About each version of macOSįirst, here are the specifics of each version of macOS that was ever released for Intel Mac. In that case you will need to click the “System Report” button and look for the Model Identifier. I have included the Model Identifier in my tables below.įrom time to time I’ve seen some computers running newer system software that don’t show the model name.

These older versions of the Mac system software do not use the user-friendly names. If you are running OS X 10.6 or earlier you will need to click the Apple menu > About this Mac > More Info and look for the Model Identifier. An Early 2012 MacBook Pro is very different from a Late 2012 MacBook Pro. The specifics of the variation may be important, especially if it has a particular time of year. If you are running OS X 10.7 through 10.10 you will also need to click “More Info”.Īpple’s naming convention has varied over the years, but generally, you will see the model (MacBook Pro) and the variation (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports). To find out what system software you can run, you’ll first need to determine which Mac you have.Ĭlick the Apple menu and choose “About this Mac…”. In the other direction, you can never downgrade past the original OS for your model.

There is no precise pattern, but usually your computer will get OS upgrades for about 8 to 9 years, and then you’ll receive security patches for another two years. Since 2013, Apple releases system software upgrades every fall, and unfortunately from time to time some older Mac models don’t make the cut. I will try to update this document every year when the new system software is announced.īelow you will find tables of every model of Intel and Apple Processor Mac ever released, a list of all OSes they are capable of running, and a table of all OSes with useful details. But I wanted to make a reference document both for myself and for anyone else who might need it. Normally I have handy tips and tricks for the average user. This blog entry is a little different from my usual. Update 30-June-2021: Added information about macOS Monterey and recent computer models. Update 12-July-2020: Added information about macOS Big Sur and recent computer models.

Early 2008 imac operating system