Which 10.5 systems can upgrade to 10.11?

by: a brody

Last modified: Dec 24, 2016 11:30 AM

1 14097 Last modified Dec 24, 2016 11:30 AM

In addition to the Macs that can upgrade 10.4.10 or 10.4.9 to 10.8 through 10.11 (although since 10.9, and 10.10 are no longer available, you'll have to find someone with a fully downloaded copy that is willing to give up their license if you didn't download them earlier) are listed on this tip:

Are there 10.4 systems that can upgrade to 10.8, 10.9, 10.10, or 10.11?

Late 2008 MacBook Aluminum with 10.5.5

Early 2009 MacBook White with 10.5.6

Early 2009 Mac Mini with 10.5.6

Early 2008 Mac Pros with 10.5.1*

Late 2008 MacBook Airs with 10.5.5

10.11 is available for Macs with 10.6.8 or earlier listed above.

Mac models of the same name with earlier operating systems prebundled by Apple can't be upgraded to 10.8 through 10.11. Note if you buy a used

or refurbished machine, use this tip to identify which model you have:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6413

Mac Mini G4s can only upgrade to 10.5.8.

Intel CoreSolo and CoreDuo can only upgrade to 10.6.8.

Intel Core2Duo, Xeon models can upgrade to 10.7 by the process below.

Mac models released on or since June 25, 2012 can't have 10.8.0 installed, but may be able to have some version of 10.8 requested

for the system restore from AppleCare.

Mac models released on or since October 22, 2013 can't have 10.9.0 installed, but may be able to have some version of 10.9 requested for the system

restore from AppleCare.

Mac models released on or since October 16, 2014 can't have 10.9 installed, but may be able to have some version of 10.10 requested for the system restore from AppleCare.

Mac models released on or since September 30, 2015 can't have 10.10 installed, but may be able to have some version of 10.11 requested for the system restore from AppleCare.

Upgrading to 10.7 or later you need to follow this tip:

Upgrading to 10.7 and above, don't forget Rosetta!

* The first Mac Pros may be able to get 10.8 or 10.9 installed by the solution on this FAQ: http://www.jabbawok.net/?p=47 and they shipped with 10.4.7 or later.

No Mac that shipped new with 10.5 or 10.4 can install Mac OS Sierra 10.12. See Which 10.6 Macs can install Mac OS Sierra and High Sierra for the ones that can.