Apple frequently releases new versions of macOS, each with improved features, security updates, and performance enhancements. However, not all Macs can directly upgrade to the latest macOS version. If your Mac is too old, you may need to install an intermediate macOS version before upgrading to the newest release.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Which macOS versions allow direct upgrades to the latest macOS
- How to check your Mac’s compatibility
- The best intermediate macOS versions to install before upgrading
- Step-by-step upgrade instructions
1. Can Your Mac Run the Latest macOS?
Before upgrading, check if your Mac supports the latest macOS version. Apple provides a list of compatible devices for each release.
Latest macOS (as of 2026): macOS Tahoe (14.x)
2. Which macOS Should You Install First?
If your Mac doesn’t support the latest macOS directly, you’ll need to install an older version first, then upgrade step-by-step.
Best Intermediate macOS Versions for Upgrading
| Your Current macOS | Recommended Upgrade Path | Final Target (Tahoe) |
|---|---|---|
| macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or older | Upgrade to macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or 10.15 (Catalina)first | Then upgrade to Ventura |
| macOS 10.14 (Mojave) | Upgrade to macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or 11 (Big Sur) | Then upgrade to Ventura |
| macOS 10.15 (Catalina) | Upgrade to macOS 13 (Ventura) | Then upgrade to Tahoe |
| macOS 11 (Big Sur) | Upgrade to MacOS 13 (Ventura) | Then upgrade to Tahoe |
| macOS 12 (Monterey) | Upgrade to macOS 13 (Ventura) | Then upgrade to Tahoe |
| macOS 13 (Ventura) | Direct upgrade to Tahoe | |
| macOS 14(Sonoma) | Direct upgrade to Tahoe | |
| macOS 15 (Sequoia) | Direct upgrade to Tahoe |
Why Install an Intermediate macOS?
- Compatibility: Some Macs can’t jump directly to the latest macOS.
- Stability: Upgrading in stages reduces the risk of errors.
- Security: Older macOS versions may have vulnerabilities.
3. How to Check Your Mac’s Compatibility
Before upgrading, verify your Mac’s model and current macOS version.
Step 1: Check Your Mac Model
- Click the Apple logo (🍏) > About This Mac.
- Note the model name and year (e.g., “MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)”).
Latest macOS (as of 2026): macOS Tahoe (26)
MacBook Pro
- All Apple silicon models (M1 2020 and later, including M2/M3/M4/M5 models)
- MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
MacBook Air
- All Apple silicon models (M1 2020 and later, including M2/M3/M4/M5 models)
MacBook Neo
- MacBook Neo (13-inch, A18 Pro, 2026)
iMac
- All models from 2020 and later (including 24-inch M1/M3/M4 models and 27-inch 2020)
Mac mini
- All models from 2020 and later (M1 2020 and later)
Mac Studio
- All models from 2022 and later
Mac Pro
- All models from 2019 and later (2019 and 2023 models)
Step 2: Check Your Current macOS Version
- In About This Mac, look for the macOS version (e.g., “macOS Ventura 13.5”).
Step 3: Verify Compatibility with Tahoe
- Visit Apple’s macOS Tahoe compatibility page.
- If your Mac isn’t listed, you’ll need an intermediate macOS.
4. How to Install an Intermediate macOS Before Upgrading
If your Mac isn’t compatible with Tahoe, follow these steps:
Option 1: Upgrade via the App Store (Recommended)
- Back up your Mac (Time Machine or cloud backup).
- Open the App Store and search for the intermediate macOS (e.g., Big Sur, Monterey).
- Download and install it.
- After installation, check for updates (Apple logo > System Settings > General > Software Update).
- Upgrade to the next macOS version until you reach Tahoe.
Option 2: Use macOS Recovery (For Clean Installs)
- Back up your data.
- Restart your Mac and hold Command (⌘) + R to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Reinstall macOS and choose the intermediate version (e.g., Catalina, Big Sur).
- After installation, upgrade to the next macOS via Software Update.
Option 3: Create a Bootable USB Installer
If you need to install an older macOS:
- Download the macOS installer from Apple’s support site.
- Use Disk Utility to create a bootable USB.
- Boot from the USB and install the intermediate macOS.
- Upgrade to Tahoe afterward.
5. Final Steps: Upgrading to macOS Tahoe
Once you’ve installed the correct intermediate macOS:
- Go to Apple logo > System Settings > General > Software Update.
- If Tahoe is available, click Upgrade Now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Wait for the installation to complete (may take 30-60 minutes).
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- “This Mac can’t be upgraded” error? → You need an intermediate macOS.
- Stuck on “Preparing Update”? → Restart your Mac and try again.
- Not enough storage? → Free up space (at least 20GB required).
- Installation failed? → Try a clean install via macOS Recovery.
7. Moving from a legacy device to a new Mac
- Migration Assistant may not work due to the age of the old macOS ? → You need an intermediate macOS.
- Easy way is use an older machine to allow the software jump ? → A old machine would let you migrate from the legacy machine to a more manageable macOS.
- Look at the charts in this article to decide which version of the older OS’s you need to migrate to before you can make the jump to Tahoe.
Conclusion
If your Mac doesn’t support the latest macOS (Tahoe) directly, you’ll need to install an intermediate version first.
The best path depends on your current macOS:
- macOS 10.13 or older → Upgrade to Mojave/Catalina first
- macOS 10.14 (Mojave) → Upgrade to Big Sur/Monterey first
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) → Upgrade to Big Sur/Monterey first
- macOS 11 (Big Sur) → Upgrade to Ventura first
- macOS 12 (Monterey) → Upgrade to Ventura first
- macOS13 (Ventura) → Upgrade straight to Tahoe
- macOS13 (Sonoma) → Upgrade straight to Tahoe
- macOS13 (Sequoia) → Upgrade straight to Tahoe
Always back up your data before upgrading, and check Apple’s official compatibility list to avoid issues.
By following these steps, you can safely upgrade to the latest macOS, even on an older Mac!