The latest Mac software update is macOS 26. Don’t worry, there’s still a California-based moniker alongside the number: Tahoe. As you’d expect, macOS 26 will work best with the latest Macs.
After months of beta versions, the biggest free Mac update in years is now rolling out to the public. A whole bunch of older Mac desktops and MacBooks will also get the free software update – stretching back a good few years. But will your current Mac device get the new update? Here’s our guide to the macOS 26 system requirements.
Note that Apple’s software versions are now named after the year ahead – ie: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, etc – to bring naming consistency. So if you’re looking for the requirements to run what you thought was called macOS 16, you’re in the right place!
Will my Mac get macOS 26?
Unfortunately, the time has nearly come for Apple to ditch new software support for any remaining Intel Macs – but it’s not happening quite yet.
macOS 26 will be the last update to support Intel. Given Apple started switching to its own silicon chips in late 2020, this would cut some older Macs off earlier than usual.
But it’s not surprising – when macOS 27 rolls around in late 2026, it will be six years since the last Intel Macs were introduced in early 2020. The oldest Macs supported this year are the 2019 Mac Pro and MacBook Pro.
The new Liquid Glass Apple software redesign of comes to Macs as part of macOS 26, to accompany the latest iPhone software iOS 26.
And while an updated look might sound minor, I think it’s exactly what macOS needed – making things easier to use than ever. Alongside the redesign sit plenty of new features that’ll help you be more productive, including updates to the Notes app.
Here’s a full list of the devices compatible with macOS 26:
- MacBook Air (2020 or later)
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020 or later)
- MacBook Pro 14 or 16-inch (2019 or later)
- Mac mini (2020 or later)
- iMac (2020 or later)
- Mac Studio (2022 or later)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
Related: macOS 26 is here, and it brings the big redesign I’ve been waiting for
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