Most of games for macbook air are full versions only, but there is a number of free games for Apple Mac. For example, you may get a couple of our sport games on App Store free. If you are not sure whether some title are compatible with your Mac OS X version, please, pay attention to the system requirements.
Which Mac operating system is the best is a topic of numerous debates among Apple fans.
The other major option is Wine or one of its derivatives, which can be used either by an end-user to launch a game packaged for Windows, or used directly by the developer of an application to create a (mostly-)transparent experience for a Mac (or Linux, for that matter) user.NET. Video Games PS5 Xbox Series X S Switch PS4 Xbox One PC Wii U 3DS PS3 Xbox 360 Accessories VR Trade-In Deals Best Sellers New Releases Digital Games Amazon Best Sellers: Best Mac Game Controllers Discover the best Mac Game Controllers in Best Sellers. Mac OS X Microsoft Windows Cities: Skylines is a strategic and economic game produced by the Colossal Order team that previously created two games – Cities in Motion: Simulator of Urban Transport (Cities in Motion) and Simulator of the Modern Metropolis: Transport and Public Transport (Cities in Motion 2: The Modern Days ).
Since the mission of this blog is to refute myths and legends around Macs, it's time for me to provide my 2 cents about the issue on hand. While everything below is just my opinion, as a long-time Mac user and veteran software engineer, I hope my opinion worth something.
The best Mac OS version is the one that your Mac is eligible to upgrade to. In 2021 it is macOS Big Sur. However, for users that need to run 32-bit apps on Mac, the best macOS is Mojave. Also, older Macs would benefit if upgraded at least to macOS Sierra for which Apple still releases security patches.
How to Tell Which macOS You Are Running
Snippety 1 7 14. To find out which macOS is currently running on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the menubar
- In the dropdown click on the first item: About This Mac
- The first line in the Overview tab is the name of the current OS.
What Version of OS Can My Mac Run?
Not all Macs can be upgraded to the latest OS version. For instance, old Macs powered by PowerPC CPUs cannot run OS intended for Intel-based computers. Also, some versions have hardware limitations.
For instance, Mojave cannot be installed on MacBook Pro earlier than Mid 2012 model.
Check below to know exactly what version of OS your Mac can run.
Which OS is Best for my Mac
Anytime someone asks me which OS is best for them I always suggested going with the latest. Things have changed recently, however.
Should I Upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur?
While personally I like macOS Big Sur and have it installed on my MacBook Pro, it comes with serious breaking changes. https://truetfiles864.weebly.com/picotron-560-mac-os.html.
The first issue is compatibility.
Big Sur is a transition OS which is designed to help Apple to move from Intel processors to their own chips on ARM.
After I installed Big Sur on my MacBook Pro mid 2020 (pre-Silicon), most of my apps, including Microsoft Office, were working as expected.
However, my VMWare Fusion 11 does not start anymore, so I have to purchase a new license if I want to keep using it (or roll back to Catalina). Luckily, I took a full backup before the upgrade.
The second breaking issue is the lack of 32-bit app support.
macOS Catalina and Big Sur can only run 64-bit apps.
If you wondering whether you should upgrade to macOS Catalina or Big Sur, first verify that you don't have any 32-bit apps. But first, take a back up, so you can go back in case something breaks after the upgrade.
For instance, I had to remove uTorrent after upgrade. And I didn't know that uTorrent is 32-bit!
How to Know If App is 32-bit or 64-bit
To find out whether the app on your Mac is 32-bit or 64-bit follow these steps:
- Click on Apple logo in the top left corner of the Mac screen
- Click on About This Mac option
- Click on System Report button in Overview tab (first one)
- Scroll down to Software -> Applications
- Find the app and check Kind
Which macOS Should I Use
If you have an older Mac which is not eligible to upgrade with some latest software or hardware, I'd suggest upgrading at least to Sierra (or better High Sierra) for the following reasons:
- Sierra is still supported by Apple, and it gets security updates
- APFS file system is available
- It supports Siri
- Significant security improvements
The most important point when choosing the best OS is the ability to get security updates. While Apple generally does not announce the OS end of life dates, it is possible to know when they stop releasing security updates from this page.
