Apple macOS 26 Tahoe system requirements: will it run on your Mac?

The latest Mac software update is macOS 26, coming to Apple laptops and desktops later this year.

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.

It’s available for beta users right now, but a public release won’t come until September, if Apple follows its usual schedule. 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!

• Read more: Why Apple skipped iOS 19 and went straight to iOS 26 – the reason makes so much sense

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

Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home