What’s the latest macOS beta?

Apple offers two beta streams: a developer beta and a public beta. The public beta allows enthusiasts and early adopters to test upcoming changes before they are released to everyone. You need to join Apple’s Beta Software Program to access it.

The latest Mac beta is macOS 27.2 beta 1, which Apple released to registered developers on September 16, 2026. It arrived two days after the public release of macOS 27 Golden Gate.

The corresponding macOS 27.2 public beta is expected shortly. Public betas usually follow developer betas, although Apple does not guarantee a particular schedule.

macOS 27 Golden Gate beta version tracker

• Apple released macOS 27.2 Golden Gate Developer Beta on September 16, 2026.
• The macOS 27.2 Golden Gate Public Beta should be released sometime the same week; new versions are usually released a day or two after the new developer beta.

macOS 26 Tahoe beta: Apple may continue updating macOS 26 Tahoe with security and maintenance releases, but macOS 27 is now the current operating system and the focus of Apple’s beta program.

What’s new in the latest beta?

Apple has not announced any major consumer-facing additions in macOS 27.2 beta 1. The following changes are expected though:

• Bug fixes and performance improvements: Addressing issues in the first release of macOS 27.
• Additional Siri AI languages: Apple has said the Siri AI will expand to French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish in October.
• Automatic password changes: The promised feature that automatically changes compromised passwords has not yet been implemented, but it could arrive in macOS 27.2..
• Notify Me in Safari: The Safari feature that monitors webpages may arrive in the beta of macOS 27.2.

We’ll update this section as changes are discovered.

See Apple’s developer website for more information about the beta.

Should you install the macOS beta?

Installing the macOS beta lets you test Apple’s next round of features, fixes and refinements before their public release. Most Mac users should remain on the standard version of macOS 27, particularly if they rely on their Mac for work.

Install if…

• You need to test apps
• You want early access to new features
• You have a secondary Mac available

Wait if…

• This is your primary work machine
• You rely on niche or specialist software
• Stability is critical to your workflow

What are the risks of installing beta software?

Installing pre-release software on a primary device carries several risks.

• System instability: Performance problems, freezes, crashes, and other unexpected behavior are common during beta testing.
• App failures: Third-party applications may crash, behave unpredictably, or stop working entirely.
• Hardware strain: Early beta builds can increase battery drain and cause Macs to run hotter than usual.
• Data loss: Software bugs may corrupt files, and downgrading to a stable version often requires a complete system reset.

Safety precautions and best practices

If you decide to install the beta, take the following precautions:

• Use a secondary device: Avoid installing beta software on your primary Mac or on any machine used for critical work.
• Create a full backup: Use Time Machine to create a complete backup before upgrading so you can restore your Mac if something goes wrong. Note that this needs to be a Time Machine backup from before the beta was installed and you will lose anything saved subsequently.
• Install on a separate volume: Consider installing the beta on a separate volume or external SSD rather than replacing your main operating system.
• Check storage space: Make sure you have at least 15GB of free storage available before beginning the installation.

How to install the macOS beta

The process for installing a macOS beta depends on whether you are seeking the Developer Beta or the Public Beta. Apple simplified this process a few years ago, removing the need for a paid developer account to access early builds.

The first step is to join Apple’s beta testing program. We explain how to do that in a separate article.

You will need to register your account either as a public beta tester or as a developer in order to enable beta updates on your Mac.

To install the beta follow these steps:

1. Back up your Mac: Before installing any pre-release software, it is critical to prepare your Mac to avoid data loss. Beta software is inherently unstable and can cause crashes or app compatibility issues.
2. Register your account either as a public beta tester or as a developer in order to enable beta updates on your Mac:
   For the Public Beta: Visit the Apple Beta Software Program website, sign in with your Apple ID, and agree to the terms.
   For the Developer Beta: Register as an Apple Developer on Apple’s website, download the Apple Developer app from the App Store, sign in with your standard Apple ID, and complete the free registration process.
3. On the Mac where you wish to install the beta, open System Settings and navigate to General > Software Update.
4. Click the (i) info button next to Beta Updates.
5. Enable Beta Updates.
6. The beta will appear as an available upgrade. Select the macOS beta you want to install (e.g., macOS Public Beta or Developer Beta).
7. Click Upgrade Now to begin the download and installation.

As long as you are a registered developer or enrolled in the public beta program, when the relevant macOS Beta becomes available, it will also show up on your Mac.

Once you are running the beta, the updates will come through to your Mac automatically; you just need to go to Software Update in System Settings and click to install. See How to install macOS.

How to get a free Apple developer account

If you just want a free Apple Developer account so you can access the beta, you can get this via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app on an iPhone:

1. Get the Apple Developer App from the App Store. 
2. Open the app on your iPhone. 
3. Tap on Account. 
4. Tap on Sign In. 
5. Sign in using your usual Apple ID. 

If you wish to actually publish applications to the App Store or receive support, you’ll need to pay $99/£79 per year for a paid account. You can compare the free and paid accounts here.

1.

Who can run the macOS beta?

2.

macOS public beta vs developer beta

3.

Is the macOS beta stable?

4.

How to prepare your Mac for the beta

5.

How to send feedback to Apple

6.

Will I be able to update from macOS beta to the final version?

7.

Can I talk about the beta publicly?

8.

How to downgrade from the macOS beta

9.

Is the beta free to download? 

10.

Can I go back to the stable version?

11.

Should I install the beta on my main Mac?

12.

Do I need an Apple Developer account to install the beta?

13.

How often are new beta versions released?

14.

Is the macOS beta safe to install?

15.

Will my apps work with the macOS beta?

What’s New in iOS 27 at a Glance

• Siri AI: Apple’s new Siri AI combines personal context, onscreen awareness and web knowledge to deliver more natural conversations, richer answers, app actions and cross-device chat history.
• Apple Intelligence across apps: Apple Intelligence expands across Safari, Photos, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Home and Shortcuts, adding smarter suggestions, automation, image generation and context-aware assistance.
• Smarter Photos editing: Photos gains Spatial Reframing, Extend and an upgraded Clean Up tool, allowing users to improve composition, expand images and remove distractions more naturally.
• Child safety and parental controls: New parental controls include Ask to Browse, Time Allowances, app schedules and enhanced Communication Safety tools designed to give parents more control.
• System Improvements: Apple has made many system operations faster and more efficient, which will be especially noticeable on older phones. Battery life may be longer, and there are dozens of small quality-of-life improvements throughout the system and its apps.

iOS 27 release date: When did Apple release iOS 27?

• September 14, 2026

Apple made iOS 27 widely available on September 14 at around 10am Pacific Time.

iOS 27 beta – What’s coming next?

• Latest beta: iOS 27.2 – it appears Apple will only use the iOS 27.1 number for the iPhone Duo’s release.

The iOS 27.2 beta was released on September 16. It includes or may introduce the following:

• Redesigned Health app with AI-powered health insights.
• Bug fixes and performance improvements addressing issues in iOS 27.
• Additional Siri AI languages, including French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.
• Suggested replies in Messages, previously removed before iOS 27 launched.
• Automatic password changes for compromised passwords.

What features are still to come in iOS 27

At the time of the launch of iOS 27 not all of Apple’s promised features were available. Missing features include:

• Redesigned Health app: A completely redesigned Health app with AI-powered health insights is coming later in 2026.
• Additional Siri AI languages: Siri AI launched in English only. French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish are due in October. 
• Smarter suggested replies in Messages: Suggested replies that better reflect the user’s writing style appeared during beta testing but were removed before the public release. 
• Automatic password changes: The ability for the Passwords app to visit supported websites and automatically replace compromised passwords was removed shortly before release. 
• SynthID identification for AI images: Apple said support for adding SynthID identification to most AI-generated or edited images would arrive in a software update later in 2026. 

Siri AI in iOS 27

By far the biggest upgrade in iOS 27 is Siri AI – an entirely new architecture for Siri. Apple says it is more personal, conversational, and capable than the current assistant, with support for natural follow-up questions, personal context, onscreen awareness and up-to-date information from the web.

Siri AI features

• More natural conversations: Siri AI can understand open-ended questions, follow-up requests and more complex natural language, making interactions feel less like issuing simple voice commands.
• Personal context: Siri can draw on information stored in Messages, Mail, Photos and Notes to find details and answer questions. For example, you could ask it to find information buried in an old email or message.
• Onscreen awareness: Siri can understand what you’re viewing and act on it, such as saving an address from a message, adding an event to Calendar or answering questions about an article.
• Camera intelligence: A new Siri Camera mode lets you show Siri something through the iPhone’s camera, then ask questions or perform actions based on what it sees.
• More capable app actions: Siri can perform tasks within apps such as Messages, Music and Reminders. It can, for example, edit a recently sent message, add a song to a playlist or handle more complex Apple Music requests.
• Better general knowledge and web answers: Siri can use information from the web to answer questions about recent events and tackle more specific or complicated queries than before.
• Conversation history across devices: A dedicated Siri app lets users revisit previous conversations, pin important chats and continue conversations across Apple devices using iCloud syncing.
• More natural Siri voices: Siri gains more expressive voices, with controls on compatible devices for adjusting speaking pace and expressiveness. Voice customization requires an iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air or newer.
• Improved dictation: Better speech recognition, automatic punctuation, capitalization and formatting allow users to dictate more naturally when converting speech into text.
• AI-assisted message replies: Siri can compose contextual replies in Messages using the conversation, personal information and web searches. Shortcuts can also automate replies to selected contacts, although manual Siri-assisted replies allow users to check and edit the response before it is sent.

Read about what happened when we made Siri AI Answer all our Messages.

How good is Siri AI?

Siri AI represents a significant improvement over the old Siri, particularly when handling conversational questions, current information, and personal context. It also has a dedicated app where you can see and continue previous conversations, upload images or documents, and more.

Even in our early tests during the beta, Siri AI proved to be much more helpful and useful.

It’s definitely one of the biggest reasons to upgrade to iOS 27, potentially changing Siri from a basic voice-command system into a more general way of interacting with the iPhone.

Apple’s approach to AI safety also appears more restrained than some rival chatbots, with Siri designed to avoid excessive flattery, pretending to be human, or responding inappropriately to potentially harmful requests.

However, Siri AI is launching as a “beta” feature and still requires a bit of polish. It’s also only available in English at first, with a handful of other languages/regions coming in October with iOS 27.1.

Regional Siri AI availability

Siri AI will not initially be available on iPhone or iPad in the EU. It will also remain unavailable in China while Apple works through regulatory issues. The first release only supports the English language, and initially has Expressive Voices for English (UK) and English (US). Several other languages are coming with the iOS 27.1 update in October.

