17-04-2021

Imac Late 2006 Latest Os



  1. Unlike the Late 2006 iMac, there is no longer a 17″ model – only 20″ and 24″ models. Three models use a Core 2 Duo Merom CPU (a 24″ 2.8 GHz Core 2 Extreme model was available as a build-to-order option) with the same Santa Rosa chipset and 800 MHz bus found in the Mid 2007 MacBook Pro models.
  2. IMac (27-inch, Late 2009) Model Identifier: iMac10,1 Part Number: MB952xx/A, MB953xx/A Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6.
  3. Many people may like the look and feel of Linux over other Desktop Operating Systems (OS). For this reason someone may want to install Linux on a Mac. There are many types of Apple Mac systems available. For this article I used an iMac 6.1 from late 2006. The specs on the iMac are as follows: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz.

Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, or Apple TV products may obtain service and parts from Apple service providers, including Apple Retail Stores and Independent Repair Providers, for 5 years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale. Service and parts may be obtained for longer, as required by law, or for an additional two years, subject to parts availability. Apple discontinues. Mar 20, 2021 Having a Metal GPU makes your iMac Late 2009, Mid 2010, Mid 2011 Big Sur compatible. To make the package perfect and nearly fully compatible you could have installed an WiFi/BT upgrade, but it is not necessary to install and run Big Sur. The stock old Atheros WiFi card will be supported.

Apple devices are designed to be long-lasting. They are made of durable materials that are heavily-tested in our Reliability Testing Lab. The longer you use your device, the better it is for the planet. For more information about Apple and the environment, go to https://www.apple.com/environment.

Vintage products are those that have not been sold for more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.

For products purchased in France, see Statutory Warranties of Seller and Spare Parts. Owners of new iPhone or Mac notebook products purchased after December 31, 2020 in France, may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for 7 years from the date the product model was last supplied by Apple for distribution into France.

Obsolete products are those whose sales were discontinued more than 7 years ago. Monster-branded Beats products are considered obsolete regardless of when they were purchased. Apple discontinues all hardware service for obsolete products, with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products.

Mac products vintage worldwide

Mac notebooks

  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013)
  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

Mac desktops

  • iMac (21.5-inch, Early 2013)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)
  • iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
  • Mac mini (Late 2012)
  • Mac mini Server (Mid 2011)
  • Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)
  • Mac mini Server (Late 2012)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2012)

Peripherals

Mac products obsolete worldwide

Mac notebooks

  • iBook
  • iBook (800 MHz 32 VRAM)
  • iBook (900 MHz 32 VRAM)
  • iBook (14.1 LCD)
  • iBook (14.1 LCD 900 MHz 32VRAM)
  • iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
  • iBook (14.1 LCD 32 VRAM)
  • iBook (16 VRAM)
  • iBook (Opaque 16 VRAM)
  • iBook (32 VRAM)
  • iBook Special Edition (FireWire)
  • iBook (Dual USB)
  • iBook (Firewire)
  • iBook (Late 2001)
  • iBook G4 [original]
  • iBook G4 (Early 2004)
  • iBook G4 (12-inch, Late 2004)
  • iBook G4 (14-inch)
  • iBook G4 (14-inch, Early 2004)
  • iBook G4 (14-inch, Late 2004)
  • iBook G4 (12-inch, Mid 2005)
  • iBook G4 (14-inch, Mid 2005)
  • MacBook (13-inch)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2006)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2007)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
  • MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Air [original]
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Late 2010)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Late 2010)
  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2011)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2011)
  • MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro [original]
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Glossy)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.4/2.2GHz)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Core 2 Duo)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Core 2 Duo)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, 2.4GHz)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012)
  • PowerBook 100 thru PowerBook 540c (all models)
  • PowerBook 1400 (all models)
  • PowerBook 2400 thru 5300cs (all models)
  • PowerBook Duo Dock (all models)
  • PowerBook Duo (all models)
  • PowerBook (Firewire)
  • PowerBook G3
  • PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard)
  • PowerBook G3 Series
  • PowerBook G4
  • PowerBook G4 (DVI)
  • PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
  • PowerBook G4 (1GHz/867MHz)
  • PowerBook G4 (12-inch)
  • PowerBook G4 (12-inch, 1.33Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (12-inch DVI)
  • PowerBook G4 (15-inch, 1.5/1.33Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (15-inch, FW800)
  • PowerBook G4 (17-inch)
  • PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.33Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (17-inch, 1.5Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (15-inch, 1.67/1.5Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (17-inch, 1.67Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (12-inch, 1.5Ghz)
  • PowerBook G4 (15-inch, Double-Layer SD)
  • PowerBook G4 (17-inch, Double-Layer SD)

