Can your Mac handle the latest macOS update? With each release, compatibility can become a headache, especially if you're not sure which model or macOS requirements are needed. With our help, you’ll be able to check your macOS version and compatibility to avoid security risks or system glitches.
Before we start:
Before diving in, we recommend checking that your computer has plenty of storage space to ensure performance isn’t affected by slowness or excessive resource consumption. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup is perfect for this: it can scan your device looking for junk files and unnecessary clutter to remove and help your Mac run smoothly.
Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup:
- Download MacKeeper.
- Open the app, and in the left sidebar, click on Safe Cleanup.
- Click Start Scan.
- Once the scan is complete, tick everything you want MacKeeper to remove, and press Clean Junk Files.
In this article you will find the following:
What macOS versions are still supported by Apple
Apple still supports the latest macOS versions that include:
OS software | Date released |
macOS 15 Sequoia | September 2024 |
macOS 14 Sonoma | September 2023 |
macOS 13 Ventura | October 2022 |
macOS 12 Monterey | October 2021 |
macOS 11 Big Sur | November 2020 |
However, before upgrading your software, we advise you to wait a few weeks in case any initial bugs are noticed and need to be fixed.
How to check your MacBook model
Before upgrading your macOS, we suggest checking your MacBook model by clicking the Apple icon and selecting About This Mac. This will display your model name, year, and serial number. For more information, you can also copy your serial number into checkcoverage.apple.com.
A question to ask yourself:
Is your laptop not performing at its best? It might be time to update your MacBook to the latest one, but not to worry—our dedicated blog piece will walk you through it step-by-step.
Via About This Mac
The easiest way to find out the model of your MacBook is to access the About This Mac information log that lists all the relevant information you need.
Here’s how to find the About This Mac so you can easily check your Apple model:
- Click on the Apple icon.
- From the list, select About This Mac.
- A pop-up window will appear that lists your model, release year, and serial number.


With serial number
If you know your serial number, you can enter it into Apple’s coverage page online as another quick way to verify your model before upgrading your OS software.
Here’s how to use Apple’s coverage page to find out your Mac model:
- You can find your serial number in the About This Mac pop-up window.
- Then go to checkcoverage.apple.com.
- Add your serial number and follow the on-screen prompts to get your exact device model and macOS compatibility verified.

A hint from our team:
Not sure what the M1 vs M2 chip label means next to your model? It’s all about your laptop’s processor—read our supporting blog article to find out how these chips differ.
What macOS do you have
Once you know your MacBook model, it’s a good idea to check which macOS version it’s using. You shouldn’t be a long-term Mac user to get that this knowledge is a must to quickly check if the software is recent or needs an upgrade. Open the About This Mac from the Apple menu to see your OS version.

An extra piece of advice from us:
macOS is one thing, but Mac’s model also counts. You may notice a difference between MacBook Air and Pro when comparing the device specs, which is normal. Not sure how it can affect your user experience? Read our attached guide, where we’ve collected all their distinctions in device compatibility in one place.
How to check macOS compatibility
Are you thinking about upgrading your old macOS software to the newest version? We think it’s helpful to check your devices’ compatibility first to ensure it’ll run smoothly on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Click on the Apple icon and press About This Mac.
- Note down your device model and year.
- Go to the Apple Support macOS compatibility list to check your device against the requirements for the available OS.

All macOS versions and compatibility
Apple has released multiple macOS versions, each release offering new features and security updates of its own to improve your daily activities.
We’ll now share the compatibility and minimum requirements for the following macOS…
- macOS 15 Sequoia compatibility
- macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility
- macOS 13 Ventura compatibility
- macOS 12 Monterey compatibility
- macOS 11 Big Sur compatibility
- macOS 10.15 Catalina compatibility
- macOS 10.14 Mojave compatibility
- macOS 10.13 High Sierra compatibility
- macOS 10.12 Sierra compatibility
- macOS 10.11 El Capitan compatibility
- macOS 10.10 Yosemite compatibility
- macOS 10.9 Mavericks compatibility
- macOS 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility
macOS 15 Sequoia compatibility
Apple’s latest release, macOS 15 Sequoia, aims to boost system performance and improve your daily activities by seamlessly integrating advanced AI tools, window-tiling features, and screen mirroring.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: M1 chip or newer
- RAM: 8GB (16GB recommended)
- Storage: 20GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- MacBook Air (M1, 2020 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020 and newer)
- iMac (2021 and newer)
- Mac mini (M1, 2020 and newer)

macOS 14 Sonoma compatibility
macOS 14 Sonoma is treasured by many Mac users thanks to its personalization and app integration. Sonoma gives you access to smart widgets, Game Mode, and enhanced video tools, making it a solid choice for casual and professional use.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 8GB (16GB recommended)
- Storage: 20GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- MacBook Air (2018 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2018 and newer)
- iMac (2019 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2018 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2019 and newer)

macOS 13 Ventura compatibility
Apple’s macOS 13 Ventura was designed to support you with your everyday tasks while still maintaining its compatibility with a range of devices. It focuses primarily on the Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, and Passkeys features.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 8GB (16GB recommended)
- Storage: 12GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac (2017 or newer)
- MacBook (2017 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (2017 or newer)
- MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
- Mac Mini (2018 or newer)
- Mac Pro (2019 or newer)
- Mac Studio (2022 or 2023)

