How to Upgrade Your Mac to macOS Tahoe 26

Keeping your Mac updated to the latest available macOS updates ensures it benefits from the latest features and stays free of potential bugs impacting its performance. That said, Apple’s latest macOS Tahoe is now available to download. The latest update introduces a brand-new Liquid Glass UI, new Apple Intelligence features, Journal app, new Continuity features, and more to your Mac, making it appear all new.

If you’re ready to experience all the new capabilities, installing macOS Tahoe is straightforward if your Mac supports it.

Read on to learn whether your MacBook supports the latest macOS Tahoe and the steps to upgrade.

Is Your Mac macOS Tahoe Compatible?

Since transitioning to Apple Silicon, Apple has continued to drop support for older Intel-powered Macs with every new major macOS upgrade. The same is true with macOS 26 as well, because it drops support for several older Macs, especially those without T2 chips or Apple Silicon.

Here’s a complete list of Macs that support macOS Tahoe:

• MacBook Pro (M4 / M4 Pro / M4 Max) – 2024
• MacBook Pro (M3 / M3 Pro / M3 Max) – 2023
• MacBook Pro (M2 / M2 Pro / M2 Max) – 2023
• MacBook Pro (M1 / M1 Pro / M1 Max) – 2021
• MacBook Pro – 2020
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, Intel) – 2019
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Intel, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) – 2020
• MacBook Air (M4) – 2025
• MacBook Air (M3) – 2024
• MacBook Air (M2) – 2023
• MacBook Air (M2) – 2022
• MacBook Air (M1) – 2020

Even though a few Intel-powered Mac models support macOS Tahoe, they don’t have access to Apple Intelligence features.

What Should You Do Before Upgrading to macOS Tahoe?

Many things can go wrong while updating your Mac, so it is important to safeguard your Mac from such happenings. It is not wise to trigger happy and hit the update button. Follow the steps outlined below to prepare your Mac for an update.

1. Check whether your Mac is compatible with the latest macOS.
2. Ensure you have enough free space. I would recommend freeing up at least 25GB before installing macOS Tahoe.
3. Go to the Apple newsroom or Reddit to check whether users are facing any major issues with the latest macOS.
4. Clear junk files and clean your Mac. This will also help reclaim storage space. 
5. Back up your Mac.
6. Connect your Mac to a fast and reliable network. Avoid updating on public WiFi. 
7. Log in to iCloud. 

How to Download and Install macOS Tahoe on your Mac

Once you know whether your Mac is macOS compatible and have prepared it for the upgrade process, installing macOS Tahoe on your Mac is straightforward:

1. Open Settings and click on General in the left sidebar.
2. Now, select Software Updates in the General settings.
3. Wait for your Mac to find the macOS Tahoe update from Apple’s servers.
4. Once available, click the Update Now button, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Make sure the internet connection is fast and reliable. Updates can be tens of gigabytes, and the whole process could take a while.

All Set with macOS Tahoe…

That’s pretty much it. With macOS Tahoe now installed on your Mac, you can enjoy all its new features, including powerful on-device AI tools, a refreshed design, and faster performance. Remember to back up your important data before getting started, and always keep your MacBook plugged in during the update process. With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy a seamless and efficient update experience.

Read more:

• How to Use Live Activities on iPad and Mac with iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe
• macOS 26 Tahoe: How to Change Folder Icons Using Emojis, Symbols, or Colors
• macOS Tahoe vs Sequoia: All the Big and Subtle Changes You Need to Know