Mac desktops

  • Apple I
  • Apple II (all models)
  • Apple III
  • Apple Network Server (all models)
  • Apple Workgroup Server (all models)
  • eMac [original]
  • eMac (ATI Graphics)
  • eMac (USB 2.0)
  • eMac (2005)
  • iMac 233 MHz
  • iMac 266/333 MHz
  • iMac 350 MHz
  • iMac G5 (17-inch)
  • iMac G5 ALS (17-inch)
  • iMac G5 (20-inch)
  • iMac G5 ALS (20-inch)
  • iMac 400 MHz DV
  • iMac 400 MHz DV (Special Edition)
  • iMac (Flat Panel)
  • iMac (17-inch, Flat Panel)
  • iMac (17-inch Flat Panel, 1GHz)
  • iMac (Summer 2000)
  • iMac (Summer 2000) DV
  • iMac (Summer 2000) DV Special Edition
  • iMac (Summer 2001)
  • iMac (Early 2001)
  • iMac (Flat Panel 2003)
  • iMac (USB 2.0)
  • iMac G5 (17-inch, iSight)
  • iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
  • iMac (17-inch, Mid 2006)
  • iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
  • iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD)
  • iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)
  • iMac (20-inch, Late 2006)
  • iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007)
  • iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
  • iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
  • iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2011)
  • iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012)
  • iMac (24-inch)
  • iMac (24-inch, Mid 2007)
  • iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
  • iMac (24-inch, Early 2009)
  • iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
  • iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
  • iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
  • iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)
  • iMac G5 (20-inch, iSight)
  • Lisa
  • Lisa 2
  • Mac mini [original]
  • Mac mini (Late 2005)
  • Mac mini (Early 2006)
  • Mac mini (Late 2006)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2007)
  • Mac mini (Early 2009)
  • Mac mini (Late 2009)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010)
  • Mac mini (Mid 2011)
  • Mac Pro
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2009)
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010)
  • Macintosh 128K/512K/512Ke
  • Macintosh Centris (all models)
  • Macintosh Classic; Macintosh Classic II
  • Macintosh Color Classic/Color Classic II
  • Macintosh II (all models)
  • Macintosh LC (all models)
  • Macintosh Plus
  • Macintosh Portable
  • Macintosh Quadra (all models)
  • Macintosh Quadra/Centris (all models)
  • Macintosh SE (all models)
  • Macintosh Server G3
  • Macintosh Server G3 (Blue and White)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (Digital Audio)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (AGP Graphics)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver 2002)
  • Macintosh XL
  • Performa (all models)
  • Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)
  • Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
  • Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics)
  • Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
  • Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver)
  • Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002)
  • Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002ED)
  • Power Mac G4 (FW 800)
  • Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
  • Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Door 2003)
  • Power Mac G4 Cube
  • Power Mac G5 [original]
  • Power Mac G5 (June 2004)
  • Power Mac G5 (Late 2004)
  • Power Mac G5 (Early 2005)
  • Power Mac G5 (Late 2005)
  • Power Macintosh 4400 thru 9600 (all models)
  • Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White)
  • Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh
  • Xserve [original]
  • Xserve (Cluster Node)
  • Xserve G5
  • Xserve G5 (January 2005)
  • Xserve RAID
  • Xserve RAID (SFP)
  • Xserve RAID (SFP Late 2004)
  • Xserve (Slot Load)
  • Xserve (Late 2006)
  • Xserve (Early 2008)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

