Tips on 10.4 Tiger, 10.5 Leopard, 10.6 Snow Leopard, 10.7 Lion, 10.8 Mountain Lion,10.9 Mavericks, 10.10 Yosemite,10.11 El Capitan ,10.12 Sierra-10.15 Catalina
3 2 likes 69,053 views Last modified Jan 20, 2020 5:03 PM
Jun 09, 2015 You may notice that requirements to run OS X El Capitan on a Mac matches the list of supported hardware for OS X Yosemite, which matched OS X Mavericks, and that’s intentional, as Apple addressed in the El Capitan debut, where they stated that the Mac OS X 10.11 update would specifically support all Mac hardware that is able to run the.
These tips all refer to the client version. If you are using Mac OS X server, please check: Server forums
for more posts on Mac OS X Server.
10.9 Mavericks, 10.10 Yosemite, unless your Mac came with either/or as well as if you purchased it previously from the Mac App Store. 10.6.8 users can download a version of 10.11 if they don't have 10.12 compatibility.
10.12 is available again, and the above tip on 10.12-10.14 covers how to get it.
Some people who no longer need it, may be able to transfer their license to someone who does. Snow Leopard is available for pre-March 15, 2010 Macs that are compatible with it. Apple minimum hardware requirements are the same for 10.8, 10.9, 10.10. and 10.11. 10.13 high Sierra is available: High Sierra upgrading tip
Apple's original Mavericks system requirements are archived here:
Before updating to 10.7 or later from 10.6.8 or earlier, please read this tip as a lot of software that is compatible with 10.6.8 and earlier is not with 10.7 and later, making the 'free' update to 10.9 and 10.10 not so free:
Some prebundled 10.9 Macs can be upgraded to 10.12 then to Catalina.
Yosemite was released October 16, 2014 and has the same minimum system requirements and Mavericks. Only download or install Yosemite compatible software said to be Yosemite compatible as of reports after that date.
Note: 10.9.2 fixes a critical security flawin earlier versions of 10.9. Airplay appears to be problematic with 10.9.2. The reason behind
it is not known. If you have a pre-10.9 machine, ask on the forum how to safely downgrade to a previous version of 10.8.5 or earlier which is safer than 10.9 or 10.9.1 if Airplay is critical. It is not yet known if 10.9.3 or 10.9.4 fixes the Airplay issue. This issue will be updated on: https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6831
Free Download PhotoScape X - Fun and Easy Photo Editor. PhotoScape X is an all-in-one photo editing software which provides photo-related features such as Photo Viewer, Editor, Cut Out, Batch, Collage, Combine, Create GIF, Color Picker, Screen Capture, RAW images and More. Best Photoshop Alternative. Free photo editor download for mac os x 10.
A new solution for Airplay is on the link, as of April 6, 2014, regarding Bluetooth conflict.
A resolution has been found for the Fast User Switching desktop wallpaper and dock redraw issue under Mavericks:
10.9.2-10.9.4 Fast User Switching desktop issue
Mavericks has the same hardware requirements from Apple as Mountain Lion, Mac OS X 10.8, which I outline here
See this tip to find your Mac model's age:
Like always, you must backup your data before installation as I describe here
And since there are more programs, which are listed on http://www.apple.com/osx/specs/
there is a chance some software that works in Mountain Lion may not work in Mavericks.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-mavericks/was the direct download link from the U.S. You will want to contact if you have interface or compatibility issues that need to be addressed by Yosemite before downloading Yosemite first to see if an exception can be made to get Mavericks instead:
They should be able to ensure it is available in the App Store, which is available from Dock as shown in the image below:
Non-iCloud based phone and tablet synchronization software has not yet caught up with Mavericks from
If you depend on Blackberry or iSync based services outside of iCloud, hold off on updating to Mavericks until the situation is remedied, or synchronize with Windows on your Mac:
Or use an older operating system if your Mac is older than Mavericks on a separate partition or boot drive.
Caution: the Apple Launchpad App if edited in prior operating systems by third party applications may lose its icons.
Some third party USB 3 cards are not compatible with the installer for Mavericks, and may make external drives disappear,
and some external drives might disappear as well, if their firmware is not updated and connected while the installer does
its installation. Dismount, and disconnect all external drives prior to installation.
Western Digital hard drives that use software from Western Digital may lose data when upgrading to Mavericks. This tip has been
written to discuss the issue.
