Q: Can a white MacBook have the software updated?

I have seen that some of the Mac OS X Version 10.5.8 may have the software updated to Snow Leopard and then Yosemite. The problem I have is that I am unsure if my white MacBook is from 2007 may have its software updated at all. My iPhone 6 will no longer sync, use iTunes, iPhoto, etc. with my laptop and it is beyond frustrating. Please help as I am completely unaware of what I should do because I do not want to get rid of my MacBook. (It's just like new!) Below I have added the Hardware Overview in case that is helpful in any way.

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook

Model Identifier: MacBook4,1

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed: 2.1 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 2

L2 Cache: 3 MB

Memory: 4 GB

Bus Speed: 800 MHz

Boot ROM Version: MB41.00C1.B00

SMC Version (system): 1.31f1

Serial Number (system): W8838CHB5HS

Hardware UUID: 11D90721-1782-5F8D-83F2-8B9C32992FD6

Sudden Motion Sensor:

State: Enabled

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Nov 29, 2015 10:39 AM

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Q: Can a white MacBook have the software updated?

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by macjack,

macjack Nov 29, 2015 10:43 AM in response to HGatson
Level 9 (55,682 points)

Mac OS X

Nov 29, 2015 10:43 AM in response to HGatson

See this support article...
How to identify MacBook models - Apple Support
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by HGatson,

HGatson Nov 29, 2015 10:54 AM in response to macjack
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Nov 29, 2015 10:54 AM in response to macjack

In response to macjack, I just looked up the serial number using the link you provided and it does not state when the MacBook is from. Please advise.
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by macjack,

macjack Nov 29, 2015 10:57 AM in response to HGatson
Level 9 (55,682 points)

Mac OS X

Nov 29, 2015 10:57 AM in response to HGatson

In short, I'd update to Snow Leopard and stay there. Anything beyond requires at least 4GB of RAM and that would be pushing it.
Here's a screenshot of the pertinent info from that link.
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by Csound1,

Csound1 Nov 29, 2015 11:00 AM in response to HGatson
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Desktops

Nov 29, 2015 11:00 AM in response to HGatson
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by wwwdotdeveloper,

wwwdotdeveloper Nov 29, 2015 11:02 AM in response to HGatson
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Nov 29, 2015 11:02 AM in response to HGatson

The 4,1 is from 2008, so you should be able to get up to Lion (10.7) with your Macbook. It meets every system requirement.
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by HGatson,

HGatson Nov 29, 2015 11:03 AM in response to macjack
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Nov 29, 2015 11:03 AM in response to macjack

So if I upgraded to Snow Leopard, would my music, pictures, etc. all stay on my MacBook? Also, if I would transfer all videos and pictures to my external hard drive, would that free up some more RAM to where I could upgrade the MacBook even more? I just saw an individual told that they could upgrade a mid 2007 MacBook to Yosemite and have absolutely no idea if I could and how. I know I am asking for alot but am not wise when it comes to my MacBook.
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by HGatson,

HGatson Nov 29, 2015 11:06 AM in response to Csound1
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Nov 29, 2015 11:06 AM in response to Csound1

I apologize, Csound1, but I have absolutely no clue what you are trying to show or tell me with the 2 images. I am not computer savvy and have no one Mac smart anywhere around.
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by Csound1,

Csound1 Nov 29, 2015 11:07 AM in response to HGatson
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Desktops

Nov 29, 2015 11:07 AM in response to HGatson

Maximum RAM is 6GB
Maximum OS is 10.7.5 (Lion)
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by HGatson,

HGatson Nov 29, 2015 11:09 AM in response to wwwdotdeveloper
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Nov 29, 2015 11:09 AM in response to wwwdotdeveloper

Oh ok. So would I be able to simply purchase Lion and upgrade my MacBook? Also, would all of my music, videos, pictures, etc. still be on my MacBook or would it all be wiped out? I saw that someone was able to upgrade a MacBook like mine to Yosemite somewhere on this site. Would that be something I could also do so my iPhone would work with my MacBook once again?
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by HGatson,

HGatson Nov 29, 2015 11:09 AM in response to Csound1
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Nov 29, 2015 11:09 AM in response to Csound1

I see now. Thank you.
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by macjack,

macjack Nov 29, 2015 11:12 AM in response to HGatson
Level 9 (55,682 points)

Mac OS X

Nov 29, 2015 11:12 AM in response to HGatson

You shouldn't lose anything if you upgrade but you should always have a backup, just in case. The reason I wouldn't go any further is that SL was a nice stable system and IMO better than Lion.

What Csound is pointing out is that you could add 2 GB RAM to bring you up to 6GB.

Edit; OK see you got that.
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by Csound1,

Csound1 Nov 29, 2015 11:13 AM in response to HGatson
Level 9 (50,282 points)

Desktops

Nov 29, 2015 11:13 AM in response to HGatson

Yes, but nothing is perfect so you would be well advised to backup first.

Yosemite is out of reach for you, Lion (10.7.5) is as far as you can go.
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