Peripherals

Latest
  • 1.44 Apple SuperDrive/HDI-20 Disk Drive
  • Airport Base Station (Graphite)
  • Airport Base Station (Dual Ethernet)
  • Airport Card
  • AirPort Express [original]
  • Airport Extreme Base Station (Early 2003)
  • AirPort Extreme 802.11n (1st generation)
  • AirPort Extreme 802.11n (2nd generation)
  • AirPort Extreme 802.11n (3rd generation)
  • AirPort Extreme 802.11n (4th generation)
  • AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Gen)
  • Airport Extreme [original]
  • Apple 3.5 Drive; Apple PC 5.25 Drive
  • Apple Basic Color Monitor
  • Apple CD Products (all models)
  • Apple Cinema Display (original)
  • Apple Cinema Display ADC
  • Apple Cinema Display (20-inch)
  • Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI)
  • Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI)
  • Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI, Late 2005)
  • Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI, Early 2007)
  • Apple Cinema Display (23-inch DVI, Late 2005)
  • Apple Cinema Display (23-inch, DVI, Early 2007)
  • Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI)
  • Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI, Late 2005)
  • Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI, Early 2007)
  • Apple Cinema HD Display (23-inch)
  • Apple Cinema HD Display (30-inch)
  • Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard
  • Apple High-Res Monochrome Monitor
  • Apple LED Cinema Display (24-inch)
  • Apple Macintosh Portrait Display
  • Apple Monochrome Monitor
  • Apple Multiple Scan Display (all models)
  • Apple OneScanner; Apple Color OneScanner
  • Apple Personal Modem
  • Apple Data Modem (all models)
  • Apple QuickTake (all models)
  • Apple Standard Keyboards (all models)
  • Apple Studio Display 15-inch (all models)
  • Apple Studio Display 15 ADC
  • Apple Studio Display 17
  • Apple Studio Display 17 ADC
  • Apple Studio Display 17 LCD
  • Apple Studio Display 21
  • Apple TV (1st generation)
  • Apple TV (2nd generation)
  • AppleColor Monitor (all models)
  • AppleVision Displays (all models)
  • Color StyleWriter (all models)
  • ColorMonitor II (all models)
  • ColorSynch Display (all models)
  • DDS-DC 4mm Tape Drive
  • Disk II; Disk III
  • DuoDisk
  • Tape Backup 40SC
  • eMate 300
  • Extended Keyboards (all models)
  • External Hard Drive SC
  • External SCSI Hard Drive
  • GeoPort
  • ImageWriter (all models)
  • iSight
  • LaserWriter Pro (all models)
  • LaserWriter; LaserWriter II (all models)
  • Macintosh Disk Drive
  • Monitor II (all models)
  • Newton MessagePad (all models)
  • Performa/Performa Plus (all models)
  • Personal LaserWriter (all models)
  • StyleWriter (all models)
  • Time Capsule 802.11n (1st generation)
  • Time Capsule 802.11n (2nd generation)
  • Time Capsule 802.11n (3rd generation)
  • Time Capsule 802.11n (4th Gen)
  • Two Page Monochrome Monitor
  • UniDisk (all models)

iPod products vintage worldwide

  • iPod classic
  • iPod nano (7th generation, Late 2012)
  • iPod shuffle (4th generation, Late 2012)
  • iPod touch (4th generation)
  • iPod touch (5th generation)

iPod products obsolete worldwide

  • iPod (5th generation)
  • iPod (5th generation, Late 2006)
  • iPod (Click Wheel)
  • iPod (Dock Connector)
  • iPod (Scroll Wheel)
  • iPod (Touch Wheel)
  • iPod classic (80GB and 160GB, 2007)
  • iPod classic (120GB)
  • iPod Hi-Fi
  • iPod with color display
  • iPod mini
  • iPod nano (2nd generation)
  • iPod nano (3rd generation)
  • iPod nano (4th generation)
  • iPod nano (6th generation)
  • iPod touch (4th generation)
  • iPod nano (5th generation) 8GB, 16GB
  • iPod photo
  • iPod photo (Early 2005)
  • iPod shuffle
  • iPod shuffle (2nd generation)
  • iPod shuffle (2nd generation, Late 2007)
  • iPod shuffle (2nd generation, Late 2008)
  • iPod shuffle (3rd generation)
  • iPod shuffle (4th generation)
  • iPod Special Edition U2
  • iPod touch
  • iPod touch (2nd generation, 2008)
  • iPod touch (2nd generation, 2009)
  • iPod touch (2nd generation) 8GB
  • iPod touch (3rd generation) 32GB, 64GB

iPhone products vintage worldwide

  • iPhone 4 (8GB)
  • iPhone 4S
  • iPhone 4S (8GB)
  • iPhone 5
  • iPhone 5C

iPhone products obsolete worldwide

  • iPhone
  • iPhone 3G (China mainland) 8GB
  • iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB
  • iPhone 3GS (China mainland) 16GB, 32GB
  • iPhone 3GS (8GB)
  • iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB
  • iPhone 4 CDMA
  • iPhone 4 CDMA (8GB)
  • iPhone 4 16GB, 32GB
  • iPhone 4S (8GB)

