Update Published August 10, 2019
MacBook Air Q&A
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What version of Mac OS X is pre-installed on the MacBook Air models? What is the maximum version of OS X supported by each line? Can the MacBook Air run older Mac software?
The precise version of Mac OS X originally pre-installed as well as the maximum compatible version of OS X for every MacBook Air is provided on the specs page for each model. However, the basic version of each series also is provided below for your convenience:
Download the latest version of Apple iOS for Mac - The latest version of Apple's mobile OS. Read 324 user reviews of Apple iOS on MacUpdate.
Versions of the operating system earlier than the one that shipped with a particular Mac are not compatible.
MacBook Air models running Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' or Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard' are capable of running a great deal of Mac software written for Intel-based Macs and the vast majority of Mac OS X applications written for PowerPC-based systems using the 'Rosetta Universal Binary Translator'.
MacBook Air models running OS X 10.7 'Lion' or later versions of OS X -- whether pre-installed or otherwise -- are not capable of running Mac OS X applications written for the PowerPC processor as this version of the operating system does not support Rosetta.
Mac OS 9/Classic applications are not supported on any version of Mac OS X that is compatible with the MacBook Air line.
Also see:
How do you install software on the MacBook Air without an optical drive?
The MacBook Air does not have an internal optical drive, and as such, to install software or transfer files from a CD or DVD one has to either purchase an external optical drive or use the 'Remote Disk' function. Essentially, you can install the 'Remote Disk' software on a nearby Mac or Windows box, and then 'borrow' its optical drive to install software or transfer software via CD or DVD.
Of course, for Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard' and later versions of the operating system, Apple would prefer that you buy all software through Apple's own Mac App Store rather than install software via other means.
Nevertheless, additional information regarding 'Remote Disk' is available via the Apple Support Site and in the User's Guide for each MacBook Air. It also is worth noting that this can be used to re-install the operating system and use Apple Hardware Test for troubleshooting for MacBook Air models prior to the 'Late 2010' line, but some copy-protected CDs, DVDs, and games cannot be installed using this method.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (SuperDrive - Left), OWC (Blu-ray Options - Right)
Although just about any USB-based optical drive with OS X drivers will work with the MacBook Air notebooks, site sponsor Adorama has the official aluminum Apple SuperDrive for US$79 and Other World Computing has a variety of third-party external optical drive options, as well.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit has a number of external optical drive options, too.
How do you restore the operating system on the 'Late 2010' and subsequent MacBook Air models? Do these models really not include a restoration CD or DVD?
The 'Late 2010' MacBook Air models -- the stock models of which are the MacBook Air 'Core 2 Duo' 1.4 11-Inch and 'Core 2 Duo' 1.86 13-Inch -- shipped with a USB key that Apple refers to as a 'Software Reinstall Drive' to restore the operating system rather than an optical disc.
For the 'Mid-2011' and subsequent MacBook Air models, Apple went a step further and does not include a physical restoration method at all.
Instead, the operating system has a hidden 'restore' partition containing a 'Mac OS X Utilities' application that is only accessible upon startup by holding down Command-R. For more information on restoring one of these MacBook Air models, please refer the User Guide (pages 42-51, specifically). Also note that the OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive available for purchase separately will not work with the 'Mid-2011' or later MacBook Air models, even if the model otherwise is compatible with the operating system itself.
Apple's decision to essentially start phasing out optical drives on notebook computers starting with the MacBook Air seemed to surprise many at the time in 2008, but Blu-ray notwithstanding, optical media stalled out in both speed and capacity and this decision is only slightly more aggressive than the decision to phase out the floppy disk drive in the original iMac G3/233 in 1998. Those interested in an optical drive always can buy an external one.
Also see: Why did Apple remove the floppy from the iMac G3? Why not include a Zip disk?
Can the MacBook Air play DVD movies via remote disk from another computer?
No. Unfortunately, it is not possible to play DVD movies -- or other optical media (CDs or games) -- that have copy-protection via Remote Disk from another computer.
Can the MacBook Air run Windows? Can you install Windows without the external optical drive?
Like all other Intel-based Macs, the MacBook Air is capable of running Windows. However, it is not possible to install Windows using Boot Camp via Remote Disk, and as such, you either need to install Windows on the MacBook Air using an external optical drive or a USB stick.
