With Apple set to announce a new version of macOS at WWDC25, one of the questions people are asking is whether their Mac will be able to run the latest software. Here’s how we think it will play out.
The next version of macOS is strongly rumored to be called version 26 and nicknamed Tahoe, after Lake Tahoe. This continues the recent tradition of naming versions of macOS after landmarks in California.
According to Apple, macOS 15 Sequoia is supported on a wide range of desktop and portable Macs.
The easiest Macs to have confidence in are those powered by an M1 or better system chip. But things get a little less certain if you are running an Intel-powered Mac.
Sequoia is supported on the following Intel Macs.
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2018)
- Mac Pro (2019)
Apple generally supports systems with operating system upgrades for at least five years. That means the following are unlikely to receive the macOS 26 Tahoe upgrade.
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac mini (2018)
- Mac Pro (2019)
But, for Intel-based Macs, it’s a little trickier as some later models use older Intel tech. The 8th generation Intel processor, also known by the code name Coffee Lake, is found in a number of MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac models.
For example, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports that was released in 2020 uses an 8th generation Intel processor while the 4 port version released at the same time runs the 10th generation chipsets. So, it’s possible the newer chipset will be supported while a similar model from the same year won’t.
It’s worth noting that even if early M-series Macs are compatible with macOS 26, they may not support all the new features that are introduced.
If you’re running one of the later Intel Macs with a 10th generation Intel processor, this may be the last year you can update to the latest version of macOS.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.