To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility, and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
Check compatibility
If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it might say that it's too old to be opened on this version of macOS, or that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation.
To confirm compatibility before downloading, check the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite. You can also find compatibility information on the product-ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro.
Make a backup
Mojave was officially released on September 24th and is available to all compatible Macs. After verifying compatibility in this article, visit our download and install Mojave guide. Check back often for the latest Mojave compatibility news and information. What is macOS 10.14 Mojave? Jun 05, 2019 In Apple's WWDC 2018 presentation and elsewhere, the company specifies that macOS Mojave runs on these Macs: MacBook (Early 2015 or later) MacBook Air (Mid-2012 or later) MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 or later). One significant difference with compatibility between macOS Mojave and its predecessor, macOS Catalina, is that macOS Mojave supported mid-2010 or mid-2012 Mac Pro models with a recommended Metal. Easily check which versions of mac OS, iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS are compatible with your Mac model or iDevice. Guide includes OS X 10.8.x to macOS 11.0.x.
Mac Os Versions
Before installing, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Download macOS
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable internet connection.
Safari uses these links to find the old installers in the App Store. After downloading from the App Store, the installer opens automatically.
- macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks
- macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
- macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion
Safari downloads the following older installers as a disk image named InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It installs an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to begin installing the operating system.
- macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lion
- OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
- OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard
Install macOS
Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It might be easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs macOS and related firmware updates.
Learn more
Mojave Compatible Macbook Pro
You might also be able to use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS, or install the macOS that came with your Mac.
Where iOS 12 will run smoothly on any device that supports iOS 11, the same can't be said of the new macOS — not all High Sierra systems have the specs to run Mojave. That said, unless you're using a really old Mac, there's every chance you'll be able to install and run macOS 10.14 without a hitch.
macOS Mojave compatibility
Apple says that macOS Mojave is available for all Macs introduced in 'mid-2012 or later, along with 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models with recommended Metal-capable graphics cards.'
What does this in terms of specific models? Well, if your system is any one of the following machines, you're in luck.
- iMac Pro (2017)
- iMac (late 2012 or newer)
- Mac Pro (late 2013, plus mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with Metal-capable graphics cards)
- MacBook (2015 or newer)
- MacBook Air (mid-2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2012 or newer)
- Mac mini (late 2012 or newer)
Will my Mac run macOS Mojave?
If you're unsure what Mac model you own, here's how to find out.
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and select About This Mac.
- In the Overview tab, you'll see the Mac model and year.
The macOS Mojave requirements mean that it won't be as widely available as High Sierra. The current macOS is compatible with iMacs and MacBooks from 2009 onwards. For those older machines, High Sierra is where the road ends, unfortunately.
Which apps aren't compatible with Mojave?
Apple announced that macOS Mojave is the last release to support 32-bit apps. But that doesn't necessarily mean that 32-bit apps will run without problems. Therefore, the important thing to do is to check whether any of your apps are 32-bit and make plans to stop relying on them when the next version of macOS launches in 2019.
How much disk space will I need for macOS Mojave?
macOS Mojave will require around 4.8GB of free space, although, the more space you have the better, especially if you plan on installing new apps from the overhauled Mac App Store.
You can check how much free space you have available in About This Mac.
Mac Os Mojave Supported Macs
- Click on the Apple logo and select About This Mac.
- In the About This Mac window, click on More Info, then choose the Storage tab.
If your hard drive looks like it needs some space freeing up, you can search through your system files and drag any you no longer need to the Trash. However, this is a time-consuming task. A much better way to quickly remove junk files is with CleanMyMac X.
Will my Mac run macOS Mojave?
If you're unsure what Mac model you own, here's how to find out.
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and select About This Mac.
- In the Overview tab, you'll see the Mac model and year.
The macOS Mojave requirements mean that it won't be as widely available as High Sierra. The current macOS is compatible with iMacs and MacBooks from 2009 onwards. For those older machines, High Sierra is where the road ends, unfortunately.
Which apps aren't compatible with Mojave?
Apple announced that macOS Mojave is the last release to support 32-bit apps. But that doesn't necessarily mean that 32-bit apps will run without problems. Therefore, the important thing to do is to check whether any of your apps are 32-bit and make plans to stop relying on them when the next version of macOS launches in 2019.
How much disk space will I need for macOS Mojave?
macOS Mojave will require around 4.8GB of free space, although, the more space you have the better, especially if you plan on installing new apps from the overhauled Mac App Store.
You can check how much free space you have available in About This Mac.
Mac Os Mojave Supported Macs
- Click on the Apple logo and select About This Mac.
- In the About This Mac window, click on More Info, then choose the Storage tab.
If your hard drive looks like it needs some space freeing up, you can search through your system files and drag any you no longer need to the Trash. However, this is a time-consuming task. A much better way to quickly remove junk files is with CleanMyMac X.
CleanMyMac X is a utility tool that's capable of scanning your system and automatically detected old, broken, and outdated files for deletion. It turns a laborious task into one that takes a matter of minutes, with only a few clicks of the mouse required on your part.
- Download and launch CleanMyMac X (It's free to download).
- Select Smart Scan.
- Click Scan and wait for the app to do its thing.
- Click Run and all of those pointless files will disappear for good, leaving behind a surprising number of gigabytes of free space.
Yes, it really is that easy.
How to install macOS Mojave
Installing anything on Mac is a breeze and that doesn't change just because a shiny new OS has waltzed into town. Here's a comprehensive guide how to upgrade to macOS Mojave. Feel free to dive straight in and try the macOS Mojave updates.
When your chosen version has downloaded, all you need to do is accept Apple's terms and conditions, select the disk you want to install Mojave on and let your Mac take care of the rest.
Apple's new operating system looks promising. Actually, it looks fantastic. If your Mac meets the Mojave system requirements, use a tool like CleanMyMac X to get your computer ready and make Mojave at home.
Happy upgrading!