#UPGRADE MAC OPERATING SYSTEM FOR FREE FOR FREE#
#UPGRADE MAC OPERATING SYSTEM FOR FREE MAC OS X#
#UPGRADE MAC OPERATING SYSTEM FOR FREE INSTALL#

But first, know which version of macOS your device is running. Usually, macOS automatically updates itself once the software is rolled out to its users. Does Apple still support your version of macOS? If you see that your Mac is older than mentioned above, you definitely can’t expect to update your device to newer macOS versions. MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later.MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later.Lastly, macOS Big Sur supports these devices: Mac Pro (Late 20 and Mid 2012 models)Īccording to Apple, macOS Catalina supports:.While most pre-2012 officially cannot be upgraded, there are unofficial workarounds for older Macs.Īccording to Apple, macOS Mojave supports: With every new macOS release the minimum year of Mac hardware increases. Starting with Mojave Apple did not allow older Macs to upgrade to newer macOS versions. This is because as hardware ages, it cannot dully support newer programs that might be too advanced for its capability. In other words, Apple stopped supporting all its macOS and iOS devices with continuous software and operating system updates due to hardware limitations.

Until then, macOS and iOS devices are considered “unsupported” by Apple due to forced obsolescence of hardware. Most Apple devices have an average 5-year support lifespan, which means that they will receive software updates, including bug fixes, patches, and security updates over those years.

#UPGRADE MAC OPERATING SYSTEM FOR FREE FOR FREE#

Download for free OS X Lion on Apple’s support page here or OS X Mountain Lion on Apple’s support page here.In this article, we will determine if your old Mac can still be updated to newer versions of macOS.

Pay for OS X Lion and Mountain Lion $19.99 through the Apple Store.

#UPGRADE MAC OPERATING SYSTEM FOR FREE INSTALL#

So if by any chance you have an old Mac and want to install an old version, you can choose one of the two paths: The new M1 Macs, for example, can only be restored to macOS 11 Big Sur. For example, only Macs launched before 2012 are eligible to install them and the user must factory reset their computer to be able to run these older OS X systems.

#UPGRADE MAC OPERATING SYSTEM FOR FREE MAC OS X#

Why would I install an older Mac OS X software?Īs for now, a limited number of Macs can install these old operating systems.

OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8, Lion 10.7, or Mountain Lion 10.8 already installedĪpple notes that Macs shipped with Mac OS X Mountain Lion cannot install OS X Lion while Macs shipped with Mac OS Mavericks or later cannot install Mountain Lion.

Mac OS X Mountain Lion requires the following technologies:

Some features require a compatible Internet service provider fees may apply.

Some features require an Apple ID terms apply.

OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later or OS X Lion 10.7 already installed.

Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor.

Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is available for older systems that are not compatible with the latest version of macOS and requires the following: Ten years ago, users needed to pay Apple $19.99 for the latest version of its OS X, and now you can finally download these two for free.Īs reported by MacWorld, through support pages, it’s possible to download them for free. Released in 20, Mac OS X Lion and OS X Mountain Lion were the last paid software updates for the Mac.

Upgrade mac operating system for free