macOS 12 Monterey compatibility
With its focus on seamless connectivity, macOS 12 Monterey introduces features like Universal Control helping you manage multiple Apple devices more easily and apply Focus Mode to reduce distractions. The Shortcuts apps can also streamline workflow, all while still being compatible with different Apple laptops.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage: 12GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2014 and newer)
- MacBook Air (2015 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2015 and newer)
- iMac (2015 and newer)

macOS 11 Big Sur compatibility
In 2020, Apple released macOS 11 Big Sur featuring a sleek redesign, further enhancing the interface. It improved privacy control and sophisticated system notifications. The macOS supported devices still include Intel-based Macs and models with m-series chips.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage: 35GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- MacBook Air (2013 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2013 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)
- iMac (2014 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2014 and newer)
- MacBook (2015 and newer)
- iMac Pro (2017 or later)

macOS 10.15 Catalina compatibility
The 2019 release of macOS 10.15 Catalina marked the end of supporting 32-bit apps, in favor of 64-bit, to improve overall performance and user experience. This software version also introduced the revamped Music App. With all those changes, you can expect the macOS requirements also modified.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
- RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage: 12GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- MacBook Air (2012 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2012 and newer)
- iMac (2012 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2012 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)

macOS 10.14 Mojave compatibility
The release of macOS 10.14 Mojave in 2018 introduced several enhancements, like Dark Mode and Finders Gallery View. This version also emphasized privacy, with new features boasting greater control over your data.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
- RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage: 12GB of free disk space
Supported devices:
- MacBook Air (2012 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2012 and newer)
- iMac (2012 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2012 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2013 and newer)

macOS 10.13 High Sierra compatibility
Apple’s macOS 10.13 High Sierra focused on performance and efficiency, introducing features like the Apple File System for better data management and improved graphics. It also provided support for virtual reality applications.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: 64-bit Intel processor
- RAM: 2 GB
- Storage: 14.3 GB of available disk space
Supported devices:
- MacBook Air (2012 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2012 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2012 and newer)
- iMac (2012 and newer)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and newer)
- MacBook (2015 and newer)

macOS 10.12 Sierra compatibility
The macOS 10.12 Sierra, optimized the user experience by introducing Siri for Mac and adding the ability to unlock your device using an Apple Watch. It was known for its security features, but it no longer receives security updates.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: 64-bit Intel processor
- RAM: 2 GB
- Storage: 8.8 GB of available disk space
Supported devices:
- iMac (2009 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (2010 and newer)
- Mac Mini (2010 and newer)
- Mac Pro (2010 and newer)
- MacBook Air (2012 and newer)
- MacBook (Early 2015 and newer)

macOS 10.11 El Capitan compatibility
The macOS 10.11 El Capitan focused on improving your system performance and experience with features like Split View, Mission Control, and Spotlight Search making Mac performance run smoother.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: 64-bit Intel processor
- RAM: 2 GB
- Storage: 6 GB of available disk space
Supported devices:
- iMac (Mid 2007)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 200)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008)
- MacBook (Early 2009)
- Mac Mini (2009)

macOS 10.10 Yosemite compatibility
Longer-term Mac users may remember macOS 10.10 Yosemite, which introduced a refreshed screen design and enhanced features to improve integration across Apple devices. However, it’s not available for new Mac users.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or newer
- RAM: 2 GB or more
- Storage: 8 GB of available storage
Supported devices:
- iMac (2009)
- MacBook Air (2012)
- MacBook Pro (2012)
- Mac Mini (2012)
- Mac Pro (2013)
- MacBook (2015)

macOS 10.9 Mavericks compatibility
Going even further back, macOS 10.9 Mavericks is another outdated software release that originally boasted new support features and improved battery management. However, downloading Mavericks now on a new device wouldn't be possible.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or newer
- RAM: 2 GB or more
- Storage: 15 GB of available storage
Supported devices:
- iMac (2007)
- Mac Pro (2008)
- MacBook (Late 2009)
- MacBook Air (2012)
- MacBook Pro (2012)
- Mac Mini (2012)

macOS 10.8 Mountain Lion compatibility
Finally, let’s not forget about macOS 10.8 Mountain Lion, a now-unsupported release that focused on enhancing user experience with features like Notification Center and improved security measures.
Minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or newer
- RAM: 2 GB or more
- Storage: 8 GB of available storage
Supported devices:
- iMac (Mid 2007 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (2007 or newer)
- Mac Pro (2008)
- MacBook Air (2008 or newer)
- MacBook (2008/2009 or newer)
- Xserve (2009)
- Mac Mini (2009)

A helping hand from our experts:
Need guidance on understanding the different requirements for the many macOS versions? Check out our relevant article to find the best fit for your Mac.
Last stroke to maximizing your macOS performance
Getting your head around all the versions and OS X compatibility requirements can be tricky, but we hope our guide has helped clarify things. After all, keeping your Mac updated with the right OS ensures an uninterrupted and secure performance. To keep operations running smoothly, we advise keeping plenty of RAM free. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup can give you a hand in clearing out unnecessary files and optimizing performance.
Here’s a reminder of how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup feature:
- Open MacKeeper and select Safe Cleanup.
- Click Start Scan.
- After the scan, select anything you want MacKeeper to declutter.
- Finally, press Clean Junk Files and Confirm to free up space.


With MacKeeper’s help, you’ll be able to keep your device in top shape and enjoy a smoother, more efficient experience with your compatible macOS. Try it yourself.