How to upgrade to macOS Tahoe

macOS Tahoe 26 makes the Mac more capable, productive, and intelligent than ever. Introducing a stunning new design, more Continuity experiences with the Phone app and Live Activities, the biggest update to Spotlight ever, and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities.

Check compatibility with macOS Tahoe

macOS Tahoe is compatible with these Mac models. A full list of compatible models is also available.

• MacBook Air with Apple silicon introduced in 2020 or later

• MacBook Pro with Apple silicon introduced in 2020 or later, plus MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) and MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

• Mac mini introduced in 2020 or later

• iMac introduced in 2020 or later

• Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later

• Mac Pro introduced in 2019 or later

Make a backup before upgrading

Before upgrading, it's a good idea to make a backup. For example, you can use Time Machine to back up your files to an external storage device. Learn how to back up your Mac.

Download and install macOS Tahoe

Use Software Update to upgrade to macOS Tahoe. It’s faster, easier, and can use less storage space than other installation methods, and it shows only software that is compatible with your Mac.

Learn how to use Software Update. You can open it as follows:

• Use Spotlight in the menu bar to search for "Software Update," then open it from the search results.

• Or from the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. In the window that opens, click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right. (In earlier versions of macOS, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences instead, then click Software Update.)