Wondering whether your Apple Mac or MacBook is still supported? It depends on your model, the version of macOS it can run and whether Apple continues to provide security updates for that software.
Some older Macs can no longer install the latest version of macOS but may still receive security updates for an earlier version. Others may no longer receive security fixes, which can increase the risks of using them online.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify your Mac model, check its macOS version and find out whether Apple still provides updates for your computer.MacBook Pro
How do I find out which Mac model I have?
You can check your Mac’s model name and year in just a few steps.
- Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select About This Mac.
- Look for your Mac’s model name and the year it was released, along with the macOS version installed.
On some older versions of macOS, you may need to select About This Mac and then look for the model information in the overview window.
Write down your model name, year and macOS version. You’ll need these details to check whether your Mac can run a newer version of macOS and whether security updates are still available.
You can also compare your model with Apple’s official macOS compatibility information.
How do I check whether my Mac is still getting security updates?
The easiest way to check for available updates is through your Mac’s System Settings or System Preferences.
- Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner.
- Select System Settings on newer macOS versions, or System Preferences on older versions.
- Open General → Software Update, if that option is available.
- Follow the instructions if an update is offered.
An older Mac may not be able to install the newest version of macOS, but Apple may still release security updates for an earlier version.
To check which updates Apple has released for different macOS versions, visit Apple’s official security releases page.
Important: Not seeing an update in Software Update does not, by itself, prove that your Mac is no longer supported. Check your Mac model against Apple’s compatibility information and review the security releases that apply to your installed version of macOS.
Which Mac models still receive macOS security updates?
Whether your Mac receives security updates depends on its model and the version of macOS it can run. Apple may continue to provide security updates for some older macOS versions even after newer versions have been released.
To check your Mac:
- Find your Mac’s model and year using Apple menu () → About This Mac.
- Check which macOS versions are compatible with your model using Apple’s macOS compatibility guide.
- Review Apple’s security releases to see which versions have received security updates.
MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro models have different compatibility limits, so check your exact model rather than relying on the product name alone.
If your Mac can no longer receive security updates, you may still be able to use it for some offline tasks. However, be cautious about using an unsupported Mac for online banking, sensitive accounts or other activities involving personal information.
Should I upgrade or replace my older Mac?
You may not need to replace your Mac simply because it cannot run the latest version of macOS. The right decision depends on whether it still receives security updates, performs well enough for your needs and supports the applications you use.
Consider keeping your Mac if:
- It still receives relevant security updates.
- It runs the applications you need.
- It performs reliably for everyday tasks.
Consider upgrading if:
- Apple no longer provides security updates for your Mac.
- Your essential applications no longer support its version of macOS.
- It struggles with everyday tasks or cannot meet your needs.
Before buying another computer, check whether your current Mac can be upgraded to a supported version of macOS. If you decide to replace it, compare the cost of a new Mac with a reputable refurbished model and check its expected software compatibility.
For help deciding, Apple’s macOS compatibility information is a useful starting point.
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