List of Macs Compatible With macOS Big Sur - MacRumors
Skip to Content

List of Macs Compatible With macOS Big Sur

Apple today previewed macOS Big Sur with redesigned interfaces such as the Dock and Notification Center, the addition of a Control Center, several improvements to core apps like Safari and Messages, and much more.

macos big sur desktop
macOS Big Sur is available in beta for registered Apple developers starting today, with a public beta to follow next month. The free software update will be released to all users with a compatible Mac in the fall, according to Apple.

Macs compatible with macOS Big Sur:

  • 2015 and later MacBook
  • 2013 and later MacBook Air
  • Late 2013 and later MacBook Pro
  • 2014 and later iMac
  • 2017 and later iMac Pro
  • 2014 and later Mac mini
  • 2013 and later Mac Pro

Accordingly, the following models capable of running macOS Catalina will not be able to be upgraded to macOS Big Sur:

  • 2012 and Early 2013 MacBook Pro
  • 2012 MacBook Air
  • 2012 and 2013 iMac
  • 2012 Mac mini
Related Forum: macOS Big Sur

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in September With These 10 New Features

Saturday May 9, 2026 6:03 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Apple Watch Series 10 Jet Black Touch ID

Apple Watch Series 12 and watchOS 27: What to Expect Later This Year

Friday May 8, 2026 2:07 pm PDT by
While not too much has been reported about the next Apple Watch models, there are a few rumors about potential design changes and watchOS 27 features. Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models are expected to be released in September, and we have outlined some of the key rumored hardware and software changes below. A new Apple Watch SE is not expected this year, as that model was...

Top Rated Comments

ipedro Avatar
77 months ago
My 2012 iMac


Attachment Image
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
77 months ago
This might be the time to wait for a gen 2 of the ARM MBP A14Z to replace my 2012 mid MBP. 10 years is a good ride.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Dee Avatar
77 months ago
I will be upgrading to Mojave next year.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JosephAW Avatar
77 months ago
Since my mid 2012 MBP supports Catalina I'm sure there will be a hack to run macOS 11 Big Sur.
I was hoping for a solid "snow leopard" macOS to ride into the sunset. Catalina failed miserably, reverted to a previous macOS.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
77 months ago
RIP 2012 non-retina MBP.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joe Rossignol Avatar
77 months ago

There is no 2013 Mac mini.
Fixed that. It's a long day for us! :D
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)