Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. Guides

Which Macs are compatible with MacOS Mojave?

Tyler Lacoma
By
Macbook Air (2018) Review
Riley Young/Digital Trends

MacOS Mojave has been available for a while now, and as updates to the latest MacOS continue the pressure builds for users to make the switch, enjoy the new dark mode, and get the latest features.

If you haven’t downloaded the software yet, you can find it here at the Mac Store and start whenever you are ready. However, Mojave does have some strict compatibility requirements: This means you need a certain model of computer for Mojave to work properly. This could lead to disappointment if you excitedly boot up the download and then get a message that says, “This version of MacOS cannot be installed on this computer.” Ouch!

Recommended Videos

We’re trying to forestall this disappointment by explaining exactly what MacOS Mojave needs to download and run — and if your computer is qualified.

Related

Mac models that work with Mojave

MacOS Mojave 10.14
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is the big question, isn’t it? Is your computer too old for Mojave or not? Everything else is manageable, but if your Mac is too old, there’s not much you can do except prepare to buy a new computer. So let’s find out: Here are the different Mac models, and the cutoff date for compatibility with Mojave.

Note: You can find your model info and the age of your Mac at any time by heading to the upper left corner of MacOS, selecting the “Apple” logo, and then selecting “About this Mac.”

MacBook

MacBooks came to the compatibility game pretty late. You will need a MacBook from early 2015 or later to use Mojave. This is the most stringent compatibility requirement for all Mac models.

MacBook Air

If you have a MacBook Air from mid-2012 or later, you should be able to download Mojave without trouble.

MacBook Pro

Like the Air, a Pro model from mid-2012 or later should get along with Mojave just fine. If you’re using a MacBook Pro from before then, you’re out of luck.

Mac mini

There was a new version of the Mac mini introduced in late 2012. If you have this version, or the new 2018 version of the mini, then Mojave shouldn’t be a problem.

iMac

You will need an iMac from late-2012 or later to download Mojave. Compatibility problems may be a little more common with iMacs, since they tend to have strong longevity and you might find your model has been around for longer than you thought.

iMac Pro

Thanks to the iMac Pro’s relatively recent release date, all iMac Pros are compatibility with Mojave.

Mac Pro

It’s recommended that you use the Mac Pro from late-2013 or later for Mojave. However, mid-2010 and mid-2012 models can work if you have upgraded to a Metal-capable graphics card.

RAM and Storage space requirements

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Model type is important, but don’t forget about storage requirements. Mojave adds quite a few new features and needs some extra space to download when you are switching over. If you’ve been using your computer for some time and don’t have much storage space left, pay close attention to these requirements. Mojave needs:

At least 2GB of memory. Shut down active applications and browsers before you start the download, and you should be fine here, barring any serious RAM problems.

12.5GB of available storage. In the “About this Mac” section there’s a tab for “Storage” that you can check to see what your current available storage is. If you don’t have enough, it’s time to start deleting media and apps that you don’t need.

Special old OS requirements. If you are still using Mac OS X Yosemite or an earlier Mac operating system, then you will need 18.5GB of available storage space. Your Mac has a lot of updating to do and new things to add, so more space is required if it’s been a long time since you’ve made any full OS updates (which can also put your computer at greater risk of security problems).

Don’t forget to back up your data!

Apple Mac Mini 2018
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

If something goes badly wrong when you try to upgrade to Mojave, you might lose important data, and no one wants that. The best way to prepare is to back up that data. The easiest way to quickly back up a large amount of data is to use Time Machine and an external hard drive. If you only have a small amount of data on your Mac that’s really important, think about storing those files in iCloud instead to save time.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
How to change the default apps on a Mac
Change your Mac’s default apps in three easy steps
MacOS Catalina Hands-on | Macbook Pro

Apple products come loaded with software designed to work seamlessly with the macOS operating system. For example, Safari is the default software used to load websites, Preview is used to view pictures, and Pages will open documents. But if you're not a fan of the built-in software, Apple doesn't lock you into using it. However, you'll need to know exactly where to look if you want to change the default apps on a Mac.

Thankfully, the process is largely the same whether you're running macOS Sonoma 14, Ventura 13, or other macOS versions. It's also easy to reverse the process and go back to using default apps.

Read more
Best MacBook deals: Get an Air for $605 and save on M3 MacBook Pro
A MacBook Pro M2 sits on a wooden table with a nice bokeh background.

Apple has long been known to turn out some of the best laptops, with models like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro regularly being among the most sought-after laptops. It can actually be difficult to land some decent Apple deals, as the brand's popularity keeps many of its products from seeing the bargain bin. Right now, however, Apple has a lot of options among the best laptop deals. The original Apple Silicon MacBook Air is seeing some of its lowest prices ever, and there’s even some newer MacBook Pros discounted right now. Whether you’re in search of a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, reading onward you’ll find the best MacBook deals currently available.
Best MacBook Air (M1) deals

The Apple MacBook Air (M1) started a seismic shift for Apple being the first of its Airs to have an Apple-based processor. We took a look at the differences between the M2 and M1 and the M1 is still looking pretty great. It's also a touch nearer to affordable than anything else here. Fast yet fanless so it's silent to use, you gain an 18-hour battery life, a gorgeous looking 13.3-inch Retina display along with all the effortless style you'd expect from an Apple device. These laptops are best for students or those who want something stylish yet reasonably powerful to use on the move. Nowadays, deals are becoming a little harder to come by unless you're willing to consider a refurbished/renewed model.

Read more
Best Mac Mini deals: Save over $100 on an Apple desktop
Apple Mac Mini 2018

The Apple Mac Mini is a unique desktop computing option, as it comes in a small form factor that won’t take up much space on a desk. It’s also part of Apple’s new Apple Silicon lineup, which means newer models will pack quite a punch when it comes to performance. Apple’s popularity usually keeps its products from seeing substantial discounts, but we’ve found some out there. A couple could be considered some of the best Apple deals you’ll come across today. If you’re simply looking for a deal on a Mac, consider some iMac deals or MacBook deals, but if you’re sold on some savings for a pint-sized PC that fits within the Apple software ecosystem, read onward for the best Mac Mini deals worth shopping today.
Apple education pricing for new Macs and iPad -- multiple price points

Whether you're a newly accepted college student, returning student, faculty, staff, or homeschooling teacher, of any grade level, Apple offers its education pricing program for discounted hardware rates. That means you can grab an Apple Mac Mini for great prices that won't empty your wallet or bank account before the school year. A bevy of devices are included, not just the Mac Mini, such as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, displays, and beyond.

Read more