If you’re wondering what versions of macOS or Mac OS X you can run on your Mac or MacBook, you’ve come to the right place. We present our macOS compatibility checker to also know which one you should use on your computer.
What Mac operating systems can your Mac run?
Apple releases a new version of the Mac operating system almost every year, but that doesn’t mean all Macs are compatible with it. In fact, each year more Macs can no longer benefit from the latest Apple features.
Officially, the operating system that was available on your Mac when you bought it is the oldest version of macOS that can run on that computer. An older system may not include the necessary drivers for the hardware of your Mac.
That’s why it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to install an older version of macOS on a new Mac, though you can follow our tutorial on how to install older versions of macOS for more information.
You may also want to take a look at the list of all versions of Mac OS X and macOS. In this sense, you may also find it useful to consult our article that will help you identify which Mac you have.
Before we go any further, it’s important to make clear that the years refer to when the Mac was introduced. In that sense, you could have bought a 2016 MacBook in early 2017, but it would still be a 2016 model.
Ventura compatibility
Ventura is the next version of macOS, which will not arrive until the end of the year (probably October) after it was announced at WWDC 2022.
This is the complete list of Macs compatible with Ventura:
- 2017 MacBook
- MacBook Air from 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro from 2017 or later
- Mac mini from 2018 or later
- 2019 Mac Pro
- Mac Studio 2022
- iMac from 2017 or later
- 2017 iMac Pro
Monterey compatibility
Monterey is the current version of macOS. It was announced at WWDC 2021 and officially arrived on compatible Macs at the end of October.
This is the full list of Macs supported by Monterey:
- MacBook from early 2016 or later
- MacBook Air from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Pro from early 2015 or later
- Mac mini from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2015 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro from 2013 or later
Big Sur Compatibility
Big Sur came to select Macs in November 2020. Here’s the full list of Macs that can run macOS Big Sur:
- MacBook from early 2015 or later
- MacBook Air from 2013 or later
- MacBook Pro from 2013 or later
- Mac mini from 2014 or later
- iMac from 2014 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro from 2013 to 2019
Catalina Compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from 2015 to 2017
- MacBook Air from mid 2012 to 2019
- MacBook Pro from late 2012 to 2019
- Mac mini from late 2012 to late 2018
- iMac from late 2012 to 2019
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro from 2013 to 2019
Mojave Compatibility
Mojave arrived in September 2018 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from early 2015 to 2017
- MacBook Air from mid 2012 to 2017
- MacBook Pro from mid 2012 to 2018
- Mac mini from late 2012 or late 2018
- iMac from late 2012 to mid 2017
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro from late 2013 to 2019 (also mid-2010 and 2012 models with the recommended GPU)
High Sierra Compatibility
High Sierra arrived in September 2017 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from late 2009 to 2017
- MacBook Air from late 2010 to 2017
- MacBook Pro from mid 2010 to 2017
- Mac mini from mid 2010 to 2014
- iMac from late 2009 to mid 2017
- iMac Pro Late 2009 to Mid 2017
- Mac Pro from mid 2010 to 2013
Sierra Compatibility
Sierra arrived in September 2016 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from late 2009 to 2017
- MacBook Air from late 2010 to 2017
- MacBook Pro from mid 2010 to 2015
- Mac mini from mid 2010 to 2014
- iMac from late 2009 to 2015
- Mac Pro from mid 2010 to 2013
El Capitan compatibility
El Capitan arrived in September 2015 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from early 2015 to 2017
- MacBook from late 2008 to 2010
- MacBook Air from late 2008 to early 2015
- MacBook Pro from mid-late 2007 to early 2015
- Mac mini from early 2009 to 2014
- iMac from mid 2007 to mid 2015
- 2008, 2010, and 2013 Mac Pros
Yosemite Compatibility
Yosemite arrived in October 2014 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from late 2008 to 2019
- MacBook Air from 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” from late 2007 to 2011
- Mac mini from early 2009 to 2012
- iMac from mid 2007 to mid 2014
- 2008 and 2010 Mac Pros
Maverick Compatibility
Mavericks arrived in October 2013 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from late 2008 to 2010
- MacBook Air from late 2008 to mid 2013
- MacBook Pro from mid 2007 to early 2013
- Xserve Early 2009
- Mac mini from early 2009 to 2012
- iMac from mid 2007 to early 2013
- Mac Pro from early 2008 and 2010
Mountain Lion Compatibility
Mountain Lion, the first of the cat-named versions, arrived in July 2012 and can run on the following Macs:
- MacBook from late 2008 to 2010
- MacBook Air from late 2008 to mid 2012
- MacBook Pro mid-late 2007 to mid 2012
- Mac mini from early 2009 to 2011
- iMac from mid 2007 to 2011
- Mac Pro from early 2008 to 2010
If you think it’s time to trade in your MacBook or Mac, check out our Mac buying guide, as well as our selection of the best Mac deals and best MacBook deals.
