Is My Mac Too Old to Update

Yes, your computer or MacBook can become too old for a particular macOS update, especially if the new software exceeds hardware compatibility. While Apple supports Macs for about 7–8 years, after that, they are considered outdated. This happens because macOS evolves to meet new security and stability needs, and eventually those demands become too heavy for older computers, leaving them stuck on outdated versions.

How to check if your Mac can be updated?

We recommend checking first to see if your Mac can still download more recent software versions like macOS Monterey, macOS Ventura, or macOS Sonoma before you think about upgrading to a new device.

We’ll now walk you through the following ways you can check your Mac’s compatibility to see if it’ll support the latest Apple macOS updates:

• Identify your Mac model and release year
• Compare against Apple’s compatibility lists
• Use system information and “About this Mac”

Advice from us before you proceed: 

 

Our team of Clario Tech experts has noticed that many software installation issues stem from users not having enough disk space to update on Mac. Before you try downloading a newer OS onto your system, please check out our guide to reclaiming that all-important disk space.

1. Identify your Mac model and release year

Your Mac model and release year will tell you whether your computer can support the latest macOS updates and security software. Each iMac or MacBook has specific hardware that determines which operating systems it supports, so knowing this information is the first step in determining if your Mac is too old to update.

Here’s how to easily check your Mac model and its release year:

1. Click on the Apple Icon.
2. Select About This Mac.
3. View Model and Year of release information.

2. Compare against Apple’s compatibility lists

Now that we’ve shown you where to find your device information, you can use it to cross-reference your Mac against Apple’s official compatibility list. First, you’ll see a list of every macOS version ordered from the newest macOS Tahoe to the oldest Mac OS X Cheetah. Below that, you’ll be able to check the full requirements for a specific Apple operating system patch you want to update to.

Advice from us: 

 

Great news, you’ve checked and your Mac can support a new version of macOS, but now you’re wondering if you should update from Sonoma to Sequoia? While it’s up to you to decide, updating your Mac will enhance your security and overall software. We recommend updating regularly, but if you’d like more advice, our blog breaks down the two versions and compares their benefits based on your preferences.

3. Use system information and “About this Mac”

Another way to help you check your device information is to open your System Settings. From there, you can find more about your hardware, display, and storage capabilities. This information, along with what you found in About this Mac, will help you compare your device to Apple’s compatibility guidelines. Then you’ll be able to see if it’s becoming too old to update.

To access more details about your Mac, you can follow these steps:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General > About.

Mac update support timeline

Apple typically supports major macOS feature updates for around 7–8 years, with an extra 2–3 years of security updates after an OS is no longer supported on specific hardware. Newer Apple Silicon models usually receive longer support, while older Intel Macs may lose compatibility sooner. This means your Mac’s age, hardware, and processor directly affect how long it’ll stay compatible with the latest updates and security patches.

A note from our experts: 

 

Tired of wondering whether your Mac is missing critical updates? MacKeeper’s Update Tracker takes away all that stress. It shows which updates are available and even installs them for you–helping you keep your device and data protected.

 

Here’s how to use our Update Tracker tool:

1. Download and open MacKeeper.
2. Go to the Update Tracker.
3. Press Start Scan.
4. After the scan is done, tick what you want to update and press Update All.

Signs your Mac may be too old to update

Is your Mac struggling to keep up with the latest software? You might notice it can no longer install the newest macOS, it stops receiving security updates, or your apps no longer work. We’ve seen Macs slow down, crash, and even fail to recognize newer Apple software. So, if your Mac is over five years old, believe it or not, it’s considered obsolete—meaning your system and data are now more likely to be left vulnerable.

Attention: 

 

It’s worth mentioning that every version of macOS, even slightly older ones like macOS Sonoma, will have different requirements for your device in order to download them. If your device should support this version, but you’re unsure why your Mac won't update to Sonoma, it could be linked to a hidden culprit–like insufficient space or poor connection. In that case, we recommend you check out the steps in our blog to help you get your update back on track.

Risks of staying on older macOS versions

While you can download an older macOS version, it’s not a long-term solution as new security patches won’t be released, leaving your Mac vulnerable to malware and other cyber threats. This can put your personal data at risk, reduce system stability, and cause apps to stop working properly. Many Apple users have told us how they noticed operational and privacy issues as they were no longer receiving support on their older Intel Macs.

What if your Mac is not officially supported?

If your Mac is not officially supported, it could still be used, but it won’t get Apple’s security updates, leaving it vulnerable to threats and incompatible with newer apps. Advanced users can try community tools like Open Core Legacy Patcher to install newer macOS versions, though this carries risks. We also recommend trying to install an older system like macOS Catalina, one of the most broadly compatible versions for older Macs.

Update your Mac to help keep it stable

If your Mac is too old to update, it may no longer support the latest macOS versions, including important security updates or software improvements. By identifying your Mac model and comparing it against Apple’s compatibility list, you can see whether your laptop or computer is able to run newer operating software or if it's limited to older versions.

To make managing your updates easier, we recommend utilizing MacKeeper’s Update Tracker. Our team of Apple experts has curated a tool that can help you check which updates your Mac can safely download and install in seconds. That way, you can keep your device, its operating system, and software up-to-date while supporting its security and performance without any guesswork.