How To upgrade macOS Sequoia

Upgrading to macOS Sequoia elevates your Mac experience with enhanced productivity, intelligence, and seamless device integration. This guide will take you through a clear, step-by-step process to safely upgrade your Mac to this latest operating system, ensuring compatibility and smooth installation.

Check Mac Compatibility

Verify that your Mac supports macOS Sequoia before starting. Compatible models include:

  • iMac (2019 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 and later)
  • MacBook Air (2020 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
  • Mac Mini (2018 and later)
  • Mac Pro (2019 and later)
  • Mac Studio (2022 and later)

If you are unsure about your Mac model, click the Apple menu > About This Mac to check its year and model details. Note that some older Macs, especially 2018-2019 MacBook Air models, are no longer supported for this upgrade[3][5][6].

Prepare Your Mac for Upgrade

Ensure you have at least 30 GB of free disk space to download and install macOS Sequoia. This accounts for the installer size (about 12 GB) plus additional space needed during installation[2][4][7].

  • Back up your important data using Time Machine or another backup method to prevent data loss in case of errors during installation.
  • Close all applications and temporarily disable any antivirus or security software, which might interfere with the upgrade process.

Upgrade macOS via Software Update

Using Software Update in System Settings is the easiest and most reliable way to upgrade.

  1. Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings (or System Preferences in earlier macOS versions).
  2. Select General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right.
  3. If macOS Sequoia appears as an available upgrade, click Upgrade Now.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the update. This process can take some time depending on your internet speed and Mac performance.
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If your Mac does not have Software Update, you can also download macOS Sequoia from the Mac App Store[1][5].

Post-Upgrade Setup

After the installation completes and your Mac restarts:

  • Configure your Dock, Finder, and system settings for the optimal macOS Sequoia experience.
  • Install Xcode Command Line Tools if required for development work.
  • Consider setting up Homebrew for managing software packages.
  • Install and configure Git if you’re a developer wanting version control capabilities.

Optional: Terminal Upgrade Method

For advanced users, upgrading macOS Sequoia via the Terminal is available but less common. It requires using command-line tools and is generally recommended only for those familiar with the Mac terminal environment.

By following these steps carefully, you will maximize compatibility, minimize errors, and enjoy all the new features offered by macOS Sequoia, such as Apple Intelligence, improved iPhone mirroring, and enhanced energy efficiency on Apple silicon Macs. Make sure to maintain regular system backups and keep your Mac updated to stay secure and performant.