There are so many reasons to upgrade to OS X El Capitan now. You get access to new features that will make using your Mac more efficient and fun. And upgrading is the only way to ensure that you have the latest security features and performance enhancements. Here are two more: it’s free, and it’s easy.
Mac computers introduced in 2009 and later, and some models introduced in 2007 and 2008, can be upgraded to El Capitan.
If your Mac is running Snow Leopard (v10.6.8) or later, you can upgrade directly to El Capitan.
Visit the OS X El Capitan page on the Mac App Store. Click the download button and follow the onscreen instructions to begin your upgrade. If you don’t have broadband access, you can upgrade your Mac at any Apple Store.
Have an older version of OS X? Learn how to upgrade
If you’re running Snow Leopard (10.6.x), update to the latest version of Snow Leopard before you download OS X El Capitan from the Mac App Store. Click the Apple icon and choose Software Update to install OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8, the latest version.
Upgrading from OS X LeopardIf you’re running Leopard and would like to upgrade to OS X El Capitan, first you’ll need to upgrade to OS X Snow Leopard. You can purchase OS X Snow Leopard here.
For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, choose About This Mac, then choose More Info. These Mac models are compatible with OS X El Capitan:
Supported by the following Mac models:
Handoff requires an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later.
Instant Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity with a Lightning connector and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier.
Phone CallingPhone calling requires an iPhone with iOS 8 or later and an activated carrier plan.
SMSSMS requires an iPhone with iOS 8.1 or later and an activated carrier plan.
AirDropAirDrop between Mac computers and iOS devices is supported by the following Mac models:
AirDrop to iOS devices requires an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later.
AirDrop between two Mac computers is supported by the following Mac models:
Requires an additional hard drive or AirPort Time Capsule (sold separately).
MetalSupported by the following Mac models:
Requires a FaceTime or iSight camera (built in or external), USB video class (UVC) camera or FireWire DV camcorder.
FaceTimeVideo calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built in or external), a USB video class (UVC) camera or a FireWire DV camcorder; and broadband Internet connection.Learn more
Supports existing Boot Camp installations with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10. New Boot Camp installations require Windows 8 or Windows 10 (sold separately).
Exchange SupportRequires Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 Update Rollup 4, Exchange Server 2010 or Exchange 2013. Auto-setup requires enabling the Autodiscovery feature of Microsoft Exchange Server.
Spotlight SuggestionsRequires a broadband Internet connection.
AirPlayAirPlay Mirroring requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later). Supported by the following Mac models:
AirPlay for web video requires an Apple TV (2nd generation or later).
Peer-to-Peer AirPlay requires a Mac (2012 or later) with OS X Yosemite or later and an Apple TV (3rd generation rev A, model A1469 or later) with Apple TV software 7.0 or later.
Power NapSupported by the following Mac models:
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.
DictationDictation requires a microphone (built in or external).
Mac App StoreAvailable only to persons aged 13 or older in Canada and many other countries.