Siri AI compatibility

Siri AI requires an iPhone 15 Pro or later, and the “new expressive voices” feature requires an iPhone 17 Pro or the new iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple Intelligence across apps

As well as Siri AI, the enhanced Apple Intelligence will power new features in Apple’s core apps throughout iOS 27. Safari can organize tabs into topics, monitor webpages for changes and even build extensions from natural-language descriptions. Photos gains a new Spatial Reframing edit tools including an upgraded Clean Up feature. Messages, Mail, and Calendar can now understand context, suggest actions and create events from simple descriptions.

New features coming to apps in iOS 27

iOS 27 brings a mix of major Apple Intelligence upgrades and smaller quality-of-life improvements across Safari, Photos, Messages, AirPods, Passwords, Wallet, and other core iPhone apps. Apple is also making iOS more adaptable to different screen sizes and orientations, which are changes necessary for the iPhone Duo.

Safari

Safari can automatically group open tabs into topics, making related pages easier to find. A new Notify Me feature will monitor webpages and alert you to changes such as price drops or products coming back into stock.

There’s also a new Describe an Extension feature which lets users create custom Safari extensions simply by explaining what they want the extension to do.

Photos

Photos gains significantly more powerful AI editing tools.

Reframe can alter the composition and perspective of an existing photo, while Extend generates new image content beyond the original frame when straightening a horizon or changing the aspect ratio.

Clean Up has also been improved, with Fast and High Quality modes for removing unwanted objects or details. High Quality mode can produce considerably more natural results, although more ambitious edits can still introduce distortions or invented details.

Photos also adds new categories and the ability to save a frame from a video as a full-resolution photo. The resulting HEIF or JPG retains the video’s original resolution, date, and location metadata rather than simply creating a screenshot.

Camera

iOS 27 features a new more customizable camera interface that lets you pin the controls you use most often. For the iPhone 18 Pro, there are also “pro controls” like white balance, shutter speed, and manual focus along with Apple Reference Image, an authentication system designed to prove that a photo or video was genuinely captured on an iPhone and has not subsequently been manipulated.

The new Siri mode in the Camera app is a more convenient and logical way to access the Visual Intelligence features that used to require either a long-press of the camera button or a Control Center button.

Messages

Messages gets several useful improvements.

You can decide what the microphone button beside the text field does. Under Settings > Apps > Messages > Show in Text Field, it can be set to Record Audio, Start Dictation, or None. Disabling it does not remove either feature: dictation remains available from the keyboard and audio messages remain in the + menu.

Voice-message playback controls are easier to access, while Apple Intelligence can suggest actions based on a conversation, such as creating a reminder, making a note, or finding relevant photos.

Messages in iOS 27 will gains smarter suggested replies that can better reflect the user’s writing style. (This was removed from the iOS 27 beta and wasn’t available at the launch of iOS 27).

Drawing

A new dedicated Drawing app replaces the old hidden handwriting interface. Accessible from the + menu, it uses the familiar pens, colours and drawing controls found in Notes and Markup, with finished drawings sent as images.

Mail

Mail gains more context-aware smart replies, including responses that can better match the user’s usual writing style.

Apple Intelligence can also surface information from Mail elsewhere in iOS. For example, the Phone app could retrieve a flight confirmation number from an email when you call an airline.

Phone

A new Call Context feature can surface information that may be useful when on a call. Apple says the information is selected according to who you are calling rather than by listening to the conversation. For example, calling an airline could cause iOS to surface the relevant flight confirmation from Mail.

Birthday reminders can also appear when calling contacts whose birthdays are stored on the iPhone.

FaceTime

FaceTime gains Dual Capture, allowing the front and rear cameras to be used at the same time during a call.

Passwords

The Passwords app continues to warn about weak, reused and compromised credentials, but iOS 27 will go a step further by offering to fix some of them automatically.

Using Apple Intelligence, Passwords can visit supported websites, change a vulnerable password and save the replacement credentials. See: Apple got rid of my biggest password headache.

The usefulness of the feature will depend on how widely websites are supported and how well it handles obstacles such as two-factor authentication and unusual account-management interfaces.

Apple removed this ability to detect compromised passwords and replace them from the beta shortly before the release of iOS 27. It’s expected to arrive with a later update.

Shortcuts

Shortcuts gains Describe a Shortcut, allowing users to create automations simply by explaining what they want to happen.

Apple Intelligence interprets the request and assemble the appropriate actions across supported apps, potentially making Shortcuts significantly easier to use for people unfamiliar with building automations manually.

Calendar

Calendar can create or modify events from natural-language instructions.

Apple says the app can recognize contacts, locations, dates and other event details as users type, reducing the amount of information that needs to be entered manually.

Siri can also create complete Calendar entries for information that is on your screen in that moment, or by taking a picture with the Siri mode in the Camera app.

Image Playground

Image Playground is considerably more powerful and realistic.

Apple says it can create photorealistic images and lets users modify generated pictures simply by describing the changes they want. Individual objects can also be selected, resized, or repositioned.

AI-generated images will include a SynthID watermark identifying them as synthetic content. This particular feature wasn’t available at launch, but Apple has confirmed it is coming later.

Wallet

Wallet can create custom passes from QR codes.

Users can add their own fields and information to the pass, and passes automatically sync to Apple Watch.

Weather

Weather gets a clearer, more detailed forecast interface, with rearranged information tiles and new 10-day views showing precipitation probability/amount and wind speed throughout each day.

Home app

Apple Intelligence comes to the Home app for compatible HomeKit Secure Video cameras. It can group related camera notifications, describe recorded video and highlight clips that appear particularly noteworthy.

Maps

Apple Maps improves Flyover using higher-quality aerial imagery and Visual Intelligence models.

Apple says this produces sharper architectural detail and more realistic rendering of elements such as individual trees.

Podcasts

Video podcasts become easier to use, with improved controls for switching between watching a podcast and simply listening to it.

Fitness

Workout summaries have been redesigned to make them easier to share.

Users can also hide completed Fitness+ workouts.

iOS 27 changes beyond the iPhone

CarPlay

CarPlay gains an audio scrubber, giving drivers and passengers more direct control when moving through audio tracks and other content.

AirPods

iOS 27 introduces several new AirPods features.

A new Custom EQ lets users independently adjust bass, mids and treble using a simple three-band equalizer under Settings > AirPods > Audio and Routing > Equalizer > Custom.

Compatible AirPods also gain improved Precision Finding through Find My, making individual earbuds easier to locate.

Some features require both iOS 27 and compatible AirPods firmware.

Read How to tune your AirPods with a custom EQ in iOS 27.

Other changes in iOS 27

It’s not only individual apps that are seeing changes.

Home Screen and landscape mode

Apple is making iOS significantly more flexible when dealing with different screen orientations and sizes.

More Apple apps now work properly in landscape, including Health, Home, Music, Weather, and Watch. Dynamic Island and Live Activities can also adapt to landscape orientation. The Home Screen supports extra-large widgets.

These changes could simply improve iPhone usability, but they’re also well suited to Apple’s folding iPhone Duo.

iPhone Mirroring in macOS 27 has similarly become freely resizable, with Apple apps dynamically rearranging their interfaces as the window changes shape.

Liquid Glass refinements

Apple says Liquid Glass has been refined for better readability, more uniform refraction and improved contrast. A new slider lets users adjust the look from ultraclear to fully tinted, while updated icons, toolbars, sidebars and window shapes add polish.

Ringtones, alarms and alert volume

iOS 27 finally separates several sound-volume controls.

Instead of one combined Ringtone and Alerts slider, users can independently adjust:

• Ringtones
• Alarms and timers
• Alerts and system sounds

The change is optional. Under Settings > Sounds & Haptics, turning off Match Ringtone Volume reveals separate controls.

Media and call volume continue to work independently as before.

Keyboard

iOS 27 introduces a new quick-paste control above the keyboard.

It lets you paste recently copied text, images or screenshots without having to long-press inside a text field, making everyday copy-and-paste considerably faster.

Apple has also made the Liquid Glass keyboard design more consistent across apps.

Privacy and Find My

iOS 27 introduces the ability to temporarily pause Find My location sharing without notifying the person with whom the location is normally shared.

Recovery and troubleshooting

Apple is also expanding the iPhone’s recovery interface, giving users more options for diagnosing problems and recovering an iPhone without immediately connecting it to another device.

System changes and how iOS 27 makes your iPhone faster

Alongside the headline AI features, Apple says iOS 27 includes a wide range of under-the-hood improvements designed to make iPhones faster, smoother and more efficient.

Apps can launch up to 30% faster, newly taken photos can appear in the Photos library up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers can be up to 80% quicker. External drive transfers should also improve, while updates to network performance and the system-wide search index are designed to make connectivity and finding information faster.

The company has also reworked core technologies including CPU scheduling, display performance and processing efficiency. These changes should benefit older iPhones in particular, with Apple promising smoother performance and more efficient battery use on devices as old as the iPhone 11 and second-generation iPhone SE.

Our testing of the iOS 27 beta supports those claims. On an iPhone 11 Pro Max, Camera launch time fell from 0.98 seconds in iOS 26 to 0.65 seconds in iOS 27, while Maps improved from 3.01 seconds to 1.36 seconds.

Everyday use also feels smoother, with more fluid animations, unlocking, Control Center and app transitions. The phone ran cooler during testing too, which could point to improved system efficiency and potentially better battery performance.

More broadly, iOS 27 appears focused on refinement rather than simply adding new features. Apple says it has addressed dozens of common user frustrations, while changes such as more adjustable Liquid Glass effects are intended to improve readability and general usability.

That focus should make iOS 27 particularly worthwhile for owners of older iPhones, even on models that do not support Siri AI. Those devices still gain performance improvements alongside features such as clipboard tools for the keyboard, independent alarm and timer volume controls, custom Wallet passes, Photos changes, larger widgets, and Liquid Glass refinements.

Child safety and parental controls

There are lots of improvements to parental controls, including new time allowances for entertainment, games, and social media, and new schedule tools for different times of day or days of the week.

This includes new features like an expansion of the existing “ask to buy” feature for apps to websites. Before a child can view a new website, they’ll have to ask for permission.

Ask to Browse: Ask to Browse will expand the current Ask to Buy feature to the web. Children will need to request permission before visiting new websites, and parents can review requests in Messages before approving.

Communication Safety: Communication Safety continues to help protect children from viewing or sharing nudity in Messages, FaceTime and other apps. Apple says it will also intervene before children see gore or violent content in shared images and videos.

Time Allowances and schedules: Parents can set Time Allowances across categories such as Entertainment, Games and Social Media. Recommendations are based on a child’s age combined with guidance from clinical and child development experts. Schedules let parents choose which apps are available at different times or on different days.

