What versions of Mac OS or Mac OS X does my Macintosh-compatible computer support?
For the system requirements for the latest version of Mac OS X, see Apple's Mac OS X Upgrade System Requirements page at:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/Mac OS X works on most Apple Macintosh computers equipped with PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processors. Computers with older versions of the PowerPC, those upgraded with a PowerPC processor, and Macintosh clones are not supported. For more information about what kind of processor your computer has, see What is the type and clock speed of the CPU in my Macintosh or compatible computer?
Though there are exceptions, usually you cannot run an earlier version of the operating system than was originally installed on your computer. As described below, support for older models has been phased out in later Mac OS releases:
| Model | Latest OS Supported |
|---|---|
| Macintosh 128K, Macintosh 512K, Macintosh 512Ke | 6.0.8 |
| Macintoshes with 68000, 68020, and "dirty" ROM 68030* processors | 7.5.5 |
| Macintoshes with "clean" ROM 68030 processors | 7.6.1 |
| Macintoshes with 68040 processors | 8.1 |
| Macintoshes with 601, 603, 603e, 604, and 604e PowerPC processors; first generation PowerBook G3 computers | 9.2.2 |
| Macintoshes without built-in USB | 10.2 |
| Macintoshes without built-in FireWire | 10.3 |
| *68030 Macintoshes with "dirty" ROMs include the SE/30, IIcx, and IIx. |
In certain cases, a computer may be able to run a version of the OS that is newer than the one originally installed on it, but older than the newest release. For example, the Power Macintosh 8600/200 will run Mac OS 7.5.5 as well as 7.6.1 and higher, but it will not run 7.6. Other computers will only run a version of the OS with an enabler installed; this was especially common during the Mac OS 7.1 releases.
Even if your model is compatible with a given release of the operating system, it must also meet that version's minimum RAM and disk space requirements. For example, to run Mac OS X, you must have at least 256 megabytes of RAM, which is more than many older computers have installed by default. Frequently, a computer with limited RAM and disk space will perform more efficiently with an older version of the operating system.
For more information about system requirements for various versions of
Mac OS and Mac OS X, search on system requirements in
Apple's knowledge base at:
Also see:
- What are the major differences between versions of the Macintosh operating system?
- What is a computer's clock speed?
- In Mac OS and Mac OS X, how do I find out what version of the operating system I have?
Last modified on November 01, 2007.
