If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Big Sur will be downloaded conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. MacBook models are organized by the year they were introduced, starting with the most recent. Click the model name for detailed technical specifications. MacBook models from 2015 and newer can run the latest version of macOS.
Your Mac provides several tools to help you identify it. The simplest is About This Mac, available by choosing About This Mac from the Apple () menu in the upper-left corner of your screen. The other is the System Information app. Learn how to use these tools to identify your Mac.
If you don’t have your Mac or it doesn’t start up, use one of these solutions instead:
This article lists MacBook models only. You can find similar information for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
MacBook models are organized by the year they were introduced, starting with the most recent. Click the model name for detailed technical specifications.
MacBook models from 2015 and newer can run the latest version of macOS. For models from before 2015, the latest compatible operating system is noted.
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
Colors: Rose gold, space gray, gold, silver
Model Identifier: MacBook10,1
Part Numbers: MNYF2XX/A, MNYG2XX/A, MNYH2XX/A, MNYJ2XX/A, MNYK2XX/A, MNYL2XX/A, MNYM2XX/A, MNYN2XX/A
Tech Specs: MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
Beginning in 2018, this MacBook model is available in space gray, silver, and the gold color shown here.
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
Colors: Rose gold, space gray, gold, silver
Model Identifier: MacBook9,1
Part Numbers: MLH72xx/A, MLH82xx/A, MLHA2xx/A, MLHC2xx/A, MLHE2xx/A, MLHF2xx/A, MMGL2xx/A, MMGM2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
Colors: Space gray, gold, silver
Model Identifier: MacBook8,1
Part Numbers: MF855xx/A, MF865xx/A, MJY32xx/A, MJY42xx/A, MK4M2xx/A, MK4N2xx/A
Tech Specs: MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
Model Identifier: MacBook7,1
Part Numbers: MC516xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBook6,1
Part Numbers: MC207xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBook5,2
Part Numbers: MC240xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
Model Identifier: MacBook5,2
Part Numbers: MB881xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: MacBook (13-inch, Early 2009)
macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. And get even more transparency around your privacy.
macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers:
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2014 or later
iMac Pro
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
View the complete list of compatible computers.
If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, macOS Big Sur requires 35.5 GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires up to 44.5 GB of available storage. To upgrade from OS X Mountain Lion, first upgrade to OS X El Capitan, then upgrade to macOS Big Sur.
Before installing an upgrade, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Find out how to back up your Mac.
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure you have a reliable Internet connection. If you’re using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
If you're using macOS Mojave or later, get macOS Big Sur via Software Update: choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Big Sur page on the App Store: get macOS Big Sur. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it 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 the installation to finish 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 both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
After installing macOS Big Sur, you will be notified when updates to macOS Big Sur are available. You can also use Software Update to check for updates: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Big Sur will be downloaded conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. A notification will inform you when macOS Big Sur is ready to be installed. Click Install to get started, or dismiss the notification to install later. When you're ready to install, just open the file named Install macOS Big Sur from your Applications folder.