Redesigned Screen Time: Screen Time gets a redesigned interface with an at-a-glance view of average device usage and most-used apps. Apple says parents can quickly limit or extend access in the moment.

Child accounts and family safety: Apple says child accounts remain central to age-appropriate protections. Parents can manage app access, web access, communication permissions and Screen Time settings.

Apple says it is working with the American Academy of Pediatrics to adapt its Family Media Plan.

Accessibility changes in iOS 27

Accessibility features are smarter and more intuitive in iOS 27:

• VoiceOver gives richer image descriptions and better understanding of onscreen content.
• Live Recognition lets users press the Action button to ask questions about their surroundings and receive detailed responses.
• Voice Control is more intuitive, allowing users to describe onscreen buttons and controls rather than remembering exact coordinate labels or numbers.
• Accessibility Reader is able to handle more complex source material and provide summaries and translation.

iOS 27 compatibility

According to Apple, iOS 27 supports iPhones back to the iPhone 11 and second-generation iPhone SE, although some Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features require newer hardware.

Support for iOS 27 does not mean every device gets every feature. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 or later, while the most advanced on-device AI models require an iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, or iPhone 18 Pro. On iPad, Apple Intelligence requires an M1-class model or the A17 Pro iPad mini, while the newest on-device models require an M4 iPad with at least 12GB of RAM.

There had been speculation that the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE 2 would miss out on iOS 27 after leaker Instant Digital claimed on Weibo that the 2019 iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, along with the 2020 iPhone SE 2, would no longer be supported. That prediction proved incorrect, giving those models at least one more year of software support.

However, the iPhone 11 generation is nearing the end of its support life. As we explain in our guide to how long Apple supports iPhones, the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have already been added to Apple’s Vintage iPhone list.

The iOS 27 compatibility list is:

• iPhone 17e (launched in 2026)
• iPhone 17, 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max (launched in 2025)
• iPhone Air (launched in 2025)
• iPhone 16e (launched in 2025)
• iPhone 16 / 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max (launched in 2024)
• iPhone 15 / 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max (launched in 2023)
• iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max (launched in 2022)
• iPhone SE 3 (launched in 2022)
• iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max (launched in 2021)
• iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max (launched in 2020)
• iPhone SE 2 (launched in 2020)
• iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max (launched in 2019)

The main dividing line for Apple Intelligence remains the iPhone 15 Pro generation: the standard iPhone 15 and all older models can run iOS 27, but they do not support Apple Intelligence.

1.

When was iOS 27 released?

2.

Which iPhones get iOS 27?

3.

Which iPhones will get Siri AI and Apple Intelligence in iOS 27?

Do I need an iPhone case for iPhone 18?

Many consumers damage their devices each year, with cracked, chipped or shattered screens the leading reason for iPhone repairs. A screen protector is an important first line of defense, but a case with a raised edge can much better protect the display from everyday knocks and drops, and tough sides and back will reduce the risk of damage from an accidental fall.

Ceramic Shield 2, introduced with the iPhone 17 generation, protects the front of the iPhone 18 Pro and offers three times better scratch resistance than the iPhone 16 Pro. The back uses Ceramic Shield, which Apple says offers four times better crack resistance than the back glass used on earlier models.

The 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are the best-protected iPhones yet, but a case is still worth buying. It helps keep that pristine finish looking new and, when it’s time to trade up, a well-protected iPhone can retain far more resale value than the cost of the case itself.

Which type of iPhone case to choose

Apple gives you a handful of finishes; a case gives you thousands—an easy way to make an iPhone 18 look like yours. You can choose a clear case that shows off the iPhone’s original color but adds vital protection, or choose a case with more personality. Protection is key, and some cases will add higher levels of defense than others.

Material matters too: silicone for grip and everyday feel, leather or vegan-leather for a refined look, Graphene (elastic yet harder than diamond and up to 200x stronger than steel, according to case makers) or Kevlar (the material used to make bulletproof vests) for serious durability. Kevlar is a type of Aramid Fiber, a strong, heat-resistant synthetic material that gives the material incredible strength and stability. Beyond looks, think about how you use your phone. Want hands-free video? Look for a case with a built-in stand. Want to leave your wallet at home? Choose one with card storage. And if you charge wirelessly, check for MagSafe compatibility — most cases now offer it, and it’s worth confirming before you buy.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Clear Case – Premium clear case

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 29g
• Camera edge: 2mm
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

This simple, rigid iPhone 18 protective case from Apple is thin and light. The point of clear cases is that they shouldn’t disguise the color of your iPhone that you chose when you purchased it. However, Apple’s Clear Case has a prominent white MagSafe ring that aligns with the charging coil beneath the iPhone’s Ceramic Shield back. It’s white whatever color of iPhone 18 Pro or Max that you own—it’s a shame Apple didn’t color-match this to each phone but that would have meant creating four different versions. To be fair, it’s less obtrusive than the Apple’s Clear Case for iPhone 17 Pro.

The Apple Clear Case is made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and other flexible materials, with a scratch-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. While it’s more protective than silicone cases and features a robust-looking 2mm camera lip, you can find tougher cases, which we have reviewed below.

Zagg Crystal Palace & Santa Cruz Cases – Quality family of clear cases

• MagSafe compatible: Yes, except basic Lite
• Weight: From 36g
• Raised edge: 2mm
• Camera edge: 1.2mm
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Clear

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Zagg has a number of popular scratch-resistant clear case models, including the Crystal Palace Snap, available with and without a kickstand) and a simpler Lite option without MagSafe and lower but still impressive drop protection. Zagg’s ClearGuard tech reduces the yellowing that affects many clear cases surprisingly quickly.

The Crystal Palace Snap ($54.99 / £39.99 with kickstand, $49.99 / £34.99 without) has textured sides for better grip, MagSafe, and 13ft drop protection. The Crystal Palace Lite Snap ($39.99 / £24.99) has MagSafe, 10ft drop protection and no kickstand. The entry-level Crystal Palace Lite ($29.99/ £19.99) lacks MagSafe and kickstand but still offers 10ft drop protection.

Both use PC and TPU, but the construction is fundamentally different. The premium Crystal Palace Snap uses a single, solid piece of PC across the back and sides to create a harder, more scratch-resistant clear case, with TPU used strategically so that there are no seams between the back and sides. The Lite version uses significantly more TPU, relying on a PC back plate combined with flexible, TPU sides. That makes it lighter and less expensive, but more susceptible to yellowing over time than PC.

Adding metallic accents, the Graphene-fortified Zagg Santa Cruz ($59.99 / £44.99 with kickstand, $54.99 / £39.99 without) gives the clear case an elegant edge and vibrancy with 13ft drop protection, MagSafe and kickstand.

Mous Clarity clear case – Customizable clear case

• MagSafe compatible: Optional
• Weight: From 39g
• Raised edge: 1.8mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Button covers: Plastic; Metal option
• Colors: Clear (Black or Stone sides)

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

The Mous Clarity clear case shows off the device beneath with a UV anti-yellowing finish. In the corners, AiroShock protection is a defense against drop impacts. The scratch-resistant layer is molded into the panel itself, not merely sprayed on top.

You can buy as the clearest non-MagSafe ($64.99 / £54.99) or MagSafe compatible with logo ($69.99 / £59.99), in a Black frame or Stone. For extra customization, you can mix and match your case with different colors of metal kickstand, camera guard and metal buttons.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Silicone Case – Apple's soft touch case

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 30g
• Button covers: Silicone
• Colors: Burgundy, Olive, Crisp Blue, Navy, Magenta, Black

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

If you’ve got any money left after shelling out for the latest iPhone, Apple will gladly take it for one of its own iPhone 18 cases. Its Silicone Case comes in six fetching colors. Apple’s silky, soft-touch silicone case for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feels great. On the inside, there’s a soft microfiber lining for softer device protection.

There’s no ugly MagSafe block as found on Apple’s Clear Case as the silicone case creates its own choice of colors. The Silicone colors for the iPhone 17 range were more vibrant—but we like the 18 Pro’s punchy Magenta pink, in case Burgundy is just too dark for your tastes.

Casely Cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max – Hundreds of colorful designs

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 39-56g (Classic); 46-62g (Bold Case)
• Raised edge: 1mm-3mm
• Camera edge: 1.5mm
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: 500 different designs

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Casely makes several types of case for the iPhone 18 Pro series. The Classic case is lighter, slimmer and more flexible with a glossy finish (1mm raised screen and camera edges), while the Bold case is more protective (with 8-foot drop protection) and comes with a matte finish and 3mm raised edge. The Align cases offer an even more premium defense, with claimed 10ft drop protection na d a soft-touch grip, and

There are nearly 500 designs to choose from. Some I wouldn’t dare take out of my pocket but everybody’s different, right? There are psychedelic patterns, Beatles cases, plain/plaid/gingham/checkerboard/mirrored/marbled cases, impressionist cases and some just plain crazy styles.

Casely also offers Grippy, a silicone suction phone mount with MagSafe that securely fastens to flat, glossy surfaces such as mirrors and windows for hands-free photo and video shooting or browsing.

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Cases – Customizable cases for everyone

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 69g (Ultra Case)
• Raised edge: 1.4 to 1.8mm
• Camera edge: 0.54 to 2.2mm
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: 1,000s of different designs

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: All iPhone 18 Pro series

Fancy making your iPhone 18 Pro look like an old-school camera, or feature ripple or cloud effects, cartoons, Spiderman, drunk cats, polka dots, stars, and more?

Not only does Casetify have an enormous range of thousands of iPhone case designs, but it offers many with different levels of protection: the slim Impact Case (for everyday defense of up to 8.2-foot drop protection); Ultra Impact Case (heavy duty with extra corner cushioning, thicker bumpers, and more pronounced raised edges, for up to 11.5ft drops); and Bounce & Ultra Bounce Cases (even stronger shock-absorption tech, with up to 32.8-foot drop protection).

You can also choose to include an integrated camera ring that flips out as a stand when you need it and folds flat when you don’t.

Maybe the most bizarre/fun case for the iPhone 18 Pro/Max is the Casetify Cloud Case, pictured above. Built with a premium soft-touch silicone, and offering 6.6ft. drop protection, this case features a Michelin-Man-like protective puffed bumper and body with an ergonomic grip. The raised bezel from the screen is a mighty 2.1mm with 2.4mm raised camera ring. Available in Cotton, White, Sky Blue, and Marshmellow Pink, it is sadly not MagSafe compatible as most of the other Casetify cases are.