For more information regarding Windows on the Mac, please refer to the extensive Windows on Mac Q&A.
Can the MacBook Air run Linux?
Of course. The MacBook Air is capable of running a number of Intel-based distributions of Linux through Apple Boot Camp or by using 'virtualization'.
For more on Boot Camp and Virtualization, please refer to the Windows on Mac Q&A.
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macOS Big Sur elevates the most advanced desktop operating system in the world to a new level of power and beauty. Experience Mac to the fullest with a refined new design. Enjoy the biggest Safari update ever. Discover new features for Maps and Messages. Get even more transparency around your privacy.
Chances are, your Mac can run macOS Big Sur
The following models are supported:
To see which model you have, click the Apple icon in your menu bar and choose About This Mac.
Make sure you’re ready to upgrade.Apple Macbook Operating System Software
Before you upgrade, we recommend that you back up your Mac. If your Mac is running OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later, you can upgrade directly to macOS Big Sur. You’ll need the following:
Upgrading is free and easyUpgrading from macOS Catalina 10.15 or Mojave 10.14?
Go to Software Update in System Preferences to find macOS Big Sur. Click Upgrade Now and follow the onscreen instructions.
Upgrading from an older version of macOS?
If you’re running any release from macOS 10.13 to 10.9, you can upgrade to macOS Big Sur from the App Store. If you’re running Mountain Lion 10.8, you will need to upgrade to El Capitan 10.11 first.
If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Big Sur:
Siri
Requires a broadband internet connection and microphone (built-in or external).
Hey Siri
Supported by the following Mac models:
Dictation, Voice Control, and Voice Memos
Requires a microphone (built-in or external).
All Mac Updates In OrderSpotlight Suggestions
Requires a broadband internet connection.
Gestures
Requires a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.
Force Touch gestures require a Force Touch trackpad.
VoiceOver gestures require a Multi-Touch trackpad, Force Touch trackpad, or Magic Trackpad.
Photo Booth
Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built-in or external) or USB video class (UVC) camera.
FaceTime
Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband internet connection.
Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband internet connection.
Apple TV
High dynamic range (HDR) video playback is supported by the following Mac models:
Dolby Atmos soundtrack playback is supported by the following Mac models:
Sidecar
Supported by the following Mac models:
Supported by all iPad models with Apple Pencil support:
Continuity Camera
Requires an iPhone or iPad that supports iOS 12 or later.
Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup
Requires an iPhone with iOS 13 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 13 or later.
Handoff
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector or with USB-C and iOS 8 or later.
Instant Hotspot
Requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity, a Lightning connector or USB-C, and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.
Universal Clipboard
Requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector or with USB-C and iOS 10 or later.
Auto Unlock
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later or an iPhone 5 or later.
Approve with Apple Watch
Requires an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later or an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 or later. Fruitjuice 2 3 2.
Apple Pay on the Web
Requires a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with Touch ID, an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 10 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later.
Phone Calling
Requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.
SMS
Requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.
Home
Requires an iPhone with iOS 12 or later and a configured Home app.
AirDrop
AirDrop to iOS and iPadOS devices requires an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning connector or with USB-C and iOS 7 or later.
AirPlay
AirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
Peer-to-peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.
![]() Time Machine
Requires an external storage device (sold separately).
Maps electric vehicle routing
Requires an iPhone with iOS 14 and a compatible electric vehicle.
Maps license plate restrictionsMacOS Big Sur Review: The Other Half Of The Mac's 2020 ..
Requires an iPhone running iOS 14 or an iPad running iPadOS 14.
Boot Camp
Allows Boot Camp installations of Windows 10 on supported Mac models.
Apple Macbook Operating System TroubleshootingExchange Support
Requires Microsoft Office 365, Exchange 2016, Exchange 2013, or Exchange Server 2010. Installing the latest Service Packs is recommended.
Windows Migration
Supports OS X 10.7 or later and Windows 7 or later.
App Store
Available only to persons age 13 or older in the U.S. and many other countries and regions.
Photos
The improved Retouch tool is supported on the following Mac models:
Apple Macbook Operating System Best Buy
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