Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system (macOS or OS X)? Is it using the version required by some product or feature? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent) than the version currently installed? To find out, learn which version is installed now.

Nov 03, 2019  Thinking about buying a new Mac mini, to replace my one from 2011. However, I'd need to install Mojave since some of the programs I use don't support 64-bit, plus I need to clean up my iTunes library a lot before I switch to the new media apps. Anyone know if it's possible to buy a Mac mini.

If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.

Which macOS version is installed?

From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You'll see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. If some product or feature requires you to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.

This example shows macOS Catalina version 10.15 build 19A583.

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Which macOS version is the latest?

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These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Catalina. And as updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.

If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar and Photos.

Learn more

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• Always use the macOS that came with your Mac, or a compatible newer version.
• Learn how to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery.

Apple has already informed developers of which Mac hardware will be supported under macOS Mojave. The general rule of thumb is that if your hardware is from 2012 and newer (other than regular MacBook that must be from 2015 and newer), you'll likely be able to enjoy all of the macOS Mojave features including the long awaited Dark Mode. One exception is that Apple has thrown us older Mac Pro 2010-2012 owners a bone and if you happen to have a GPU that supports Metal, you'll be able to get all of the neat features available under macOS Mojave despite having older hardware. Yay!

Metal 2 needed for Dark Mode

As with any graphical updates, newer features may require newer hardware. Cool new transitions, transparencies and general improvements to the moving and opening of windows will introduce new computing requirements. So older Macs not making the cut that cannot support these newer features is understandable. But since Apple has said that no new Mac Pro hardware will be coming this year (and maybe only arriving at the end of next year), Mac Pros that are older than the general rule of thumb 2012 date will still be allowed to install macOS Mojave and those with Metal capable GPUs will be able to run the new fancy-dancy Dark Mode. Here's how to check if your Mac GPU is Metal capable for Dark Mode.

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Checking for Metal capabilities

1. Click on the  on your desktop.
2. Select About This Mac.

3. Under the Overview Tab, click System Report….

4. Under the Hardware side section, select Graphics/Displays.
5. Under your GPU section, see if the Metal information string is present.

6. If you see Metal: Supported, feature set macOS GPUFamily1 v3, you're good to go!

If you do not see any reference to Metal in your Graphics/Display heading, then your GPU is not supported. You can remedy this by upgrading your GPU to one that supports Metal.

Here's an example of an unsupported GPU:

Final comments

Apple's macOS Mojave will be due out later this fall, but is available as a public beta now if you're brave enough to update your OS and aren't in need of a stable production environment. Otherwise, use this time to get your Mac Pro GPUs ready for macOS Mojave this fall! Will you be using macOS Mojave on your Mac Pro? Tell us about it in the comments!

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Analyst says iPhone 12 will cost more even without charger and headphones

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Jeff Pu, an analyst at Chinese research firm GF Securities, predicts that Apple will raise the price of the iPhone 12 by at least $50.