Zagg Milan, Luxe and Sedona Cases for iPhone 18 Pro – Fashionable yet protective cases

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: From 34g
• Raised edge: 2mm
• Camera edge: 1.2mm
• Drop protection: 16 feet (Sedona), 13 feet (Milan), 10 feet (Luxe)
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Obsidian, Glitter, Polka, Ethereal, Navy, Pink, Mint, Navy, Gray, Green and more

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Zagg embraces fashion with its Milan range of iPhone cases, from ethereal waves to polka dots with many varied styles to choose from—we are particularly taken by Ethereal Wave and Essence. The Milan case can be purchased with or without a kickstand but all are MagSafe compatible, with a textured grip and 13ft drop protection.

The Sedona series of cases feature more deep, muted tones than the sometimes wild Milan, but still with super-tough 16ft drop protection. It comes with a secure grip and kickstand option.

The Luxe Case features lesser but still effective 10ft drop protection and is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials in a handful of diverse colorways.

Nomad Sport Case – Smooth and grippy at the same time

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 47g
• Raised edge: 1mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Drop protection: 8 feet
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Driftwood, Lunar Gray, Black, Rosewood

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

The minimalist Sport Case features both a satin-smooth backplate and grippy bumpers to make it less easy to accidentally drop but still easy to pull from a pocket. Interchangeable Stellar Orange buttons are included

With 2.2mm thick bumpers, its drop protection is 8 feet—so perfect for placing on the top of your head even if you are very tall.

ESR Classic Hybrid Case for iPhone 18 Pro – Affordable protection with great flexible stand

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 47g
• Raised edge: 1.2mm
• Camera edge: 2.4mm
• Drop protection: 16 feet
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Clear, Black, Blue, Bubblegum Pink, Deep Burgundy, Misty Blue, Orange

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

ESR’s Classic Hybrid Case for the iPhone 18 Pro series offers a clear or frosted TPU, PC and acrylic body that offers super-robust 16-foot drop protection plus an adjustable Flex stand that is an effective zinc-alloy camera-lens guard when not acting as the stable stand.

On top of the varied color options, stand and protective functions, it is attractively priced. The Clear version of the ESR Classic Hybrid Case is best if you want to stick to Apple’s original iPhone color, and the MagSafe logo is much less obtrusive than on Apple’s own Clear Case.

OtterBox Figura and Lumen iPhone 18 Pro Cases – Smooth, minimalist cases

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: From 27g
• Colors: Crema, Black, Eros (pink), Polus (blue), Terra (brown), Pois Green, Tortoise, Garden, Petals

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

A simple minimalist iPhone 18 Pro series case, the OtterBox Figura Case is the brand’s most affordable case while still offering a covered camera plateau and raised edges, plus MagSafe compatibility. It has a soft, smooth texture, and we like the plain but Apple-simple Crema color (first pictured above)—although there are a bunch to choose from.

The similar but lower-profile OtterBox Lumen Case (Black only, shown on right of the picture above) is the lightest at just 34g. As with the Figura case, drop protection is down to 1x but that should still save you from casual drops and knocks. The OtterBox Commuter (3x), Sole (5x), and Defender Pro (7x) also reviewed here offer higher levels of drop protection.

Torras Ostand cases – Punchy looks and great stand

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 47g
• Raised edge: 1.2mm
• Camera edge: Up to 1.45mm
• Drop protection: 8 to 16 feet
• Colors: Many, many

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Aside from its stellar array of fun color choices, what (ahem) stands out about the Torras Ostand range of iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases is its 360° precision Ostand that rotates all the way around for stable hands-free support. Turning it can get addictive like with a fidget spinner.

The cases themselves are well built and come in all sorts of hues. Hats off to the naming teams for color titles such as Dusk Purple, Violet Summit, Polar Slate, Amber Brown, Raspberry Mist, Moon Jellyfish, Blueish Mint, and more. The cases aren’t just fun to look at, they feel great in the hand, too.

You’ll need a while to inspect the whole range, which offers maybe too many models to choose from. These include the entry-level Ostand Q3 Spin (also available as a clear case), with claimed 8ft drop protection and raised screen and camera guards. The Ostand Q3 Air Pro is my favorite—it has an anti-slip side texture to improve hand grip, Air Pro Tech protection with a dual-layer airbag system (Air Duet) that absorbs impact in stages: the outer airbag intercepts impact, while the inner airbag disperses residual shock. It claims 16.4ft drop protection.

The Ostand Q3 VegSkin features a “refined leather-inspired” touch, the Ostand Gradient Air available in Dusk Haze, Alaska Aurora, or Arizona Glow, and the Ostand Q3 Air Football Limited (pictured above) has options that match national soccer jerseys, including USA, Argentina, England, Portugal, and Germany.

Mous Printed Collabs cases – Clear case with printed designs

• MagSafe compatible: Optional
• Weight: From 39g
• Raised edge: 1.8mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Many designs (Black or Stone sides)

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

You can order from Mous’s wide range of designs, printed on durable, rigid iPhone 18 Pro/Max cases with the company’s AiroShock tech, similar to the company’s Clarity clear cases but with less of the iPhone’s original color showing through—these designs are more fun. Choose from Stripes and Checks, Floral, Animal Prints, Polka Dots, Serpent, Fruits, and our favorite Deconstruct that acts as if you can see the circuitry inside your iPhone.

Burga iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases – Stylish fade-resistant designs

• MagSafe compatible: Optional
• Weight: From 46g
• Raised edge: 1.7mm
• Camera edge: 0.6mm; 0.8mm (Elite)
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: 500+ designs

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Another enormous range of designs is available from Burga, a favorite of my daughter. There are over 500 to choose from, so give your self time to scroll. There are also three different case types: Tough, Elite, and Elite Mirror. Tough is a classic glossy, lightweight hard shell case, while the Elite features higher end structural benefits—including CloudGuard shock absorption, microfibre lining, and improved side grips. The Elite Mirror a reflective surface and premium metallic camera bezels. Burga has another case type called the Puffy Elite that has a squishy texture made with a soft, bouncy, and touchable exterior, but there were no puffy cases for the 18-series at the time of writing.

OtterBox Defender Pro, Sole & Commuter Cases – Serious multi-layer protection

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 50g (Pro XT); 63g (Pro)
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Black, Blue, Green

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

You have to work to get the maximum protection for your iPhone. You construct the OtterBox Defender Pro cases for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max from either two or three protective pieces. OtterBox claims it has been tested to 7x military-grade protection levels. The slimmer two-part Defender Pro XT case remains reasonably thin but lacks the grippier sides of the three-part non-XT model. Its back is clear, although some versions have a pattern on top.

Both feature shock-absorbing corners that don’t bulge out too much as on some ultra-protective cases. The final third layer on the Defender Pro provides grippy sides and back to help prevent phone drops in the first place.

These cases include a cover for the USB-C charging port to stop fluff and other debris entering and causing charging problems down the line.

With 5x military-grade protection, the OtterBox Sole Case is a one-part design with a high-ridge tread around the case edge that feels rugged and adds grip. There’s an Xtra Hot Pink version for adventurous pinkies, who will also appreciate its removable, colorful finger loop.

Also highly protective, the OtterBox Commuter Case, pictured above, comes with a new retractable finger grip that tucks away flat when you don’t need it and opens with a single finger when you do ($59.99) and without ($49.99). Military-grade protection is down from 7x to a still-impressive 3x as commuters are less at risk of wandering into combat zones on the way to the office. It’s a slimmer dual-layer design with an inner rubber cover to absorb impacts and a rigid outer shell for bangs and scrapes, and again the charging port is covered. Also available at Amazon.

Zagg Rainier and Teton Cases for iPhone 18 Pro – Extreme 22-foot drop protection

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: From 68g
• Raised edge: Up to 2.75mm
• Camera edge: 1.2mm
• Drop protection: 22 feet
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Black, Pop Pink, Wild Green, Sandstone, Navy Blue, Moss, Aubergine, Electric Orange

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Zagg has two super-protective cases, each with 22ft drop protection. Both the Rainier and Teton cases are put together in a two-piece construction with reinforced frame and rugged case with impact-absorbing bumpers. Both feature a dual-orientation kickstand that lies flush with the case when folded in.

In terms of looks, the Teton has a plainer design and the Rainier is colored on the sides and edges. The difference is also pronounced at the vulnerable edges with the Ranier boasting a 2.75mm raised edge around the screen compared to the Teton’s shorter 2mm.

Zagg markets its Teton iPhone case as engineered for harsh environments and rough terrain, and it comes with a holster for outdoor carrying.

Rokform Rugged and Crystal – Nothing looks tougher

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: From 75g
• Raised edge: 2mm
• Camera edge: 1mm
• Drop protection: 6 feet
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Black, Semi-Clear

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Available only in black (Rugged Case) and a black and barely clear (Crystal Case) Rokform’s cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max appear to have only one thing on their minds, and that’s super protection—but they’re actually more clever than that. For protection, few cases look as tough—the build pairs a shock-absorbing TPU inner shell with a rigid polycarbonate outer shell and reinforced corners that push impact away from the screen and camera for true 360-degree defense. The sides are textured for better grip. There’s undoubtedly added bulk but it still adds only 4.15mm thickness.

If you want to see a little of the iPhone’s own color, the Crystal Case has the same defensive highlights but a semi-clear design.

On the tough back of each case, the company’s RokLock twist-lock system attaches to a full range of bike, motorcycle and vehicle mounts.

Nomad Rugged Leather Case – Refined robustness

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 47g (Pro); 55g (Max)
• Raised edge: 1.85mm
• Camera edge: 0.7mm
• Drop protection: 15 feet
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Norte, Balandra, Arroyo

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Nomad’s most protective iPhone 18 case is the aptly named Rugged Case. It has a combination of durable polycarbonate frame with fortified corner bumpers to protect your iPhone 18 from all angles. Drop protection is an impressive 15 feet, in case you like taking your iPhone out while climbing ladders or leaning out of windows.

The backs feature eye-catching topographic maps based on Californian watersports spots famous for surfing and kiteboarding.

ESR Cyber Tough Magnetic Case – Solid colors, solid stand, solid design

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 72g
• Raised edge: 1.7mm
• Camera edge: 2.4mm
• Drop protection: 26 feet
• Button covers: Plastic
• Colors: Black, Navy Blue, Deep Burgundy, Misty Blue, Orange, Space Gray, Olive Green

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

ESR’s most robust case is the Cyber Tough for the iPhone 18 Pro series. Drop protection is upped to 26 feet with its triple-layer shockproof structure featuring a rigid PC back, flexible TPE bumper, and PORON foam to absorb and disperse impacts.

The adjustable Flex stand pulls out from the zinc-alloy camera-lens guard. Despite being so tough, the case is still available in a wide range of colors including a striking orange.

