Updated on 13 November 2026
A MacBook lasts a long time, but not every model still gets the latest macOS. Since 14 September 2026, macOS 27 Golden Gate is the newest version. It only runs on MacBooks with an Apple chip (M1 and later) and on the MacBook Neo. For MacBooks with an Intel processor, macOS 26 Tahoe or an older version is the end of the line. Below you can see, per model, which version you can update to and what that means in practice.
The short answer
- MacBook with Apple chip (2020 and later): gets the latest macOS, Golden Gate, with Apple Intelligence.
- MacBook with Intel: no longer gets new macOS versions. Tahoe was the last version for Intel, and it only ran on a few models.
- Security updates: Apple has committed to three more years of security updates for Intel Macs on Tahoe. For older versions, in practice the latest macOS and the two versions before it still receive security updates. Apple does not officially promise this.
Which macOS can your MacBook run?
| Model | Latest macOS |
|---|---|
| MacBook Air with Apple chip (M1, 2020 and later, including 15-inch) | Golden Gate (27), still getting new versions |
| MacBook Pro with Apple chip (M1, 2020 and later) | Golden Gate (27), still getting new versions |
| MacBook Neo (2026) | Golden Gate (27), still getting new versions |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch (2019) | Tahoe (26) |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, four Thunderbolt ports) | Tahoe (26) |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, two ports), 13- and 15-inch (2018 and 2019) | Sequoia (15) |
| MacBook Air with Intel (2020) | Sequoia (15) |
| MacBook Air (2018 and 2019) | Sonoma (14) |
| MacBook Pro (2017), MacBook 12-inch (2017) | Ventura (13) |
| MacBook Pro (2015 and 2016), MacBook Air (2015 and 2017), MacBook 12-inch (2016) | Monterey (12) |
To see which model you have, open the Apple menu and choose "About This Mac". It shows the model and the year.
Software update or security update: what is the difference?
Every autumn Apple releases a new version of macOS with new features. They are nice to have, but your MacBook works fine without them. Security updates matter more. They close holes that attackers could use to get to your data or passwords, and Apple also releases them for older macOS versions. As long as your version gets security updates, you can safely browse, email and work on it. You can find the updates Apple releases in the overview of Apple security releases.
Once security updates stop, your MacBook keeps working. It does become more vulnerable online, and more and more apps require a recent macOS.
How to update your MacBook
On macOS Ventura and later, go to System Settings, then General, then Software Update. On older versions this is System Preferences, then Software Update. If no new version appears, your MacBook already has the latest version it can run.
What does this mean when you buy a refurbished MacBook?
If you want the latest macOS and Apple Intelligence for years to come, choose a MacBook with an Apple chip. A MacBook Air M1 from 2020 still gets the newest version in 2026, and so does the MacBook Pro with M1 Pro or later.
A MacBook with Intel is the most affordable choice and fine for browsing, email and word processing, as long as security updates keep coming. Check in advance whether the software you need still runs on that macOS version. For every model on our site, the comparison table shows which macOS it can run.
Do you use older software made for Intel? Golden Gate is the last macOS that fully supports such apps on an Apple-chip Mac through Rosetta. Apple has announced that this will largely disappear in macOS 28.
Every macOS version at a glance
| Version | Year | Note |
|---|---|---|
| macOS 27 Golden Gate | 2026 | Macs with Apple silicon only |
| macOS 26 Tahoe | 2025 | Last version for a few Intel Macs |
| macOS 15 Sequoia | 2024 | MacBook Air 2020 and later, MacBook Pro 2018 and later |
| macOS 14 Sonoma | 2023 | MacBook Air and Pro 2018 and later |
| macOS 13 Ventura | 2022 | MacBook Air 2018 and later, MacBook Pro 2017 and later |
| macOS 12 Monterey | 2021 | MacBook Air 2015 and later |
| macOS 11 Big Sur | 2020 | MacBook Air 2013 and later |
| macOS 10.15 Catalina | 2019 | |
| macOS 10.14 Mojave | 2018 | |
| macOS 10.13 High Sierra | 2017 | |
| OS X 10.11 El Capitan | 2015 |
Frequently asked questions
Does my MacBook still work when it no longer gets a new macOS?
Yes. Your MacBook keeps working on the last version it has. You only miss the new features, and once security updates also stop, it is less safe online.
How long does a MacBook get updates?
That depends on the model. A MacBook Pro from 2015 got new macOS versions for six years, up to Monterey in 2021. The MacBook Air M1 from 2020 still gets the newest version in 2026.
Does a MacBook with Intel still get updates?
No new macOS versions, but security updates for a while longer. For the Intel Macs that run Tahoe, Apple has committed to three years of security updates.
Can I update the MacBook Neo?
Yes, the MacBook Neo runs macOS 27 Golden Gate and will get new versions.