For instance, according to the page, the last security update for OS X Yosemite was released on September 12, 2017. The planter mac os. The last update for OS X El Capitan was in July 2018, and Carnegie Mellon University confirmed that El Capitan's end of life date was August 2018.
Snow Leopard Myth
I know that some users on forums believe that the best OS version for Macs was Snow Leopard. But that is a myth. And I know how such myths get created.
Once I worked in the company, which was selling a 20-year old product. And customers were still using and didn't want to switch to new versions, because the old one was rock solid.
I then talked to the engineer who worked on the project, and he revealed that the product was a total disaster when it was first deployed. Engineers had to work on-site for almost a year in order to fix all bugs.
After five or so years of polishing the product, it becomes virtually bug-free, and nobody now remembers how bad it was when it was first rolled out. A similar thing happened Snow Leopard, and it was recognized as best mac os version after some time.
How to Update to the Latest Version
There are two ways to update to the latest OS version on Mac:
- From the Software Update section in System Preferences
- Use a download link
Using Software Update
This is by far the best option, but it only available if you have Yosemite, or later OS installed already. If you enabled automatic updates, then Mac will inform you that the next macOS is available.
Just open System Preferences, go to Software Update and click on the Upgrade Now button.
This method is also best if wondering how to check if you have the latest version of OS installed on your Mac. Only the version compatible with your hardware will appear here.
For instance, my the latest version for Mac Mini 2012 is Mojave, I can't install anything newer than that.
If you are having problems with updates or having issues post-upgrade check my post about troubleshooting macOS.
Using download links
For older systems or in case you need to downgrade, you have to download a standalone installer in DMG format. DMG stands for disk image, similar to ISO, just different formats.
After downloading the installer, just double click on it and follow instructions. Again, do not forget to take a backup before the upgrade.
Mac OS Comparisons: Requirements, Features, Compatibility, Download Links
Following is a high-level description of all Mac operating systems as early as Mountain Lion.
You can refer to those descriptions when deciding which operating system is best for your iMac, Mac Pro, Mac mini, or MacBook.
With each OS description, I included a list of Macs supported. However, you can use Mac OS compatibility checker for more detailed information.
macOS 11 Big Sur
macOS v11 (codename Big Sur) is the latest version of the operating system for Apple computers.
Release date: October 13, 2020
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement 4GB. Big Sur is the first OS to support new Macs using ARM technology (in the future).
Features
- The biggest design refresh since macOS X.
- Support for new ARM processors.
- Safar improved performance and power consumption.
- Time Machine supports backup to APFS volumes.
- One-click translation for 7 languages.
- Redesigned maps
Software Compatibility Issues
Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Big Sur.
How to install
There are two ways to install Big Sur: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link. Baldis basic swapped the old laboratory mac os.
Or check my post with tips on installing macOS on unsupported devices.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Big Sur
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2013 and later)
- MacBook Pro (2013 and later)
- Mac mini (2014 and later)
- iMac models (2014 and later)
- iMac Pro (2017 and later)
- Mac Pro (2013 and later)
macOS 10.15 Catalina
Release date: October 7, 2019
Hardware Requirements: RAM requirement increased from 2GB to 4GB.
Features
- Introduced Sidecar, which allows for Macs to use an iPad as an external display.
- iTunes was replaced by separate apps: Music, Podcasts, and TV.
- Find My Mac and Find My Friends have merged into one app.
Software Compatibility Issues
macOS Catalina is the first Mac operating system that does not support 32-bit applications. Only 64-bit apps are allowed to run on Catalina.
How to install
There are two ways to install Catalina: enable automatic updates in System Preferences or download by using the following link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Catalina
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac models (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013)
macOS 10.14 Mojave
Release date: September 24, 2018
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 18.5GB free space on disk
Features
- The main feature of Mojave is 'Dark Mode'
- FaceTime adds group feature which allows chatting with up to 32 people
- News, Stocks, Voice Memos, and Home apps were ported from iOS to Mac.