Mous Limitless cases – Tough and attractive

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: From 41g
• Raised edge: 1.8mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Button covers: Plastic; Metal option
• Colors: Many colors

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Mous offers a range of protective cases to its iPhone 18 Pro series range, with its flagship Limitless Case, plus slimmer Aramid Fiber Ultra Thin and Super Thin cases.

Limitless (from $69.99) is available in a range of colors and styles including the famous Mous Walnut finish, Black Leather, Speckled and of course Dark Cherry for the iPhone 18 Pro and Max. Other colors include Marine and Sky (different shades of blue) Stone, and Sage (green). The Limitless case is built from stiff, interlocking AiroShock impact-absorbing materials that reduce torsion or twisting during impact, adding structural rigidity. During purchase you can swap in a Camera Guard (sold separately) for full camera-bump coverage, or a Camera Kickstand for hands-free viewing. You can also upgrade to sandblasted and anodized, machined aluminum buttons to color match your case.

Mous offers a Super Thin Case (with 1.3mm sides and 2mm back, and slightly lower 1.2mm raised screen edge) plus the lightweight 30g Ultra Thin Aramid Case (0.7mm sides and 1.7mm back) made from a material more commonly found in ballistic protection.

Torras Ostand Q3 Rugged – Defensive but still fun

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 60g
• Raised edge: 1.4mm
• Camera edge: 0.8mm
• Drop protection: 16 feet
• Colors: Jet Black, Island Blue, Plum Purple, Sunrise White

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

We mentioned the Torras Ostand cases earlier, and all offer decent everyday protection and more, but the Ostand Rugged likes to think of itself as the best when it comes to top-line defense. It is built with a flexible TPU bumper, dual-layer TPU air cushions at the top and bottom, 1.4 mm raised bezel around the screen, and a rigid 3mm rubberized matte PC back panel for impact protection and more comfortable grip. The Island Blue and Sunrise White colorways make it stand out from other super-tough iPhone 18 cases.

Pitaka Cairn, Summa and Edge Cases – Aramid Fibre patterns

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 33g (Cairn, Summa), 20g (Edge)
• Raised edge: 0.1-0.3mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Drop protection: 4 feet (Summa), 8 feet (Cairn)
• Colors: Burgundy, Sunset Moment, California Dream and Twilight and Midnight

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Pitaka is known for its tough woven aramid fiber cases with a pleasant silky-smooth texture. Distinctive colors include Sunset Moment, California Dream and Twilight and Midnight patterns, but there are also plainer and latticed patterns to choose from.

The Pitaka Cairn Case is the toughest, made from a combination of aramid fiber and shock-absorbing TPU. The four corners feature an arched design that creates space around the phone, acting like built-in air cushions. On impact, they should deform to absorb shock.

The sleek Pitaka Summa Case has a slightly slimmer profile but the robust same aramid fiber shell.

The super-thin Pitaka Edge Case leaves more of the sides exposed but still offers solid protection despite being only just over 1mm thick and weighing less than 20g. It uses what Pitaka calls Mammoth Resin fused with the aramid fiber to reinforce structural integrity.

Nomad Leather Cases – Traditional, Modern, Clear, Back

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: From 35g
• Raised edge: From 1mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Drop protection: 8 feet (Modern)
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Saddle, Rustic Brown, Black, Burgundy, Olde Dublin

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Nomad has four different types of leather cases for the iPhone 18 Pro series.

The Traditional Leather Case is available in Camino or Horween leathers with a full wrap from sides to back. Adding further protection, the Modern Leather Case has a grippy TPU bumper and 8ft drop protection.

The interesting hybrid Clear Leather Case has has a clear polycarbonate body that’s UV-blocking to stop yellowing, but also a leather back that hides the MagSafe elements that spoil that Apple Clear Case. If you like your iPhone 18’s color and slimness more than most, the Mag Leather Back is an ultra-thin, precision-cut 2.2mm case-back that snaps on with micro-suction patches and an integrated magnet array. You lose any side protection but gain back the iPhone’s original thin frame.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro TechWoven Case – Apple's leather alternative

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Burgundy, Olive, Taupe, Chambray Blue, Mulberry, Black

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple has created its own custom technical woven fabric that’s made from 100% recycled polyester. It looks great as it features multiple colored yarns woven together—on a Jacquard loom—that creates a dimensional texture with a rich depth of color. There are six colors to choose from. As with its Silicone Case, Apple’s range is muted rather than vibrant. Look elsewhere for some fun, but TechWoven is certainly lovely to look at.

To give a better grip, the TechWoven Case’s sides are coated with a lightly textured thermoplastic polyurethane.

ESR iPhone 18 Pro Max Atelier Case – Vegan leather, zinc-alloy stand

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 47g
• Raised edge: 1.85mm
• Camera edge: 0.5mm
• Drop protection: 12 feet
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Black, Deep Burgundy, Light Gray, Misty Blue

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

ESR’s Atelier Case brings a mixture of a refined leather feel with robust protection, with drop protection up to 12 feet via its TPU frame, microfiber lining, and raised edges.

One of its standout features is the Flex Stand that pulls out from the protective camera guard and adjusts from 15° to 69° for easy viewing in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Troubadour Leather Cases – Actual leather with mod option

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 40g
• Raised edge: 1mm
• Camera edge: 1mm
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Black, Basalt, Tan, Obsidian Green, Terracotta

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Amazon: iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 18 Pro Max

Previously sold under the Mujjo brand name, the Troubadour Leather Case for iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max is crafted from full-grain, velour Danish calfskin, vegetable-tanned and processed with waterless DriTan technology. As there are no plastic coatings, the leather acquires a patina over time. Inside there’s a satin-soft Japanese microfiber lining.

Troubadour, which makes some of Macworld’s favorite MacBook bags, also sells a Modular Case model featuring a removable magnetic back panel that allows you to switch between two modes. With the magnetic panel removed, a leather bumper protects the sides and corners while leaving the back of the phone bare. MagSafe accessories, such as the $49 / £49 MagSafe 3 Card Leather Wallet Stand, sit snugly inside the cavity rather than stacking on the back, keeping the profile slim in hand and in your pocket.

Casebellé Vintage Luxe and Timeless Cases – Personalize your leather

• MagSafe compatible: Yes
• Weight: 40g
• Raised edge: 1.15mm
• Camera edge: 1mm
• Button covers: Metal
• Colors: Racing Green, Stone Gray, Sky Blue, Umber, Dark Brown, Noir Black, Burgundy

Available for: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Casebellé uses two leathers: Vintage Luxe is vachetta, vegetable-tanned in Tuscany; and Timeless Luxe is Italian nappa full-grain leather. Both are designed to age with a patina. A luxury microfiber lining protects against scratches and dust.

Burgundy is dyed through in the same wine dark red as the iPhone 18 Pro/Max, and deepens with age rather than wearing off the way a coated finish does. Sky Blue matches Apple’s Glacier. We’d have loved Apple to make a Racing Green iPhone just like one of the Casebellé cases.

This case stands out with its personalization options with custom embossing in gold, silver, or blind emboss (up to 4 characters).

1.

What is Apple’s Ceramic Shield protection for iPhones?

2.

Why do you need an iPhone case?

3.

Will the iPhone 18 Pro fit a case for the iPhone 17 Pro?

4.

Do I need a screen protector if I use a case?

5.

What type of iPhone case offers the best protection?

Can I downgrade from macOS Golden Gate to Tahoe?

Yes, it is possible to downgrade from macOS Golden Gate (macOS 27) to macOS Tahoe (macOS 26), but the process is complex and requires you to completely wipe your Mac’s data and install the older version of macOS.

Before you begin, confirm that your Mac can run Tahoe. A Mac cannot install a version of macOS older than the version it originally shipped with. A Mac introduced with Golden Gate may therefore be unable to run Tahoe, even if another Mac with a similar processor can. Check Apple’s compatibility information before erasing anything.

You need the following:

• A backup: You will have to wipe your Mac, so you need to have a backup of your data.
• The correct macOS version: You need to download the full installer for the version of macOS you want to install.
• An external drive: You need to create a bootable installer of macOS. Apple says a 32GB USB drive has more than enough space for any macOS installer; 16GB is sufficient for most older versions.
• A reliable internet connection: The installer may need to download firmware and other information specific to your Mac.

Follow these steps, which we explain in more detail below:

1. Back up your Mac.
2. Check that your Mac can run macOS Tahoe.
3. Get the Tahoe installer.
4. Create a bootable installer.
5. Shut down your Mac and start it from the bootable installer.
6. Erase the internal startup volume using Disk Utility.
7. Install macOS Tahoe.
8. Set up the Mac and recover compatible files from your backup.

Can I downgrade macOS 27.1 to iOS 27.0 (or macOS 26.7 to 26.6)?

Apple issues multiple point updates throughout the year. If something breaks following an update, you may want to return to the previous release—for example, by downgrading from macOS 27.1 to macOS 27.0. The same principle applies to subsequent Golden Gate updates.

Rolling back a point update can be more difficult than downgrading from Golden Gate to Tahoe because you need the full installer for the exact earlier release. Apple generally offers only the latest installer for each major version of macOS, so the macOS 27.0 installer may no longer be available after macOS 27.1 has been released.

However, you may be able to obtain the required version of macOS using Terminal. We detail how to do this below (see step 2). As of September 2026 there were various version installers of Tahoe and Sequoia available using this method.

A Time Machine backup cannot provide the missing installer or reinstall the earlier operating system. If you have access to the appropriate full installer, you can create bootable installation media and follow the erase-and-install process described below. If Apple no longer offers that release and you did not retain its installer, an ordinary downgrade may not be possible.

Downgrading macOS to an earlier version: Step-by-step guide

The steps below will help you revert to macOS Tahoe. Before you start, remember that you must wipe your Mac and perform a clean installation of Tahoe.

Reminder: This will erase your Mac, so make sure you have a backup of important files before continuing.

Before you begin: Back up your Mac

Backing up your Mac is the most critical step before a downgrade because the process requires erasing your startup drive, which removes all locally stored data. If you don’t already have a backup, you will need to make one.

Time Machine is the standard backup method for most Mac users, but restoring data from a newer version of macOS to an older one can present problems. A Time Machine backup made under Golden Gate may contain Photos libraries, Mail databases, settings, application data, and versions of apps that are not compatible with Tahoe.

A backup made while the Mac was still running Tahoe is therefore the safest one to use. However, it won’t contain files created or changed after the upgrade to Golden Gate. If Golden Gate is still working, make a separate copy of every irreplaceable document you have created or modified since upgrading.

Before recovering data from a Time Machine backup, you must install Tahoe on the Mac. You can then use Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant to transfer compatible accounts, apps, settings, and files from the backup.

