We are already a few weeks away from being able to enjoy all the functionalities of macOS Big Sur, the new Mac operating system that leaves behind its version ’10’ present from OS X to macOS 10.15 Catalina. This software is currently in beta for developers, so it is not yet accessible to most of the public. In this article we review the devices that will be able to update when the time comes, will yours be on the list?
The Macs that will have macOS 11
As every year, Apple will launch a new version of the operating system for its computers. Unfortunately these are not compatible with all computers, since in the end it requires some minimum hardware requirements that older computers cannot support. With this in mind, Apple’s cut-off line for this year has left the following computers with macOS Big Sur compatibility (also called macOS 11):
- Mac mini – Models released in 2014 and later.
- Mac Pro: Models released in 2013 and later.
- iMac: Models released in 2014 and later.
- iMac Pro: Models Released in 2017 and Later
- MacBook: Models released in 2015 and later.
- MacBook Air – Models released in 2013 and later.
- MacBook Pro: Models released in late 2013 and later.
If your device has been launched in a period of dates before these, unfortunately they will not be compatible with the new macOS. It is important to know the release date, as it is independent of the purchase date. For example, you may have bought a MacBook Air in 2013 and this was a 2012 model, so it won’t be able to upgrade. You can check all this by going to the Apple menu on the top bar and clicking on “About this Mac”.
How long will your Mac update?
At the very least, you should know that if your equipment is upgraded to Big Sur, it will be able to continue receiving software support for another year. This is because macOS Big Sur will bring successive smaller updates within it in the coming months. If your computer is recent, you should not worry, because it is very possible that you will continue to receive the new software for years. If your Mac model is already at the limit this year, it is not possible to ensure that it will be updated again next year, but you never know because it will depend on what the future software that the apple company develops requires.
There are some methods, let’s call them “illegal”, that allow you to install new versions of software on computers that are not compatible. However, these methods are not always the same, they require touching somewhat delicate parts of the system and their correct operation is not always guaranteed. That is why we do not recommend them and we believe that it is better to keep the latest version of the system available for it, even though it is old. Sometimes Apple releases security updates to already outdated software devices, which is also highly appreciated.