How to upgrade MacBook Pro 13' 2020 to Tahoe (MacOS 26)

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Level 1

17 points

How to upgrade MacBook Pro 13' 2020 to Tahoe (MacOS 26)

I have my MacBook currently running on 15.7.2 and contacted Apple Support who said it's a beta version I'm running on which is why I am not getting the software update to Tahoe. I have tried the steps via Terminal, but the Tahoe version is not available there either, nor via de safe mode option.

According to all official lists I should be able to upgrade and my device is supported, but it seems to be impossible to do so. How am I able to upgrade to the latest official (not beta) version of Tahoe?

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 4:15 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,193 points

Dec 4, 2025 4:45 AM in response to NAvM25

This should not be needed.

But in Terminal use the below command which will only search for available Full Versions this machine would Qualify for to install

softwareupdate --list-full-installers

If it finds Tahoe 26.1 🤞

This terminal command

softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 26.1

Be aware the Full Version is about 17 GB in size

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Answer 2

Dec 4, 2025 6:14 AM in response to NAvM25

If you have a 13" M1 MacBook Pro (Apple Silicon), that model has two Thunderbolt ports and it can run Tahoe.

If you have a 13" Core i# MacBook Pro (Intel), there was a model with two Thunderbolt ports that cannot run Tahoe and a model with four Thunderbolt ports that can run Tahoe.

So if you have two Thunderbolt ports, you might be able to run Tahoe...thus the request to confirm your specific model information.

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

135,521 points

Dec 4, 2025 4:50 AM in response to NAvM25

FWIW, there are only two 2020 13" MBP's listed as compatible…

From: macOS Tahoe is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Dec 4, 2025 5:52 AM in response to NAvM25

Just to clarify your model, what is listed in Apple menu > About this Mac for your model identifier and chip?

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Answer 5

NAvM25 Author

Level 1

17 points

Dec 4, 2025 5:55 AM in response to dialabrain

That's disappointing, but thank you for the information. I had also been looking for a website where I could enter my serial no. to see whether my MacBook was compatible or not and the Apple Support lady on the chat said I was, so I didn't continue looking any further.

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