If you store documents in iCloud Drive or use iCloud Photos, fully synchronized items should become available again when you sign in to the same Apple Account after reinstalling macOS. Before erasing the Mac, check iCloud.com or another Apple device to confirm that important documents, photos, and videos have uploaded successfully. Remember that iCloud is a synchronization service rather than a separate backup, so keep an independent copy of irreplaceable files where possible.

To ensure your data remains accessible after you return to an older version of macOS, consider these backup strategies:

• Manual file copying: Copy your most important files, folders, photos, and music to an external storage drive.
• Third-party backup software: Tools for backing up a Mac, such as ChronoSync, Get Backup Pro, SuperDuper, or Carbon Copy Cloner can create a separate copy of your data. Do not assume that a clone created under Golden Gate will be bootable on your Mac or that it can replace the Tahoe installer.
• Cloud synchronization: Make sure cloud storage services such as iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive have finished synchronizing. Do not assume that every app’s data is stored in the cloud, as some applications store data only locally.
• Time Machine: If you have a Time Machine backup from before you upgraded to Golden Gate, you can use it to transfer compatible data after reinstalling Tahoe.

For more help read: How to back up a Mac.

1.

Check that your Mac can run Tahoe

2.

Get the macOS Tahoe installer

3.

Create a bootable Tahoe installer

4.

Start your Mac from the bootable installer

5.

Erase the internal startup volume

6.

Install macOS Tahoe

7.

Set up your Mac

8.

Transfer data from your Time Machine backup

Apple MacBook Air M5

Which iOS are we on?

The current version of the iPhone operating system is iOS 27. The next major update is likely to be iOS 27.1 in October. The biggest addition coming in iOS 27.1 is expected to be expanded language support for new Siri AI. For details of the latest iOS 27 release, new features, beta updates and compatibility, see our complete iOS 27 Guide.

Apple is also continuing to issue security updates for iOS 26: iOS 26.7 was released alongside iOS 27 on September 14, primarily providing security fixes for users who haven’t yet upgraded.

iOS version history: Every iOS and the features it brought

There are significant milestones scattered across the iOS timeline:

iPhone OS (2007): iOS made its debut in 2007 with the first iPhone. However, when Steve Jobs held the little device aloft revealing it to the world for the first time, it wasn’t running iOS 1. Instead, it was reported by Apple to be powered by OS X, the software for the Mac. Over time it was called iPhone OS, until finally gaining its now legendary name in the fourth generation of the software when it was shortened to iOS in 2010.

iPhone OS 2 (2008): The second major release of the iPhone software was groundbreaking because it brought third party apps and introduced the App Store.

iPhone OS 3 (2009): This update was designed to make it easier to find things, while at the same time adding the ability to have up to 11 pages to the Home Screen. Messages could support MMS, Video recording became possible and it was possible to save voice notes with the Voice Memos app.

iOS 4 (2010): Apple changed the name to iOS and added the ability to put apps in folders for a better organised Home screen with iOS 4. The FaceTime, iBooks and Game Centre apps also arrived. The iPad also joined the scene, sharing the same operating system as the iPhone.

iOS 5 (2011): iOS 5 was introduced along with the iPhone 4S in 2011, which saw the debut of Siri as a built-in part of the operating system. The Notification Centre was introduced and iCloud arrived bringing syncronisation between devices. This was the first time iOS could be installed directly on the iPhone without requiring a computer.

iOS 6 (2012): This is where Apple Maps came onto the scene. Podcasts and Passbook (now Wallet) apps also arrived. iCloud Photo Stream made it easier to share photos with family and friends. iOS 6 was the last with a skeuomorphic design.

iOS 7 (2013): With iOS 7 iPhone users got a redesigned user interface, which looked a lot more modern with flatter icons. iOS 7 introduced AirDrop and CarPlay.

iOS 8 (2014): One of the features of iOS 8 was Continuity, which linked the iPhone, iPad and Mac together, so you could “handoff” tasks from one device to another. Family Sharing also arrived making it easier to manage a child’s iPhone.

iOS 9 (2015): iOS 9 improved the Notes app, added Apple News, and featured a new Night Shift mode that removed some of the blue light that can disturb circadian rhythms and stop someone sleeping.

iOS 10 (2016): There were updates to Messages and changes to the Photos app in iOS 10. A new Home app brought HomeKit control. Maps got a redesign. Universal Clipboard meant that users could copy something on a Mac and paste it on an iPhone, for example.

iOS 11 (2017): Things changed significantly in iOS 11 in 2017 as it brought the first touch and gesture interface, allowing the first iPhone without a Home button – the iPhone X. There was a new Files app making it easier to access content synced or saved in iCloud and the Control Centre got a redesign.

iOS 12 (2018): Screen Time, Memoji, Group FaceTime and Siri Shortcuts were new in iOS 12.

iOS 13 (2019): Another major shift came with iOS 13 in 2019, as Apple’s mobile operating system for the iPad split with the iPhone, with iPadOS powering new iPads. Updates to iOS included Dark Mode, new privacy features and the ability to Sign in with Apple and hide your email address. The Photos and Apple Maps apps got a redesign and a swipe-to-type keyboard was added.

iOS 14 (2020): One of the most notable additions was Back Tap, a feature that effectively turned the back of the iPhone into an extra button. Starting with iOS 14.2, music recognition was built directly into the operating system via a Shazam button.

iOS 15 (2021): Focus Mode arrived in iOS 15 to help users manage the onslaught of notifications, Live Text and Visual Look up made it possible to interact with text within photos (Live Text) and use the camera to identify objects like plants and animals. The Safari browser received a major interface update as did Maps and the Weather app. Read: iOS 15 vs iOS 14.

iOS 16 (2022): One of the most visible changes in iOS 16 was the complete overhaul of the Lock screen, which allowed users to add widgets for the first time to view data at a glance without unlocking their devices. Apple added Rapid Security Responses so that it could deliver important security patches outside of an iOS update. Read: iOS 16 vs iOS 15.

iOS 17 (2023): NameDrop in iOS 17 made it possible to share information by bringing two iPhones together. Stolen Device Protection added a layer of security by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) before an Apple ID password could be changed. Live Voicemail meant that iPhone users could get a live transaction of a message. Read: iOS 17 vs iOS 16.

iOS 18 (2024): The iOS 18 update laid the groundwork for Apple’s subsequent AI initiatives. There was also a complete redesign of the Photos app, a dedicated Passwords app, Control Center Customization and Live Activities (so you could see when your dinner delivery is arriving). Read: iOS 18 vs iOS 17.

iOS 26 (2025): Rather than progress to iOS 19, Apple aligned the numbering of all its operating systems according to the year with iOS 26. It wasn’t just a name change though, there was a significant visual and functional overhaul with a Liquid Glass design language. Big changes also came to the Phone app with Call Screening and Hold Assist. Live Translations make it easy to communicate with foreign friends and colleagues. The Camera app had a simplifying redesign and a Games app replaced Game Centre. Here’s how how iOS 26 and iOS 18 compare.

iOS 27 (2026): iOS 27 launch in September 2026, including a massive overhaul of Siri, better Apple Intelligence integration, improved photo and camera tools, and parental control enhancements. Here’s how iOS 26 and iOS 27 compare.

Which iOS versions are supported by Apple?

As of September 2026, iOS 27 is Apple’s current iPhone operating system and the version receiving new features and functionality. It can run on the iPhone 11 and newer, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later.

Every iPhone that supports iOS 26 also supports iOS 27, but Apple is continuing to maintain iOS 26 with security updates, at least for now. On September 14, Apple released iOS 26.7 alongside iOS 27, allowing users who haven’t yet upgraded to iOS 27 to continue receiving important security fixes.

Apple also periodically releases security updates for considerably older versions of iOS on devices that can no longer upgrade to a newer release.

Which iOS versions get security updates only?

Even after Apple stops developing new features for older versions of iOS, it continues to issue security updates for some time. As explained in How long does Apple support iPhones?, Apple often provides security patches for devices that can’t run the latest version of iOS.

For example, in August 2026, Apple released an iOS 18 security update that addressed several vulnerabilities. This update was only available for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR (models that cannot upgrade to iOS 26) as Apple generally expects supported devices to move to the latest operating system for ongoing security updates. However, this demonstrates that older devices, such as the iPhone XR and XS series, continue to receive security support even though they are unable to run iOS 26.

Support extends even further back. Also in May 2026, Apple issued security updates for iOS 15 and iOS 16 (Apple doesn’t maintain support for iOS 17 as all compatible handsets can run iOS 18). Updates iOS 15.8.8 and iOS 16.7.16 patched critical vulnerabilities in older devices, including:

• iPhone 6s (all models)
• iPhone 7 (all models)
• iPhone SE (1st gen)
• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X

Many of those iPhones are included in Apple’s list of Obsolete and Vintage iPhones. iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are all Obsolete, while the iPhone X and iPhone 7 are considered Vintage. Notably, the oldest: 2015’s iPhone 6s continues to receive security updates, marking over ten years of support.

Apple may cease support for iOS 15 and iOS 16 now that iOS 27 has launched, but we have not had confirmation of this beyond the absence of a security update in conjunction with iOS 27 and iOS 26.

Earlier, in January 2026, Apple also released updates for iOS 12 to extend support for certificates required by services such as iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, ensuring these features continue to work beyond January 2027. This means that even the aged iPhone 5s received some support in 2026.

Which iPhones support which iOS versions?

Luckily, many iPhones are able to run supported versions of iOS. We run through which iPhone supports which version of iOS in a separate article: iOS compatibility: Find out the latest version your iPhone can run. You may also find this at a glance chart useful:

What is the latest macOS version?

The latest version of macOS is macOS 27 Golden Gate, released on September 14, 2026. Apple is expected to update Golden Gate throughout 2026 and 2027, beginning with macOS 27.1.

For details of the latest macOS 27 release, new features, beta updates and compatibility, see our complete macOS 27 Golden Gate Guide.

macOS version history: Every macOS and Mac OS X version and the features it brought

macOS is Apple’s operating system for the Mac, in the same way iOS runs on the iPhone and iPadOS runs on the iPad. It provides the user interface and acts as the link between a Mac’s hardware and its software.

All Macs have run macOS – formerly known as Mac OS X – since its debut in 2001. Before that, Apple computers used Mac OS 9. macOS is based on Unix technology developed at NeXT, the company Steve Jobs founded before returning to Apple.

Since its launch on March 24, 2001, macOS has evolved significantly, gaining tighter integration with iOS devices, cloud services, and productivity features such as Time Machine, Quick Look, Exposé, Spaces, and Desktop Stacks.

