Your guide to macOS versions: From Sierra to Tahoe

Every year, Apple updates how Mac devices operate.

That’s dramatic—the changes aren’t always so big, but it is true. We get a new operating system for Mac devices once a year, and the next one is coming up.

Devices don’t age out that quickly, though. Physical devices aren’t typically considered obsolete until they’re at least seven years old, and many people keep them that long.

This means that there are up to seven years’ worth of operating system possibilities out there. And that becomes messy for developers and users alike.

Let’s take a look at all the different versions out there—what they are, how you can access them, and what you need to know about them for your device.

Did you know? Parallels Desktop is the only Microsoft-authorized solution that can run Windows—and run virtual macOS versions—in a virtual machine on your Mac device. See how it works for yourself with a 14-day free trial.

Key takeaways

See how you can run all kinds of different macOS versions from Sierra to Tahoe
Learn which versions are supported, aren’t supported, and won’t be supported soon
Experience the nostalgia of the past decade of macOS releases

Here’s a look at the different macOS versions

Wait, why would you want to run different versions of macOS?

Well, you might need to test a new app with legacy software or test it with newer software from a device that wasn’t eligible for an upgrade.

You might have software or games that you still use and enjoy, but they don’t get along with newer versions of macOS.

Or you might just want to experience newer versions of macOS when a device upgrade isn’t quite in the cards for you yet.

That is to say, there’s any number of reasons why you might need to know about different macOS versions and how they work with Parallels Desktop.

So let’s get into it.

Quick clarification before we dive too far into all of this:

A host OS is the core operating system on your device. For example, if you have a Mac that currently runs Sequoia, then Sequoia is your host OS.

A guest OS is an operating system that runs on your device through a virtual machine (VM). If you’re using Parallels Desktop to run Windows on your Mac, then Windows is your guest OS.

Version	Released	Supported by Apple?	Supported by Parallels Desktop?
Tahoe	2025 (TBD)	Yes*	Yes; host and guest*
Sequoia	2024	Yes	Yes; host and guest
Sonoma	2023	Yes	Yes; host and guest
Ventura	2022	Yes**	Yes; host** and guest
Monterey	2021	No	Yes; guest only
Big Sur	2020	No	Yes; guest only, on Parallels Desktop 18
Catalina	2019	No	Yes; guest only, on Parallels Desktop 18
Mojave	2018	No	Yes; guest only, on Parallels Desktop 18
High Sierra	2017	No	Yes; guest only, on Parallels Desktop 17
Sierra	2016	No	Yes; guest only, on Parallels Desktop 17

*when released in fall 2025

**Apple support will likely discontinue with the release of macOS Tahoe

macOS Tahoe (2025)

Slotted for release this fall, macOS Tahoe has the appearance of a shiny new toy—but under the hood, it’s bigger than that. It’s a whole vibe shift, starting with the new Liquid Glass look and feel.

Along with more options for personalization and better multitasking, Tahoe promises Mac users improved AI functionality like live translation and text summaries.

If you want to get started with Tahoe (even before it rolls out to your device), you’re in luck.

We’re already making sure Parallels Desktop will support macOS Tahoe—and if you need to get ahead on testing on the new OS, you can read up on how to install Tahoe in a virtual machine on our knowledge base.

Does Apple support it today? Yes (well, starting in fall 2025, anyway)

Does Parallels Desktop support it? Yes, in version 26

macOS Sequoia (2024)

macOS Sequoia, famously the OS that brought us Apple Intelligence, iPhone mirroring, and a frame-rate rescue for Game Mode, is the reigning version of macOS.

Until fall, at least.

Naturally, Sequoia works with Parallels Desktop, both as the supporting OS so you can run Windows and as a guest OS if you need an alternate macOS instance.

Does Apple support it today? Yes

Does Parallels Desktop support it? Yes

macOS Sonoma (2023)

With the introduction of macOS Sonoma, we saw a major shift in the way people approached their Mac devices. Widgets, video conferencing improvements, and changes to the Messages app saw Mac devices channeling their inner iPhones.

It may have introduced new challenges, but functioning with Parallels Desktop wasn’t one of them. You can still run Sonoma with Parallels Desktop, both as a host and a guest OS, so it works side by side with Windows.

Does Apple support it today? Yes

Does Parallels Desktop support it? Yes

macOS Ventura (2022)

With its new virtual camera functionality that used iPhones as webcams, a Stage Manager feature that could help users manage their many open windows, and extra content-making goodies, macOS Ventura was an operating system made with creators in mind.

Though it’s likely nearing the end of its run as an Apple-supported OS, Ventura does and will continue to work well with Parallels Desktop. You can always catch up on updates and changes with our knowledge base, as well.

Does Apple support it today? Yes—but support will likely end when Tahoe is released to the general public.

Does Parallels Desktop support it? Yes

macOS Monterey (2021)

In 2021, macOS Monterey brought us universal control for Macs and iPads, a new AirPlay connection for Macs, and features for shared experiences, no doubt inspired by the isolation many were still going through.

Though it doesn’t receive security updates from Apple anymore, you can still run macOS Monterey through a Parallels Desktop virtual machine. This way, you can still run any Monterey-specific software or apps, even if you’re running a newer macOS.