What does it take to upgrade to Sequoia?

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

macOS Sequoia is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

If this MacBook Pro was made before 2018, then it wouldn’t be compatible with macOS Sequoia.

Identify your MacBook Pro model - Apple Support

I spotted a small, but significant, typo. I had intended to write "Intel-based", but accidentally left it out.

Servant of Cats wrote:

Note that only two Intel-based MacBook Pros will be able to run macOS 26 (Tahoe). These are the:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

It's also been widely reported that at the Worldwide Developer's Conference, Apple announced that Tahoe would be the last major version of macOS to support ANY Intel-based Mac.

All Apple-Silicon-based (M-series) MacBook Pros can run Sequoia, and will be able to run Tahoe, so unless you have a very specific reason to stick with Intel, you should confine your search to Apple-Silicon-based Macs.

As you may have noticed, getting a specific answer about OS upgrade ability requires us to know the SUB-MODEL of the Mac, available from "About this Mac..." in the Apple menu.

For a computer running Big Sur, the "About..." window looks like this:

It shows where to find "Sub-model." If you do not have hands-on access, you can ask the seller to look up that important info for you.

As Urquhart1244 noted, you need to know the model year of the Mac to determine if it is possible to install Sequoia. It is possible the reason it is running Big Sur is that it can’t upgrade any further.

If it is compatible, it is easy to upgrade. If it is not compatible, Apple does not provide a way to upgrade.

Install the most excellent MacTracker on the App Store. Available on iPhone / iPad / macOS App Stores and direct from https://mactracker.ca for macOS. It has ALL the Apple hardware details and specs and support status. When buying used Macs, this is a very important tool. You want to make sure the Mac is not obsolete and that it is supported and can run the latest macOS. Otherwise you are going to end up with a Mac too old to run the newer macOS versions. If it's N-3 (3 versions behind) you may stop receiving security patches. Meaning you would be vulnerable to hacker attack.

MacTracker screenshots:

Note that only two MacBook Pros will be able to run macOS 26 (Tahoe). These are the:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)

It's also been widely reported that at the Worldwide Developer's Conference, Apple announced that Tahoe would be the last major version of macOS to support ANY Intel-based Mac.

“What does it take to upgrade to Sequoia?: I’m considering the purchase of a MacBook Pro and I have an opportunity to buy one with Big Sur installed. What would it take to install Sequoia? Thanks, Jim”

———-

Which to Get?

Security Updates:

Just bear in mind how much the time you have left for safety. Apple has a tendency for supporting updates for 7 years for their macOS releases, and their devices. Get a 2025 model and you’d have 7 years to use this Mac with updates —the older the device, the less amount of time you’ll have for compatibility and security updates.

Downloading and running the installer. There aren't any complicated instructions involved; if you've saved files to the computer before running it, back them up.

(260983)

Consider a Refurbished Mac direct from Apple.