How to install
If your Mac is eligible to update to Mojave, then the easiest way to install it is by enabling automatic updates. Downloading a standalone Mojave installer could be a little tricky.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Mojave
- MacBook (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac (Late 2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (All models)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 and 2010-2012 models with upgraded GPU)
macOS 10.13 High Sierra
Release date: September 25, 2017
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 14.3GB free space on disk
Features
- APFS (Apple File System) becomes the default file system in High Sierra. It's a significant upgrade from the older HFS+ in terms of speed, size, and security
- iCloud support of Messages which allows sync messages of the account across multiple devices
- Mail app uses 35% less storage space due to optimizations
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS High Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
How to install
Here is a High Sierra download link.
macOS 10.12 Sierra
This is the first macOS version. Previous OS versions for Macs were called OS X (X stands for 10).
https://site-4775788-1131-2544.mystrikingly.com/blog/sam-yammen-mac-os. Release date: September 20, 2016
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk The pancakes official game show mac os.
Features
- Siri was introduced to Macs
- Optimized storage with iCloud sync
- Auto-lock feature allows unlocking MacBook with paired Apple Watch
- APFS preview available
- Disk Utility can manage RAID sets again
- Significant security improvements
How to install
Here is a Sierra download link.
List of Apple computers compatible with macOS Sierra
- MacBook (Late 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- iMac (Late 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Mid 2010 or newer)
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Last OS X version.
Release date: September 30, 2015
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- System Integrity Protection – a security feature that protects even when the root user executes the process
- Performance improvements: open PDF files four times faster, Mail is twice faster, launching apps 40% faster
- Notes app similar to the app in iOS
Macs compatible with OS X El Capitan
same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
Here is El Capitan download link.
OS X 10.10 Yosemite
Release date: October 16, 2014
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Macs compatible with OS X Yosemite
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
Features
- Major user design overhaul
- Introduction of Handoff and Continuity features
- Photos app replaced iPhoto and Aperture
How to install
Here is Yosemite download link.
OS X 10.9 Mavericks
First free Mac OS. Previous OS versions vary from $19.99 to $129.
Release date: October 22, 2013
Hardware Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- Compressed Memory feature automatically compresses inactive apps when approaching maximum memory capacity
- Timer coalescing is a feature that reduces CPU usage by up to 72 percent
- App Nap puts apps that are not currently visible to sleep
Macs compatible with OS X Mavericks
Same as OS Mountain Lion.
How to install
OS X Mavericks installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install Mavericks.
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
Must be purchased. Fixed many bugs introduced in OS X Lion.
Release date: July 25, 2012
System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 8GB free space on disk
Features
- New apps: Notification Center, Notes, Messages, Game Center
- AirPlay mirroring allowed to mirror Mac screen to Apple TV
- Application updates automatically install from the App Store
List of Apple computers compatible with OS X Mountain Lion
- iMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
- MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
- MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
- Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
- Xserve (Early 2009)
How to install
Mountain Lion installer is not available on Apple Site. Follow instructions here to install OS X Mountain Lion.
List of older Mac OS Versions
Following Mac OS versions are still running on older Macs, but Apple does not support them anymore, and there is no point to upgrade (or downgrade) to them:
- OS X 10.7 Lion
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
- Mac OS X 10.1 Puma
- Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah
Is your system not supporting your gaming treasure properly? Well, get to know about best OS for gaming in this section here. Sometimes, operating systems might respond to all your games but eventually get slowed or do not assist you in the longer run.
To sort this issue out, you must know that whether your current OS is adequate enough to be involved with heavy gaming periods or not? To support you in the same issue, I have listed down the best gaming OS here in this section.
10 Best OS for Gaming
Being a hardcore gamer, this is something which you should be completely known to.
1). Windows 10
Website:https://www.microsoft.com/
The first one is the newly released Windows 10 in the list of best OS for gaming. In fact, many experienced gamers are urging people to upgrade to Windows 10 because of the amazing compatibility it has for heavy games. Windows 10 is the latest product of Microsoft and already installed by more than 15 million people around the world.
When you will start playing the games like Arkham City on Windows 10, you will experience a better presentation and more frames being covered per second.
