Apple released macOS Sierra as a public beta in July 2016. The operating system went golden and had its full release on September 20, 2016. Along with giving the operating system a new name, Apple added a lot of new features to macOS Sierra. It is more than a simple update or a bunch of security and bug fixes.

Instead, macOS Sierra adds new features to the operating system, including the incorporation of Siri, expansion of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-based connectivity features, and a whole new file system that replaces the venerable but outdated HFS+ system that Macs have used for the last 30 years.

Mac Support List

When an operating system encompasses such a wide range of new features and capabilities, not all older hardware is going to be able to upgrade. In this case, the list of Macs that can support macOS Sierra was trimmed substantially. For the first time in five years, Apple removed Mac models from the list of supported devices for a Mac OS.

The following Macs are capable of running macOS Sierra:

Aside from two late 2009 Mac models (MacBook and iMac), all Macs older than 2010 aren’t able to run macOS Sierra. What isn’t clear is why some models made the cut and others didn’t. As an example, a 2009 Mac Pro that is not supported has much better specs than the 2009 Mac mini that is supported. Apple’s not saying why the older Macs didn’t make the support list.

Other Requirements for macOS Sierra

Apple didn’t issue specific minimum requirements beyond the list of supported Macs, but it does require that a machine run OS X Lion (10.7) and later.

Be sure and have a recent backup before proceeding with the patch and install process.

However, going through the support list and looking at what a base install of the macOS Sierra preview needs gives a good idea of the macOS Sierra minimum requirements, as well as a list of preferred requirements.

Drive space size is an indication of the amount of free space needed just for the OS install and does not represent the total amount of free space that should be present for the effective operation of your Mac.

If your Mac meets the minimum requirements for installing macOS Sierra, you’re ready to undertake the installation process.

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