earlier.
An M-series (Apple Silicon) Mac cannot be downgraded beyond Big Sur.
macOS 10.14 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, because it’s the same as 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, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with recommended Metal-capable GPU)
macOS 10.13 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, which is 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 10.12 Sierra compatibility
Sierra, the first update to drop the “X” from the name, 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, which is 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)
Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan compatibility
El Capitan arrived in September 2015 (latest version 10.11.6) and can run on the following Macs:
- 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)
OS X 10.10 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)
Mac OS X 10.9 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)
Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility
Mountain Lion, the last of the “big cat” versions of the Mac operating system launched in July 2012 (latest version 10.8.5) and 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 for? Read:
How long do Macs last?