Windows 10 basically focuses on Xbox Games app and games bar. It allows you to stream your games from Xbox to PC easily. Microsoft has used DirectX12 in it which is especially put there to empower the gaming concepts more. Hence making Windows 10 the best OS for gaming.
You can expect more updates to come soon in Windows 10 which can further improve the gaming experience of users on this operating system.
2). Windows 7
Website:https://www.microsoft.com/windows7
Despite being Windows 10 as the reigning king of the Microsoft Empire right now, Windows 7 is still the favorite of many gamers. The most probable reason of this likeness is the simplicity of this operating system that has given a smooth platform for even the most complex games.
It would not be wrong to say that for many users, Windows 7 is still the best OS for gaming. All that gamers want is a platform that does not slow down while high gaming hours.
And Windows 7 does the same. It keeps the fast response rate so that you can play your games peacefully on it. This gaming operating system also utilizes the latest DirectX system and hence strengthens itself as a gaming platform.
What gamers like the most about this Windows is it's easy to customize settings which in return makes the process of gaming even easier. Microsoft will withdraw support from Windows 7 in 2020 till then you can enjoy your gaming sessions on it.
3). Linux Ubuntu
Website:https://www.ubuntu.com/
Linux has come a long way since its launch, and Linux Ubuntu is the perfect example of it. Of course, people's first choices always remain Windows and Macs, but Ubuntu is something which really deserves a try too. In fact, it is the most popular distribution of Linux till now.
If you think Linux OS comes with some complexities then you are completely wrong. Ubuntu is quite simple to use and hence listed here in the category of best OS for gaming.
Of course, you can run Linux on Windows console too but for that you need an additional emulator to support it on Windows. You are going to find it even easier to operate than Linux SuperGamer. However, I would not consider it to be a great option as compared to Windows and Macs for gaming.
What you may lack there is the information that there are very less games which are made by considering Linux to be an operating system for them.
4). Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
Website:https://www.apple.com/
There is no doubt in the fact that Apple is Microsoft's biggest competitor right now. And of course, when it is about the technology used in putting its software and console forward, Macs can give a huge competition to any of Microsoft's creation for sure.
One such operating system by Apple is Mac OS X 10.8 which is popularly known as Mountain Lion and amongst the best OS for gaming. The platform of OS X was launched in 1999 and had 6 iterations of the same.
All of these iterations are based on the name of big cats and Mountain lion is the last one in it. You would love this version because of basically two reasons. First one is the stability despite being flooded with multiple programs at the same time and second is its virus free system.
All of the Mac OS X are UNIX based systems which differs it from the conventional Windows based systems.
5). Steam OS
Website:http://store.steampowered.com/steamos/
Every gamer knows it very well that how popular is Steam for the gaming freaks. This is like a whole new world for them giving endless opportunities to play millions of games on it. In fact, when you will enter this OS, it will give you a feel of a battle ground that you need to conquer with endless gaming hours.
This platform can surely called as the best OS for gaming. But like the rest of the options mentioned here, it has also got some loopholes too.
When we are comparing Steam with Windows then for sure the later one would emerge out as the hero of the story. You cannot play as many games on Steam as you can on Windows for sure. But still, if you are done with trying the rest of the OS then for a change trying out Steam would not be a bad idea at all.
Despite having some issues, Steam is still worthy enough to be included in the list of best OS for gaming.
6). Windows 8.1
Website:https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows8
If you will compare the platforms of Windows 10 and Window 8 then you will find endless similarities between the two. They might differ in the interface but the basics remains the same with a bit of upgrading included.
As I have already discussed that how Windows 10 is the best OS for gaming, the same applies to Windows 8.1 too.
However, many people have reported that Windows 8 lacks the features which make it slight inappropriate for gaming as compared to Windows 7 and Windows 10. The main thing here is the time for loading of the game which is higher as compared to the rest of the systems.
Still, when it comes to the OS by Microsoft, then best windows for gaming might include the name of Windows 8.1 in it. The only thing that lacks it behind than other versions of Windows is the interface it uses. It proves to be a bit complex when it comes to gaming. Still, if you are using it then it won't be that bad to use it for mass gaming.