Below is a complete overview of macOS versions, showing how Apple’s desktop operating system has developed over time, along with the official names and internal codenames used for each release.

OS X 10 beta: Released in September 13, 2000, this preview version of OS X was codenamed Kodiak. It was based on technology from NeXT Computer, which was another company founded by Apple founder Steve Jobs and it introduced the Aqua user interface as well as protected memory and preemptive multitasking to stop crashes. This beta cost $29.95.

OS X 10.0: Code named Cheetah, this was the first major release of Mac OS X, arriving on March 14, 2001. It was Apple’s first OS built on a Unix-based foundation. Unfortunately it was slow and rough around the edges.

OS X 10.1: Just a few months ofter the first version of Mac OS X launched, Apple introduced the Puma update on September 15, 2001. This time is was stable and ready for everyday use, hardware support was better, and other issues with the fist version were addressed.

OS X 10.2: Jaguar arrived on August 14, 2002, significantly improving performance and usability, introducing Quartz Extreme for smoother graphics, a faster Finder, and better networking. iChat was one of the new features.

OS X 10.3: In October 2003 Apple introduced Panther which focused on speed, stability, and polish, delivering noticeably faster performance and a more responsive system. New features included: Exposé for managing windows, Fast User Switching, and FileVault disk encryption. Safari arrived as the default web browser.

OS X 10.4: Tiger arrived in April 2005 with new features like Spotlight search and Dashboard widgets.

OS X 10.5: In October 2007 Leopard arrived and added features like Time Machine for automated backups, Spaces for virtual desktops, and a redesigned Finder with Cover Flow. Time Machine also arrived as a simple way to back up a Mac.

OS X 10.6: Released in 2009, Snow Leopard focused on performance, stability, and efficiency rather than flashy new features.

OS X 10.7 Lion: Arriving in July 2011, Lion brought iPad-inspired features to the Mac, like Launchpad, full-screen apps, and multi-touch gestures. It also introduced system-wide Auto Save, Resume, and Versions so that users didn’t need to worry about manual saving.

OS X 10.8: A year later, in 2012 Mountain Lion brought more iOS features to the Mac including Messages, Reminders, Notes, Notification Center, and iCloud integration. Gatekeeper security was also emphasised.

OS X 10.9: In October 2013 Apple stopped naming Mac OS X versions after big cats and switched to Californian landmarks, starting with Mavericks. It introduced features like Finder Tabs, Tags, and memory compression, making Macs faster and more responsive. It was also the first time Apple offered the Max OS X update for free.

OS X 10.10: Introduced in October 2014, Yosemite brought a major visual redesign with a cleaner, flatter interface, translucent elements, and a more modern look inspired by iOS (iOS 7 with its big redesign had been introduced in 2013). Continuity features from the iPhone and iPad included Handoff, iCloud Drive, and the ability to make and receive calls and texts from a Mac.

OS X 10.11: El Capitan arrived in September 2015 and, like Snow Leopard in 2007, focused more on refinement and stability. It brought improvements like better window management (Split View), smoother graphics, and performance boosts.

macOS 10.12: In September 2016 macOS Sierra was the first version to be referred to as macOS rather than Mac OS X, better aligning it with iOS, watchOS and tvOS. It brought Siri to the Mac and improved integration with iPhone and iPad with features like Universal Clipboard.

macOS 10.13: This was another update where the focus was on performance rather than flashy new features. High Sierra in September 2017 brought updates to core apps like Photos and Safari but mostly focused on security and efficiency updates.

macOS 10.14: In September 2018, Mojave introduced a system-wide Dark Mode and introduced Desktop Stacks for better file organization.

macOS 10.15: Arriving in October 2019, Catalina replaced iTunes with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps and introduced Sidecar so an iPad could be used as a second display for a Mac. It also ended support for 32-bit apps.

macOS 11: Big Sur was the first version to drop the ten, from Mac OS X, and start again at 11. Launched in November 2020 it was a major redesign of Apple’s Mac operating system, with a cleaner, more modern interface, updated icons, a refined Control Center, and closer visual alignment with iOS.

macOS 12: Arriving in October 2021, Monterey introduced Universal Control (one mouse/keyboard across Mac and iPad) and improved FaceTime.

macOS 13: macOS Ventura arrived in October 2022 and introduced Stage Manager for better multitasking, improved Continuity features (including using an iPhone as a webcam, and brought major updates to Mail, Safari, and Spotlight. Read: How Ventura and Monterey compare.

macOS 14: In September 2023 Sonoma made the desktop more immersive with animated wallpapers and desktop widgets you can interact with. There were game-focused improvements in Game Mode and video conferencing features like Presenter Overlay were added. Here’s how Sonoma compares to Ventura.

macOS 15: A year later in September 2024, Sequoia brought iPhone Mirroring and added Apple Intelligence features. Here’s how Sequoia compares to Sonoma.

macOS 26: Tahoe arrived in September 2025 with a bold new Liquid Glass design with transparent, customizable interface elements and tighter integration with iPhone and iPad. As with iPhone and iPad, Apple unified version numbering, so the macOS jumped from macOS 15 to 26. Apple also expanded Apple Intelligence, improved Spotlight, improved the Phone related features, and added a new Games app. This was the final macOS version to support Intel-based Macs. See how macOS 26 Tahoe compares to macOS 15 Sequoia.

macOS 27: macOS 27 Golden Gate was released on September 14, 2026, bringing Siri AI, Visual Intelligence, enhanced Spotlight search, performance improvements, and refinements to the Liquid Glass interface introduced with macOS Tahoe. Golden Gate is also the first major macOS release to require Apple silicon, ending support for Intel-powered Macs. See how macOS 27 Golden Gate compares to macOS 26 Tahoe.

1.

Which macOS versions are still supported?

2.

How does Apple choose Mac OS X and macOS names?

3.

How do I check my macOS version?

4.

Can I run the macOS beta?

5.

How can I install the latest version of macOS?

Is your Mac too old?

We know that Macs cost a fair bit of money and not everyone has the luxury of upgrading every few years. But at what point is it time to consider upgrading your Mac?

Is the hardware to old? One factor to consider is the age at which most Macs start to experience issues, such as random shutdowns and degraded batteries that no longer hold their charge. Unfortunately, at one point repairing your Mac or MacBook will no longer be a viable option and you will need to look for a replacement. There is a point at which Apple stops providing the required parts for Macs, rating them either obsolete and vintage. Once a Mac is considered vintage (you can find a list of vintage and obsolete Macs below) we would recommend that you upgrade it.

Is the software to old? Another issue with aging Macs is that the software you need may not run on it. You may find that your Mac cannot update to the latest version of macOS (Apple’s Mac operating system software), but it’s even more concerning if Apple is no longer issuing security updates to the version of macOS you can run – because that make you open to malware and security vulnerabilities. We will explain which versions of macOS are supported – and for how much longer, below.

If the following apply, it is probably the case that your Mac has reached the end of its useful life:

• Apple no longer supports the latest version of the software it runs (which could leave you vulnerable).
• The apps you need to use no longer run on it.
• The Mac struggles to perform the tasks you need it to – especially as you can’t update the RAM and other components.
• Something breaks and is too expensive to fix, or the parts aren’t available.
• The Mac is becoming unreliable. Unexpected shutdowns are becoming commonplace and you’ve tried everything to fix the problem to no avail.

Software support: Which Macs are supported by macOS updates – and why it matters…

Only the most recent version of macOS gets feature updates, but Apple typically continues to support the previous two releases with bug fixes and critical security updates.

Following the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate on September 14, 2026, Apple is currently providing security updates for:

• macOS 27 Golden Gate
• macOS 26 Tahoe
• macOS 18 Sequoia

Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8 alongside Golden Gate, while macOS Sonoma, last updated in August 2026, did not receive an equivalent update on September 14. This strongly suggests that regular security support for Sonoma has now ended.

For now, if your Mac can run macOS Golden Gate, Tahoe or Sequoia, you can be confident that Apple is still addressing security vulnerabilities and other significant issues in those operating systems.

If your Mac is running an older version of the Mac operating system, you will find yourself out in the cold when it comes to essential security updates to Apple’s software. Read: The latest version of macOS your Mac can run.

Another reason why you should run a supported macOS version is that if it is too old you may also find that your other Apple products aren’t compatible with your Mac. For example, without the latest security update, you may no longer be able to use Apple Pay or other means to pay for services online, for example. And if you want to sync your iPad or iPhone with your Mac (rather than using iCloud) you will need a recent version of macOS. Since Catalina, syncing is done via the Finder, rather than iTunes. If you can’t run macOS Catalina you will need at least iTunes 12.8.2.3 and at least Mac OS X 10.11.6 (El Capitan) or your Mac will not recognize your iPhone or iPad.

That said, there was a surprise update to macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina in 2026: On February 2 Apple issued a update to fix a FaceTime and Messages Certificate in order to ensure that those communication tools remained operational on the older systems. This doesn’t mean that Apple is offering security updates to those versions of macOS, though.

Does Apple still support Intel Macs?

macOS 27 Golden Gate marks the end of major macOS upgrades for Intel Macs. Golden Gate supports no Intel-powered Macs, so Apple silicon is now required to run the latest version of macOS.

That doesn’t mean software support for Intel Macs has ended completely. Apple released security updates for macOS Tahoe and macOS Sequoia alongside Golden Gate in September 2026, and both versions support some Intel Macs. We expect Sequoia to continue receiving security updates until fall 2027 and Tahoe until fall 2028, which means a small number of Intel Macs could remain supported until then.

Despite this, we don’t recommend buying an Intel-powered Mac today. An M1 or newer Mac will have a considerably longer useful software life.

Which Macs are supported by Apple in 2026

With Apple now supporting macOS Golden Gate, Tahoe and Sequoia, security coverage extends back as far as the 2017 iMac Pro. It is likely that Macs that can only run macOS Sonoma, including the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air, have now fallen out of Apple’s regular security-update cycle, although Apple has not confirmed this.

Macs supported by macOS 27 Golden Gate

macOS 27 Golden Gate supports Apple silicon Macs, including:

• MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 2026)
• MacBook Air (M1, 2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (M1, 2020 and later)
• iMac (M1, 2021 and later)
• Mac mini (M1, 2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (all models)
• Mac Pro (Apple silicon, 2023 and later)

Macs only supported by macOS 26 Tahoe

The following Intel Macs can run macOS 26 Tahoe, but cannot be upgraded to macOS 27 Golden Gate:

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
• Mac Pro (2019)
• Mac Studio (all models)

Macs only supported by macOS 15 Sequoia

The following Macs can run macOS Sequoia, but cannot be upgraded to Tahoe or Golden Gate:

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020, Intel)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
• Mac mini (2018)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)
• iMac Pro (2017)

For clarity, macOS 15 was the predecessor of macOS 26.