iPad products vintage worldwide

  • iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi
  • iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi, Cellular
  • iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi, Cellular (MM)
  • iPad 2
  • iPad 2 3G
  • iPad 2 3G (Verizon)
  • iPad mini Wi-Fi
  • iPad mini Wi-Fi, Cellular
  • iPad mini Wi-Fi, Cellular (MM)
  • iPad mini Wi-Fi, 16GB, Gray
  • iPad mini Wi-Fi, Cellular, 16GB, Gray
  • iPad mini Wi-Fi, Cellular, MM, 16GB, Gray
  • iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi
  • iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi, Cellular
  • iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi, Cellular (TD-LTE)
  • iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, CDMA
  • iPad Wi-Fi + 4G, GSM

iPad products obsolete worldwide

  • iPad [original]
  • iPad 3G
  • iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi
  • iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi, Cellular
  • iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi, Cellular (VZ)
  • iPad Wi-Fi
  • iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
  • iPad Wi-Fi + 4G
  • iPad Wi-Fi + 4G (Verizon)

Beats products vintage in the U.S. and obsolete in the rest of the world

  • Beatbox Portable (2nd generation)
  • Executive
  • Pill 1.0
  • Pill 2.0
  • Powerbeats (1st generation)
  • Solo HD
  • Tour (2nd generation)
  • Wireless (1.5)

Beats products obsolete worldwide

Beats products

  • Beatbox Portable (1st generation)
  • Beatbox Portable (3rd generation)

Monster-branded products

  • Beatbox
  • Diddybeats
  • Heartbeats (1st generation)
  • Heartbeats (2nd generation)
  • Heartbeats (2nd generation), black
  • Heartbeats (2nd generation), white
  • iBeats
  • Mixr, black
  • Mixr, white
  • Powerbeats (1st generation), black
  • Powerbeats (1st generation), red
  • Powerbeats (1st generation), white
  • Pro, black
  • Pro, Detox
  • Pro, white
  • Solo (1st generation), black
  • Solo (1st generation), white
  • Solo (1st generation), HTC white
  • Solo HD, black
  • Solo HD, black-gold
  • Solo HD, purple
  • Solo HD, red
  • Solo HD, white
  • Solo HD, Yao Ming
  • Studio (1st generation)
  • Studio (1st generation), Red Sox
  • Studio (1st generation), black
  • Studio (1st generation), blue
  • Studio (1st generation), green
  • Studio (1st generation), orange
  • Studio (1st generation), pink
  • Studio (1st generation), purple
  • Studio (1st generation), red
  • Studio (1st generation), Red Sox
  • Studio (1st generation), silver
  • Studio (1st generation), white
  • Tour (1st generation)
  • Tour (1st generation), black
  • Tour (1st generation), white
  • Urbeats (1st generation), black
  • Urbeats (1st generation), matte white
  • Wireless (1.5), black
  • Wireless (1.5), white
  • Wireless (1st generation)
7 46 likes 224,597 views Last modified Mar 3, 2021 4:47 PM

This tip replaces version 2126 originally released on the Discussions Feedback forum.


Find the serial number on:



Plug your serial number in at this link:



Do not use third party links as they may not be secure.

Do not post the serial number on this board, as that is your key to any support you may have left.

Use this tip also to help figure out which portion of the Support Community to post in, as this tip explains:



When you have no serial number, use one of these third party sites to find your model, production year, time in year

(early, middle, late, summer, fall, winter, spring):




Imac Late 2006 Latest Os Latest

Note:

PowerMac, PowerPC, eMac, iMac PPC, iBook (Apple recycled the name iBook for its eBook application on new Macs and iOS devices), Powerbook, Classic all refer to Macs that are older than the present series

of Macs. Posting in those forums about a current Mac, shows you have not researched your Mac sufficiently to get a succinct answer to your query. Apple menu -> About This Mac will tell you the Mac OS version or System version you are running. The X in the version is important, and so is the preceding 10 in the version if it exists.

Questions saying X.1 could refer to Mac OS X 10.13.1, 10.1. Don't truncate the version you see.




