trying to update my Mac os x

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers

You can install macOS Big Sur on any of these Mac models. This list will be updated as other compatible models become available.

Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur.

If upgrading from macOS Sierra or later, macOS Big Sur requires 35.5GB of available storage to upgrade. If upgrading from an earlier release, macOS Big Sur requires up to 44.5GB of available storage.

MacBook Pro

Learn how to identify your MacBook Pro.

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013)

MacBook Air

Learn how to identify your MacBook Air.

• MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
• MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2014)
• MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2013)
• MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2013)

MacBook

Learn how to identify your MacBook.

• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)

iMac Pro

Learn how to identify your iMac Pro.

• iMac Pro (2017)

iMac

Learn how to identify your iMac.

• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
• iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)

Mac mini

Learn how to identify your Mac mini.

• Mac mini (M1, 2020)
• Mac mini (2018)
• Mac mini (Late 2014)

Mac Pro

Learn how to identify your Mac Pro.

• Mac Pro (2019)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013)

Published Date: November 17, 2020

if it says your mac is not compatible with big sur, it likely isn't.

check compatibility and find the download here: How to upgrade to macOS Big Sur - Apple Support

if you can't run big sur, check if you can run a more recent than 10.9.5 version here: How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support