iTunes/Mac OS X/iOS compatibility

| 2341 Views | Last Modified: Feb 28, 2016 3:53 AM

This tip is designed to be a one stop shop to find out what iOS you can use if you are able to install a specific Mac OS X.

Downgrading Mac OS X is possible in many cases, but your iOS is not at all. Downgrading a Mac is described here:

For iOS earlier than 5, see this tip:

So be sure to look this over before upgrading your iOS and backup/sync your iOS with your Mac:

Mac OS X 10.5.8 supports PowerPC Macs, iTunes 10.6.3, iOS 5.1.1.

Mac OS X 10.6.8 supports Intel only Macs, but does support PowerPC applications, iTunes 11.4 and iOS 6, and iOS 7.

Mac OS X 10.7.3 supports iCloud except for iCloud Drive in its current iteration and the new Notes.

Mac OS X 10.7.5 (link explains the pitfalls of losing PowerPC applications) supports iTunes 12.2.2.25 (available from Software update as of 10/24/2015), iOS 8 and iOS 9.0.

Mac OS X 10.8 is required for iTunes 12.3 and iOS 9.2 and iOS 9.2.1

(except iCloud Drive, and the new notes).

Mac OS X 10.10 is required minimum for the new iCloud Drive.

Mac OS X 10.11 is required for the new Notes on iOS 9.

The last iOS supported for various iDevices is listed on the table called "Terminal update for" on:

This tip will be revised as new info becomes available.