There are no iOS forums specific to the operating system found on iPads, iPod Touch, AppleTV, Apple Watch, and iPhones. Figure out the type of portable device you are running to ask a question about that device specifically.


Apple has these identifying articles as well:


http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3255 - MacBook Air

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1635 - MacBook

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4132 - MacBook Pro

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3476 - Mac Mini

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6069 - Mac Pro

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1758 - iMac
http://support.apple.com/kb/sp96 and http://support.apple.com/kb/sp37 - PowerMac G5

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA25585 and http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3082 - PowerMac G4

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA22033 - PowerMac G3

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3065 - Powerbook G4

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2395 - eMac

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2287 - Powerbook G3

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1772 - iBook


Macs generally will not run an older Mac OS X operating system than shipped with them.

The one exception is virtualizing 10.6 Server on 10.7 or later, which is described later.


Also important to note is that the Apple App Store only has 10.7, 10.8, and 10.12, except for those who purchased in between systems, and have a Mac that shipped with in between systems. For all others if you need an in between system, and your Mac is older, contact the App Store tech support.

A quick upgrade guide has been posted on


These dates are important for recognizing what Mac OS X will run on Macs. Macs released on or after (including their model #s or name

where known):

September 30, 2018 will only run 10.14 or later

• MacBook Air 8,x

• Mac Mini 8,x


September 25, 2017 will only run 10.13 or later.

  • iMac Pro 1,1
  • MacBook Pro 15,x (2018 model)


June 5, 2017 Mac models (all 2017 Models except iMac Pro) will only run 10.12.5 or later

• MacBook Pro 14,x

• MacBook Air 7,2

• MacBookImac late 2006 latest os catalina 10,1

• iMac 18,x

September 20, 2016 will only run 10.12 or later.

  • MacBook Pro with touchbar (instead of physical F keys)
  • MacBook Pro 13,x
  • iMac 18,x
  • MacBook Air 7,2 see this article on which ones could only run 10.12 or later.


September 30, 2015 will only run 10.11 or later. These Macs are the first Macs that can be upgraded directly to

Mac OS 10.14 without installing any other software.

  • iMac 16,x and 17,x
  • Macbook 9,x (these Macbooks came with the USB-C, instead of the USB 2 or USB 3 connector. USB 3 and 2 look identical on the outside, use System Profiler to determine which you have)


October 16, 2014 will only run 10.10 or later (10.10 is only available for Macs that shipped with it).

  • MacBook Air 7,1 and 7,2 (some models could only run 10.12 or later).
  • Mac Mini 7,x
  • iMac MF885LL/A came with 10.10.2. All other 15,x came with 10.10.0
  • MacBook 8,x - the oldest that can run Mac OS 10.14 with this model name after installing 10.11 or later.
  • MacBook Pro 11,4 and 11,5


October 22, 2013 will only run 10.9 or later (10.9 is only available for Macs that shipped with it).

  • Macbook Pro 11,1 through 11,3
  • Mac Pro 6,x
  • MacBook Air Early 2014
  • Mac Mini 6,x
  • iMac 14,4


June 25, 2012 will only run 10.8 or later. 10.8 through 10.11 are supported by these Macs [indicate machine ID found in profiler], and newer models may run some variety of 10.9, 10.10, or 10.11):


  • MacBook Pro with Retina EMC 2557 from 2012 and 2013 and later models.
  • MacBook Air (2013 or newer) [6,1]
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2013 or newer) [6,1]
  • Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer) [6,1] - the oldest that can run 10.14 after installing 10.11 or later.
  • iMac (Late 2012 or newer) [13,1]
  • Mac Pro (Late 2013) [6,1]

These models above are the first models that can be upgraded directly to High Sierra 10.13 without other prior upgrades.


The oldest MacBook Air and iMac that can run Mac OS 10.14 after installing 10.11.