7). Linux SuperGamer
Website:http://www.supergamer.org/
This is another one from Linux and this version of OS is called Linux SuperGamer. As it is cleared by the name only, the version is entirely dedicated to gaming only. This is a type of open source operating system which is mostly used in server administration and other works.
Like the other one of Linux system Ubuntu, SuperGamer also utilizes the concept of UNIX and its architecture is basically comprised of this only.
Now, the big question arises that why it should be called the best OS for gaming? It has high graphical interpretation which makes the gaming experience way better than other types of operating systems. However, there are less games which can be played on this OS.
But, there is a twist too. You can modify the games according to the SuperGamer platform to make them compatible to it. This makes it super perfect for being the best OS for gaming. Make sure that you already know the tactics about Linux SuperGamer otherwise it might be a bit difficult for you.
8). iOS 8
Website:https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-11/
The apple phones after iPhone 6S are based on upgraded iOS systems. So, I am talking about an OS of Apple here which is a bit backward than the latest one of iOS11 which is yet to be released in some time. To be true it was this version of the apple OS which was like the revolution in gaming world.
What gives Brownie points to iOS 8 for being the best OS for gaming is the fact that it is just the perfect operating system for multitasking.
This means play your games, and do something else in continuity and your system won't be exhausted at all. I think that is the thing which counts the most for hour long gaming sessions. iOS 8 remained the reigning king of Apple dynasty for a really long time. This really proves the fact that iOS 8 has been a great support to the gamers.
9). Android Lollipop
Download New Mac Os
Website:https://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/
You must have been wondering that even after the launch of better versions like Android Marshmallow and Android Nugget, why am I mentioning Android Lollipop here. Well, like the other options of this list Best OS for gaming, this version of Android has its own pros and cons.
Keeping every aspect in mind, this version was worthy enough to be included in this list. Especially, the fact that is less complex than the other ones.
What I liked the most in this OS is that you do not have to keep irritating yourself with the annoying game notifications as you can turn them off. And you can also connect it to the TV Set Top Boxes for a better gaming experience.
However, like the other best OS for gaming, there is also issue here. This one here is the compatibility issue which might be perfect for low quality games but not for other HQ ones. You can still consider it for the hassle free gaming experience.
10). Mac OS X Yosemite
Website:https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/48498/os-x-yosemite
The last mention in this list of Best OS for gaming is Mac OS X Yosemite. This belongs to the same trail as of the Mountain Lion but a bit backward than that. The most important thing that every Mac user should know is the fact that upgrading to Mac OS X Yosemite is absolutely free.
This gives a better promise than the paid versions of Windows 7 and 8. Yosemite easily allows phone linking which means controlling your phone from your Mac.
This is a big breakthrough for all the game lovers out there. You might still feel a little disappointed here because of course this is not as upgraded as the latest versions of Mac. There are as such not that much of issues but still the process is not that smooth as compared to the other OS listed here. Giving it a try won't be that bad as it is free to use.
Free Mac Os Games
Special Mention: Windows XP
Website:https://windows-xp-service-pack-3.en.softonic.com/
There is no doubt in the fact that Microsoft has withdrawn Windows XP long ago and there are various better versions of Windows that I have mentioned above which are very compatible to all types of latest games right now. But you cannot forget the development or rather revolution that Windows XP brought to the gaming world.
Of course, most of the games are not even compatible to this platform right now. But still, there was a time when it was the best windows OS for gaming for sure. Hence, it is a special mention for this Windows OS.
Donut simulation mac os. Some selected posts for you, definitely you may like these blog posts:
Conclusion
That One Game Mac Os Catalina
There are various other Operating systems which may also prove to be advantageous for you considering the console you are using. In fact, some of the oldest OS are quite good as compared to the current ones like Windows XP.
But, you want such best OS for gaming which not only supports each and every game but also do not end up being exhausted. Keeping every aspect in mind, I have come up with the options I mentioned above. So, by now you must have understood about the best of the OS right now.