Third party devices that require sync services such as Markspace's based software will likely not sync until said software has been updated for 10.9.
The Launchpad in the Dock will show you the download file size progress for downloading the App from the App Store if you hover your mouse pointer over it.
Note, this progress is only for the download. The progress for the actual installation is not always apparently precise. It may tell you it is 1 minute from completing one portion of the install, but in reality be over an hour. Once downloaded, it took me two hours to install the operating system on an iMac 11,1 that already had 10.8.5 loaded.
10.9 when it is done loading the file from the App Store, will put a 5.31GB file called 'Install OS X Mavericks.app' (without quotes) in your hard drive -> Applications folder.
5.31 GB works out to be approximately 45 billion bits, which at 7 Mbps would take 6400 seconds or 106 minutes, or 1 hour 46 minutes.
If you are running a program in the foreground when the download takes place, it will put the installer screen behind your other windows. Quit all open applications before running the actual installer.
It became available October 22nd, 2013. Macs that are newly released by Apple on the same date or later may not be able to run Mountain Lion or earlier, but should still be able to run earlier versions of Linux and Windows in virtualization the same as Mountain Lion.
Most issues can be resolved if you clone backed up your previous operating system before installinf Mavericks, unless there was some underlying issue not diagnosed before the upgrade.
Canon has made some new printer drivers: http://support.apple.com/kb/dl899
So has Epson: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/SupportMavericks.jsp
iTunes 10.6.3 was tested by me on Mavericks, and the purchased music would not play, nor authenticate. It is the last version of iTunes I'm aware has coverflow.
Like there is for 10.7 and 10.8, http://roaringapps.com/apps?platform=osx
offers a third party table for software compatibility. Ignore the El Capitan compatibility, as that has not been released yet.
However, once again RoaringApps has taken it upon itself to show compatibility of a not finalized operating system upgrade. In this case of Yosemite.
As Apple could change features before final release, take such compatibility reports for Yosemite with a grain of salt, and ensure that once it is released that the reports are dated after Yosemite's final release.
However, users can also add people to their own private facial recognition database, to help automate the naming and future identification of lesser known individuals. Caption Pro allows the reading, writing and erasing of over 50 IPTC and XMP metadata fields and allows the processing of JPG, TIFF, PNG, DNG, RAW and most other raw native camera file types, embedding metadata directly to images or xmp sidecar files as necessary.
Caption Pro is a desktop application which puts facial recognition technology directly into the hands of professional photographers and editors.The software calls from a global database, including hundreds of thousands of people of interest, to assist in person identification. However, users can also add people to their own private facial recognition database, to help automate the naming and future identification of lesser known individuals. Caption Pro is a desktop application which puts facial recognition technology directly into the hands of professional photographers and editors.The software calls from a global database, including hundreds of thousands of people of interest, to assist in person identification.
iTunes/Mac OS/iOS compatibility discusses solutions for people still running 10.9.5 who wish to downgrade to iOS 10 and link their iOS device to their Mac. With iOS 12 already released it pushes the minimum Mac OS X system requirements to 10.11.6 for many.
Apple has a listing of printer and scanner drivers for 10.6 through 10.9:
Mac Os X Mavericks Requirements
Any not listed, will have to come from the vendor directly.
Apple provides updates to the printers on that link through these links by vendor:
HP, Ricoh,Canon, Epson, Brother,Lexmark, Samsung, and Fuji/Xerox
Third party scanner support exists from:
http://www.ellert.se/twain-sane/ supports these scanners: http://www.sane-project.org/sane-supported-devices.html
Tip for using some HP scanners in 10.9, along with the scanner driver mentioned on HP's website.
RAW photo support is different from 10.8 and 10.7. Here's the 10.9 RAW photo support:
10.9.3 has introduced issues with Fast User Switching according to this thread, which have not been resolved with the 10.9.4 delta update, it is unknown if the combo update will resolve it or not (and that's the one listed below the link to the thread):
Re: Re: 10.9.3 = major problem with fast user switching
Updates include: (10.9.1 not linked due to security risk) 10.9.2, 10.9.3, 10.9.4, and 10.9.5
10.14 Mojave is available to all Macs that shipped new with 10.9 except the MacBook that had no Air or Pro moniker.
That model had to have shipped with 10.10 Yosemite to be able to upgrade to 10.14. And upgrading it to 10.12 first was necessary to get it to Mojave.