• MacBook Air 5,1

• iMac 12,1


These Macs which are older can also be upgraded to 10.12 by upgrading to 10.7.5 first, and 10.13 by upgrading to 10.8 first:


  • MacBook (Late 2009 or newer) 6,1
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer) 6,1
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer) 3,1.
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer) 4,1
  • iMac (Late 2009 or newer) 10,1
  • Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer) 5,1


The Macs are compatible with 10.8 and later from prior 10.8's release

  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2012) [3,1]-[5,1] (Earlier Mac Pros are discussed on the 10.8 upgrade tip).
  • MacBook Late 2008 [5,1] to mid 2010 [7,1] with no Pro or Air in the name.
  • iMac (Early 2009 to mid-2011) [9,1] to [12,1]
  • Mac mini (Mid 2010 to mid 2011) [4,1] to [5.1]
  • MacBook Air (Late 2010 to mid-2012 [3,1]-[5,2]
  • MacBook Pro Late 2008 [5,1] to Retina 2012 that are not EMC 2557.


July 20, 2011 will only run 10.7 or later. The model IDs (x,x) and EMC that fit this description until June 25, 2012 release of 10.8 (excluding the ones which will run only 10.8 or later earlier mentioned) :

iMac of an EMC of 2496; 13,x and later.

Mac Mini 5,x and later.

Macbook Air 4,x and later.

MacBook 8,x and later (no Pro no Air in the name)

Mac Pro 5,1 with EMC 2629 - the oldest that can be have Mac OS 10.14 installed after installing 10.11 or later, those without that EMC number came with 10.6 and can also be updated to 10.14 the same manner; 6,x and later.


MacBook Pro with EMC 2555, 2563; 9,x and later.


Note all the Macs that can only run 10.7 and later, may be able to run 10.6 Server with Parallels, if you need compatibility with an older operating system:


Beyond this point Macs released during certain date ranges also have a maximum operating system, and/or

minimum retail operating system and system specific operating system requirement (when I say up to 10.9 that includes all incremental updates):


Note: images shown below for retail operating system are those that have no 'Update, Dropin, or OEM' wording on them.


March 15, 2010-July 19, 2011 will only run prebundled 10.6 installer disc, and not retail, but also able to be upgraded to 10.9. Note this tip

if upgrading to 10.7 or later: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6271


August 28, 2009-March 14, 2010 will only 10.6 or later up to 10.9. And will at minimum be able to use

10.6.3 retailto install 10.6. Note this tip if upgrading to 10.7 or later: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6271


During 2000 to 2009, the serial number also made it easier to identify the Macs, as the 3rd, 4th, and 5th character of the serial number referred to the week

and year of the shipment date. Thus for serial numbers where x can be any letter or number, xxABCxxxxx serial numbers would refer to an A which is the last digit of the year, and BC=week of the year. xx905xxxx is the fifth week of 2009. You can then use Wikipedia to figure out what date the release was, and if it was after a specific retail release of an operating system to determine which pre bundled disc it came with, and which later retail discs the Mac could work with.


December 15, 2008-August 28, 2009 will only run prebundled 10.5 installer disc, and 10.6 retail https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/43236040snow.jpg, and if on https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3761

will also run up to Mac OS X 10.11 if you follow this tip: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6271


October 28, 2007 -December 14, 2008 will at minimum be able to use the 10.5.6 retail, and install up to 10.9 if included on https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3761 if you follow this tip https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6271


January 10, 2006-October 27, 2007 will at minimum be able to 10.5 retail, and if

on Which 10.5 systems can upgrade to 10.8 or 10.9?or Are there 10.4 systems that can upgrade to 10.8 or 10.9? are

able to run 10.9. Core2Duo and Xeon can upgrade to a minimum of 10.7.5. Otherwise if they only have a CoreDuo, CoreSolo Intel

processor only be able to upgrade to Mac OS X 10.6.8. G5, G4, and G3 processors are not Intel.


Earlier dates are covered on this tip:Can I download my Mac OS upgrade?


Using the dates from the above documents, and the dates according to Wikipedia when specific retail

operating system systems were released, you can find which retail releases were newer than the Macs and the ones immediately older.


i.e.:

An October 24, 2011 Macbook Pro will only run 10.8 retail, and 10.9 retail downloads, but needs an

AppleCare requested 10.7 installer to install 10.7. An exception exists in 10.6 Server, as indicated here:


A pre-October 26, 2007 MacBook Pro will only run the system specific Mac OS X 10.4 installer

that shipped with it, which can be ordered from AppleCare, or newer retail installer versions

of 10.5, 10.6 compatible with its hardware, and 10.7 if it is at least a Core2Duo.

CoreDuo, nor is CoreSolo is not compatible with 10.7.


