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Apple reveals macOS Sierra hardware compatibility list

Following Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on Monday, Apple posted details about the upcoming macOS Sierra release to its official webpage, noting hardware support going back to the 2009 model year.

While not yet posted to the macOS preview webpage, a slide presented by SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi during today's keynote reveals Sierra's hardware operating requirements. When it launches this fall, the next-generation macOS will boast compatibility with:

2009 and later

  • MacBook
  • iMac

2010 and later

  • MacBook Air
  • MacBook Pro
  • Mac mini
  • Mac Pro

The newly rebranded macOS comes with a host of new features, not the least of which being integration with Apple's Siri virtual assistant. Previously restricted to iOS devices, Siri on Mac is expected to shift the paradigm of voice control on desktop with support for messaging, file and web searches, Notifications, system status and much more.

Other enhancements include a new file system built for modern computer equipment, rich Messages, Photos app buffs, Apple Pay for the web and auto unlock via Apple Watch, among numerous under the hood improvements.

Apple earlier today published a similar compatibility list for iOS 10, the next-generation mobile operating system set to debut this fall. As it stands, iOS 10 can run on hardware powered by second revision A5 system-on-chip silicon, which for iPhone means iPhone 5 and newer. For iPad, Apple is extending support to A5X and newer devices, starting with iPad 2.

Developers can download both macOS Sierra and iOS 10 today, while a public beta is due for release in July.



55 Comments

grblade 16 Years · 93 comments

This means for the first time there is an aluminum unibody that is not getting the latest software. My late 2008 aluminum unibody MacBook didn't make the cut. It's a shame too since it runs fast with the SSD I installed. 

windlasher 12 Years · 12 comments

grblade said:
This means for the first time there is an aluminum unibody that is not getting the latest software. My late 2008 aluminum unibody MacBook didn't make the cut. It's a shame too since it runs fast with the SSD I installed. 

This is a bummer - My 2008 MacPro is going strong - fully loaded - Updated video etc. I was hoping to get a few more upgrades out of it. So now Im wondering if I upgrade the processors from the 2.8 ghz to the 3.2 if it would work since Apple didn't lock the machine to processors?

thewhitefalcon 10 Years · 4444 comments

grblade said:
This means for the first time there is an aluminum unibody that is not getting the latest software. My late 2008 aluminum unibody MacBook didn't make the cut. It's a shame too since it runs fast with the SSD I installed. 

Not even close, actually. The first MacBook Air was dropped after Lion. And that machine pioneered the aluminum unibody. 

tallest skil 14 Years · 43086 comments

Yeah, I’m going to figure out how to install it on my Mac Pro. I’m going to take a wild guess and say that it’s not actually too old to run it.

ericdannewitz 8 Years · 1 comment

I imagine that there is a video card requirement for the MacPro that the 2008 ones don't meet now, and perhaps Bluetooth requirement as well. I highly suspect that 10.12 will run on a 2008 MacPro