What are the oldest Macs supported by Apple?

• Oldest supported Mac: 2017 iMac Pro

As of September 2026, the oldest Mac still receiving regular Apple security updates is the 2017 iMac Pro, because it can run macOS Sequoia.

The 2018 and 2019 MacBook Air can only run macOS Sonoma and have now fallen out of Apple’s regular security-update cycle following the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate.

The 2018 MacBook Pro and Mac mini, and the 2019 iMac, can run macOS Sequoia and should therefore continue receiving security updates until around fall 2027, assuming Apple maintains its usual support pattern.

Which Macs aren’t supported by macOS?

We expect support for 2023’s macOS 14 Sonoma to have now ended, which means these Macs, which cannot be upgraded to macOS 15 Sequoia, are now unsupported:

• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
• MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)

The following Macs lost support when Apple stopped issuing security updates for 2022’s macOS Ventura following the release of macOS Tahoe in September 2025:

• MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
• MacBook Pro (2017)
• iMac (2017)

When Apple introduced Sequoia in 2024, it dropped support for macOS Monterey, meaning that Macs that couldn’t update beyond Monterey could no longer receive regular security updates:

• iMac (2015)
• MacBook Air (2017)
• MacBook Pro (2016)
• Mac mini (2014)
• Mac Pro (2013)

All Macs older than those listed above are also no longer supported by Apple’s regular software updates.

If your Mac is around a decade old, you should assume that it is no longer receiving regular security updates. In fact, we’d recommend avoiding any Mac that doesn’t have Apple silicon inside: M1 or newer.

Does it matter if my Mac won’t run a supported macOS?

Once you cannot update your Mac to run a supported version of macOS you are vulnerable to security breaches, which should obviously be a concern. You may also find that you can’t carry out transactions on the internet if you want to pay for things on your out-of-date Mac.

It’s also probably that the software you need won’t run on your Mac. Apple and other companies stop supporting older versions of the applications they make, so there could be issues with the versions of the software you are running. If you are experiencing random shutdowns, for example, it could be due to problems with an app you are running – problems that will not be addressed by the developer because that version of the app is no longer supported.

If you want to run fully supported software then you will need to update to a newer version of macOS – and that may mean that you need to update your Mac. Although, there are workarounds to install a new version of macOS on an old Mac if you need to.

Once Apple no longer supports your Macs with operating system updates, it’s probably a good time to replace your Mac.

When do Macs become obsolete?

But it’s not just software updates that determine the lifespan of a Mac. It’s also a question of whether it will be possible to fix your Mac should something go wrong with the hardware. Apple has two standards that indicate hardware support is waining: Obsolete or Vintage. The first stage is Vintage: you might be lucky enough to get parts for this Mac, the second is Obsolete: you are out on your own when it comes to any attempt to mend the Mac if it goes wrong.

If you look at Apple’s list of Obsolete Macs – those being the Macs that Apple will no longer provide spare parts for – you will see that the company stops providing parts for Macs that it hasn’t sold for more than seven years. In fact, the company may not even provide parts for Macs that haven’t been sold for more than five years (considered Vintage by the company).

This could mean that you won’t be able to get a faulty Mac fixed because the parts aren’t available.

Obsolete Macs

Obsolete Macs are generally Macs that Apple stopped selling more than seven years ago. Once a Mac is in Apple’s obsolete list you have little chance of getting it repaired if something does go wrong. You might be able to find spare parts yourself, but Apple won’t provide them.

You’ll find more details about the exact models on Apple’s US page and the equivalent UK page, but the lists below will give you a general idea.

Apple considers the following Macs and older Obsolete, now including the 2017 MacBook Pro models:

• 11-inch MacBook Air (early 2015 and older) 
• 12-inch MacBook (2016 and older)
• 13-inch MacBook Air (early 2015 and older)
• 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017 and older)
• 15-inch MacBook Pro (2017 and older)
• 27-inch iMac (2015 and older)
• 21.5-inch iMac (2015 and older)
• Mac mini (2012 and older)
• Mac mini Server (2012 and older)
• Mac Pro (2010 and older)
• Anything predating the Intel switch, obviously.

Vintage Macs

Apple also has a list of Vintage Macs. These are Macs that Apple stopped selling between five and seven years ago. (If you live in France where a law means you can get support for spare parts for up to seven years after Apple stops selling a Mac).

Apple Authorized Service Providers will repair vintage products, as long as parts are available.

Apple lists the following products as being vintage, now including the 2020 MacBook Air, 2019 MacBook Air, 2019 MacBook Pro and 2019 iMac, and the 2018 Mac mini:

• 12-inch MacBook (2017)
• 13-inch MacBook Air (2018, 2019 and 2020)
• 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017, 2018 & 2019)
• 15-inch MacBook Pro (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
• 21.5-inch iMac (2013, 2017)
• 27-inch iMac (2015, 2017 & 2019)
• Mac Pro (2012 & 2014)
• Mac mini (2014 & 2018)

Based on the above, we’d suggest that if your Mac is more than eight years old, it’s time to look for a new one. And, if you see a 2018 or earlier Mac on sale, it’s not wise to buy it. In fact you will note that there are even 2019 Macs on the vintage list. Read: Why you shouldn’t buy a second hand Mac.

See: Best Mac: Every Apple Mac and MacBook compared

How to extend the life of a MacBook

Extending the life of your MacBook involves a combination of optimizing software settings, maintaining battery health, and adopting hardware habits that protect the device’s physical integrity.

Battery health: One way to extend the life of a MacBook is to not leave it plugged in all the time. Apple added an Optimize Battery Charging feature in macOS Catalina that uses machine learning to limit charging to help extend battery lifespan by reducing wear from constant full charges. Since the arrival of this feature, users have been asking for the ability to manually set the charge limit below 100 percent. In response, Apple is adding the ability to stop charging between 80-100% in macOS 26.4.

Thermal Management: Avoid pushing the machine to the point of overheating. MacBook Pro models feature fans for better cooling during intensive tasks, whereas the fanless MacBook Air may throttle performance to maintain safe temperatures.

Using External Displays: If you frequently work at a desk, using your MacBook in “clamshell mode” (with the lid closed) can help organize your space and reduce the footprint on your desk. However, operating the laptop with the lid closed while connected to an external monitor may make it more likely to overheat. Because the MacBook’s chassis and keyboard area often assist in dissipating heat, closing the lid can trap thermal energy that would otherwise escape through the top of the device. This heat buildup is particularly concerning for fanless models like the MacBook Air. Without an internal fan to force air circulation, these models rely entirely on passive cooling, which is less effective when the lid is closed. We recommend using multiple external displays with your Mac, but with the MacBook open to allow for cooling.

Security: Ensure you update macOS often and only install applications from the “App Store & Known Developers” to prevent malicious software from compromising your system.

Should I fix or upgrade components in my Mac?

You may be wondering if spending money to improve your Mac, or fix a hardware problem, might be more savvy than buying a brand new Mac.

If your Mac is in the Obsolete category above and something goes wrong with it then you are going to struggle to get the necessary parts if you wanted to attempt to get it fixed as Apple won’t provide the parts. You might be able to buy an old Mac on eBay or similar and scrap if for the parts, but we’d suggest that it really wouldn’t be worth the effort.

Even if your Mac is in the Vintage list then Apple might be able to provide the required parts, but there is no guarantee. If you are lucky enough to get the part an Apple service provider might even be able to fix the Mac for you – but the cost of the work is likely to be prohibitive.

Similarly, if you are considering adding more RAM, or doubling your storage by adding a new SSD, you will be similarly prohibited because with most modern Macs there is no way to update the hardware.

It’s been years since it was possible to upgrade the RAM in a Mac. Now Apple solders RAM in place and hides components away to make access impossible (or at least impossible if you don’t want to completely destroy your Mac attempting to get to them). With M-series Macs memory, GPU and CPU are all integrated onto the chip, so it is impossible to upgrade them. Nor can you update the SSD as it is soldered onto the motherboard.

There are other ways to upgrade your Mac, though. Read: How to upgrade your Mac mini for ideas.

Apple repair programs

If your Mac develops a known hardware fault, check whether it is covered by one of Apple’s repair or service programs. If it is, Apple may repair the problem free of charge. However, many programs only run for a limited period, so older Macs may no longer qualify even if they suffer from the same fault.

If the Mac you own, or are considering buying, is affected by one of the problems below, that’s another factor to take into account.

Apple’s current Mac repair and service programs include:

• 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program: Covers certain MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) models with batteries that may overheat and pose a fire risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017. Eligibility depends on the serial number.
• Mac mini Service Program for No Power Issue: Covers a small percentage of Mac mini (2023) models with the M2 chip that may fail to power on. Affected devices were manufactured between June 16 and November 23, 2024. The program covers eligible Macs for three years after their first retail sale.

A number of older Mac service programs have now ended, including:

• The MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro keyboard service program.
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro display backlight service program.
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro SSD service program.
• The 13-inch MacBook Pro battery replacement program.

Apple also limits how long it guarantees hardware service for older Macs. Generally, parts and service are available for at least five years after Apple stops selling a product, and sometimes for up to seven years, subject to parts availability. Mac laptops may be eligible for battery-only repairs for up to 10 years after Apple stopped selling them.

We have more information about Apple’s product recalls and repair programs here.

If your fault isn’t covered by one of Apple’s programs, you may be faced with an expensive repair bill. For an older Mac, it is worth comparing the cost of repair with the cost of replacing it, particularly if Apple no longer provides parts or service for the model. If you mainly need to retrieve important documents or photos, it may instead be worth looking at how to recover files from a damaged Mac or the best Mac data recovery software

How long do Macs last? Is a 7 year old Mac too old?

So, how long do Macs last? We’d say around five to eight years, although you may find it difficult to replace faulty parts once more than five years have passed since Apple last sold the model.

With macOS 27 dropping support for Intel-powered Macs entirely, we recommend avoiding an Intel Mac if you’re buying one today.

Our advice is to avoid buying a Mac that’s more than five years old, particularly if it has an Intel processor. If you’re still using an Intel Mac, it is time to start thinking about upgrading to an Apple silicon model.

• Best iMac deals
• Best Mac mini deals and Best time to buy a Mac mini
• Best MacBook Pro deals and Best time to buy a MacBook Pro
• Best MacBook Air deals and Best time to buy a MacBook Air
• Best place to buy a refurbished Mac

You may also want to read our Best Mac Buying Guide for help deciding which Mac to buy. We also have a guide to the Best MacBook.