For PowerPC Macs, Mac OS X 10.4.11 and earlier offer Classic compatibility, and on certain 2003 and earlier Macs dual booting on Mac OS X 10.5 & Mac OS 9:



No Mac may run an older version of Mac OS 9 than was prebundled with it.


A more precise timeline of Mac OS X follows (in U.S. date notation. Links to relevant articles up to 10.7 are included, as 10.7 drops PowerPC applications on Intel):


4/8/2015 10.10.3 (with supplemental on 4/16/2015)

1/27/2015 10.10.2

11/17/2014 10.10.1

10/16/2014 10.10 Yosemite

9/17/2014 10.9.5

6/30/2014 10.9.4

5/15/2014 10.9.3

2/25/2014 10.9.2

10/22/2013 10.9 (10.9 & 10.9.1 should be skipped due to security issues) Mavericks

10/3/2013 10.8.5 supplemental update

9/25/2013 10.8.4 iMac Late 2013

6/10/2013 10.8.4 MacBook Air mid 2013

6/4/2013 10.8.4

3/14/2013 10.8.3

11/29/2012 10.8.2 Mac MIni Late 2012

10/4/2012 10.8.2 supplemental update

10/4/2012 10.7.5 supplemental update

8/23/2012 10.8.1

7/25/2012 10.8 Mountain Lion

5/9/2012 10.7.4

2/1/2012 10.7.3

10/12/2011 10.7.2

8/16/2011 10.7.1

7/25/2011 10.6.8 v1.1


5/4/2011 10.6.7 Early 2011 MacBook Pro

3/21/2011 10.6.7

1/6/2011 10.6.6

Imac Late 2006 Latest Os 10.13

11/10/2010 10.6.5

6/15/2010 10.6.4

4/13/2010 10.6.3 v1.1

4/1/2010 10.6.3 retail installer presently sold at the online Apple Store.

8/28/2009 10.6 retail installer (Snow Leopard)


12/15/2008 10.5.6 retail installer (Last PowerPC installer)


6/30/2008 10.5.4 retail installer


11/15/2007 10.5.1 retail installer


10/26/2007 10.5 retail installer (Leopard)


8/7/2006 Mac Pro (Intel, first Snow Leopard compatible professional desktop) replaces PowerMac G5 (the last PowerPC Mac and Mac capable of running Classic)


5/16/2006 The MacBook replaces the iBook (the last consumer notebook capable of running Classic)

Imac Late 2006 Latest Os 64-bit

4/3/2006 10.4.6 retail PowerPC only.

2/28/2006 First Intel Mac Mini (not capable of running Classic, first Mac)

1/10/2006 First Intel iMacs, MacBook Pro replaces Powerbook (first Macs not capable of running Classic, first Mac capable of running Snow Leopard)

10/31/2005 10.4.3 retail PowerPC only.

Imac Late 2006 Latest Oscilloscope

8/9/2004 10.3.5 retail

12/17/2003 10.3.2 retail

12/19/2002 10.2.3

Some hints about operating systems:

- Mac OS X 10.8 or later are required to sync with iOS 9.2 or 9.2.1.

Imac Late 2006 Latest Os High Sierra

- No PowerPC Mac can run Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher, or sync with iOS 6 or higher.

- No PowerPC Mac can run Boot Camp

- No Mac can run Classic (side by side Mac OS 9 with Mac OS X without reboot) on the same partition as Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.

- No Intel Mac can run Classic.

- All Intel Macs can run at least Mac OS X 10.6.8 as long as they are older than Mac OS X 10.7's release.

- PowerPC applications need Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier to run on Intel Macs.

- Boot Camp needs Mac OS X 10.5 or later on Intel Macs. Note other virtualization tools are available for Mac OS X 10.4.11 or earlier on Intel Macs.

- Mac OS X 10.7.3 is needed for the latest Java and minimum iCloud.

- The same minimum system requirements exist for Mac OS X 10.8, 10.9, 10.10, and 10.11.

Imac Late 2006 Os

- 10.6.6 is the minimum for the Mac App Store, and upgrading to 10.7 without erasing the drive you install 10.7 on if the hardware supports it.

- 10.6.8 is the minimum for 10.8 or later upgrades if the hardware supports it.

- Apple has a 10.6.8 to 10.11 updateon the App Store.

- Some Macs that shipped with 10.6 can install up to 10.12 if they are upgraded to 10.7.5 first.