When you upgrade to macOS Catalina, you get more of everything you love about Mac. Experience dedicated apps for music, TV, and podcasts. Smart new features in the apps you use every day. And Sidecar, which lets you use iPad as a second Mac display. Best of all, upgrading is free and easy.
Chances are, your Mac can run macOS Catalina.
Mac computers with Metal-capable graphics processors (GPUs) can upgrade to macOS Catalina.
Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.
Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. Then, if your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Catalina.
Upgrading is free. And easier than you think.
Upgrading from macOS Mojave?
Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find the macOS Catalina upgrade. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions to begin your upgrade. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.
Upgrading from an older version of macOS?
If you’re running High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (10.12), or El Capitan (10.11), upgrade to macOS Catalina from the App Store. If you’re running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) first. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.
- OS X 10.9 or later
- 4GB of memory
- 12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
- Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
- Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:
- MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)
Siri
Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).
Hey Siri
Supported by the following Mac models:
- MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
- MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
- iMac Pro
Dictation, Voice Control, and Voice Memos
Requires a microphone (built-in or external).
Spotlight Suggestions
Requires a broadband internet connection.
Gestures
Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.
Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.
VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, or Magic Trackpad.
Photo Booth
Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external), or USB video class (UVC) camera.
FaceTime
Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.
Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.
Apple TV
High Dynamic Range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:
- MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (2019) with Pro Display XDR
Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:
- MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (2018 or newer)
Sidecar
Supported by the following Mac models:
- MacBook (2016 or newer)
- MacBook Air (2018 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (2016 or newer)
- Mac mini (2018 or newer)
- iMac (late 2015 or newer)
- iMac Pro (2017 or newer)
- Mac Pro (2019)
Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 11-inch iPad Pro
- 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro
- iPad (6th generation or later)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
Continuity Camera
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 12 or later.
Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup
Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or an iPad with iPadOS.
Handoff
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.
Instant Hotspot
Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector, and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.
Universal Clipboard
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 10 or later.
Auto Unlock
Hardware Requirements For Mac Os X Maverick Install Cd
Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.
Approve with Apple Watch
Supported by Mac models introduced in mid 2013 or later.
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13.
Apple Pay on the Web
Requires MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.
Phone Calling
Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.
SMS
Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.
Home
Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.
AirDrop
AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later.
AirPlay
AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.
Time Machine
Requires an external storage device (sold separately).
Dvb t2 tuner for mac os x. A third channel can, however, be viewed. The unit shares its own drives on the network, meaning that computers and media players can access your recording.
Power Nap
Supported by the following Mac models:
- MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
- MacBook Pro with Retina display (Mid 2012 or newer)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
- iMac Pro (2017)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)
Boot Camp
Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models.
Exchange Support
Requires Microsoft Office 365, Exchange 2016, Exchange 2013, or Exchange Server 2010. Installing the latest Service Packs is recommended.
Windows Migration
Supports OS X 10.7 or later and Windows 7 or later.
App Store
Available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries and regions.
- Apple Books
- Apple News
- App Store
- Automator
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Chess
- Contacts
- Dictionary
- DVD Player
- FaceTime
- Find My
- Font Book
- Home
- Image Capture
- Launchpad
- Maps
- Messages
- Mission Control
- Music
- Notes
- Photo Booth
- Photos
- Podcasts
- Preview
- QuickTime Player
- Reminders
- Safari
- Siri
- Stickies
- Stocks
- System Preferences
- TextEdit
- Time Machine
- TV
- Voice Memos
- Activity Monitor
- AirPort Utility
- Audio MIDI Setup
- Bluetooth File Exchange
- Boot Camp Assistant
- ColorSync Utility
- Console
- Digital Color Meter
- Disk Utility
- Grapher
- Keychain Access
- Migration Assistant
- Screenshot
- Screen Time
- Script Editor
- Sidecar
- System Information
- Terminal
- VoiceOver Utility
- Arabic
- Catalan
- Croatian
- Simplified Chinese
- Traditional Chinese
- Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong)
- Czech
- Danish
- Dutch
- English (Australia)
- English (UK)
- English (U.S.)
- Finnish
- French
- French (Canada)
- German
- Greek
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Hungarian
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Malay
- Norwegian
- Polish
- Brazilian Portuguese
- Portuguese
- Romanian
- Russian
- Slovak
- Spanish
- Spanish (Latin America)
- Swedish
- Thai
- Turkish
- Ukrainian
- Vietnamese