Wondering which versions of macOS or Mac OS X are running on your Mac? We’ve put together a macOS compatibility checker that will show you which Macs support different versions of macOS and Mac OS X so you know which version you need to be running on your Mac.
What Mac operating system can my Mac run?
Apple releases a new version of the Mac operating system almost every year—but a new version of the Mac operating system does not support every Mac. Every year more and more Macs fall off the compatibility list and cannot be updated to take advantage of the latest features.
With macOS Ventura now available for download on compatible Macs, it’s likely that many Mac users are wondering if their Mac can support the latest version of macOS. Read on to find out which Macs are supported by each version of the Mac operating system. For advice on installing Ventura read: How to install Ventura on your Mac.
Officially, the operating system that was on your Mac at the time you bought it is the oldest version of macOS that can run on the Mac. It’s likely that an older OS won’t include the necessary drivers for your newer Mac’s hardware. For this reason, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to install an older version of macOS on a new Mac—but you can see how to install older versions of macOS or OS X for on other Macs. Owners of M1 Macs also cannot run older versions of macOS on M1 Macs.
But it’s not just a case of wanting to know if your Mac can run the latest operating system. Some people want to know if it is possible to downgrade their Mac to an older version of macOS and need to know the oldest version of macOS. You can see that below as well. You can also find a complete list of all the different versions of macOS and Mac OS X. Not sure which Mac you own? Check out our article on how to identify your Mac.
Apple
Note: In each case the year referenced below is the year the Mac was introduced – you may have bought a 2016 MacBook in early 2017, but it’s still a 2016 MacBook. This is important to keep in mind if you are looking to run an older version of macOS on a Mac. Macs are generally incompatible with versions of macOS older than the one it ships with.
compatibility with macOS Ventura
Apple released macOS 13 Ventura to the public on October 24, 2022 and is the latest version of macOS 13.2. To run Ventura you 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 with macOS Monterey
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 is the version of macOS 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
compatibility with macOS Catalina
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 cannot run Catalina or earlier.
compatibility with macOS Mojave
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, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with a recommended Metal-capable GPU)
compatibility with macOS High Sierra
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)
compatibility with macOS Sierra
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 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)
compatibility with macOS Yosemite
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)
compatibility with macOS Mavericks
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 “big cat” version 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 when Apple will support your Mac? Read: How Long Do Macs Last?