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Ask Andru: Which Macs can run OS X Yosemite?

OS X Yosemite

OS X 10.10, better known as Yosemite, represents the next-generation in Apple's desktop operating system. Yosemite brings a new look to the desktop experience, and also ties OS X and iOS together through a feature called Continuity that I bet will make work a lot easier for Apple users. With any big change, customers will wonder if their older hardware will be supported. We recently received this question from a reader named Steve:

Q: I'm excited to check out OS X Yosemite once it launches, the redesigned interface looks great! My MacBook Air is from 2010, and I was curious if you knew if it would run Yosemite without any issues, or if I have to upgrade my computer?

A: I agree--I think the look and feel of OS X Yosemite is a breath of fresh air. I've been using the Developer Preview since it was made available at WWDC 2014, and when I use a Mac that is running Mavericks or earlier, it already feels like a big step backwards from a design perspective. Now, on to system requirements! The nice thing about Yosemite is that Apple hasn't changed any of the system requirements from what was required to run Mavericks. In other words, all Macintosh products capable of running OS X Mavericks will be supported by Yosemite; as with Mavericks, 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of available storage, and OS X 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) or later are required to upgrade. To make it easier to figure out if you're specific Mac is compatible, here is a listing of all the Apple hardware that is Yosemite-capable:

  • iMac Mid-2007 or newer
  • MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later), (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later), (17-inch, Late 2007 or later)
  • MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
  • Mac Mini (Early 2009 or later)
  • Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
  • Xserve (Early 2009)

As you can see, anyone who has bought a Mac within the past five years is covered and will be able to run OS X Yosemite. Mac Pro, MacBook Air, and MacBook aluminum buyers as far back as 2008 are also good. In fact, some MacBook Pro and iMac buyers from back in 2007 can even get in on the Yosemite action, and those computers are now 7 years old! This is a pretty large blanket of Mac users that will be able to enjoy the next generation of OS X, and I comment Apple for including as many Macs as it did.

OS X 10.10 Yosemite is set to launch later this fall, and will be available exclusively on the Mac App Store. At WWDC, Apple announced that it will be made available completely free to its users. Can't beat that!


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OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 5 now available, here’s what’s new!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 3

Earlier today Apple released iOS 8 beta 5, and a few minutes later, we now have OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 5 as well. Developers who are already running Yosemite can get the 1.12GB update through the Mac App Store, while those who are looking to install it for the first time will need to log in to the Apple Developer Portal. As for the rest of the world, OS X Yosemite is set to launch this fall, bringing features like an all-new user interface, Continuity, and more to Apple's desktop operating system. Those interested in beta testing will be able to take part in testing later this summer.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 5 now available, here’s what’s new!


OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 4 now available, here’s what’s new!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 3

Earlier today Apple released iOS 8 beta 4, and a few minutes later, we now have OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 4 as well. Developers who are already running Yosemite can get the update through the Mac App Store, while those who are looking to install it for the first time will need to log in to the Apple Developer Portal. As for the rest of the world, OS X Yosemite is set to launch this fall, bringing features like an all-new user interface, Continuity, and more to Apple's desktop operating system. Those interested in beta testing will be able to take part in testing later this summer.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 4 now available, here’s what’s new!


OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 3 now available, here’s what’s new

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 3

Earlier today Apple released iOS 8 beta 3, and a few minutes later, we now have OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 3 as well. Developers who are already running Yosemite can get the 1.16 GB update through the Mac App Store, while those who are looking to install it for the first time will need to log in to the Apple Developer Portal. As for the rest of the world, OS X Yosemite is set to launch this fall, bringing features like an all-new user interface, Continuity, and more to Apple's desktop operating system.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 3 now available, here’s what’s new


OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 2 now available, here’s what’s new [Changelog]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 2

Earlier today Apple released iOS 8 beta 2, and a few minutes later, we now have OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 2 as well. Developers who are already running Yosemite can get the 1.16 GB update through the Mac App Store, while those who are looking to install it for the first time will need to log in to the Apple Developer Portal. As for the rest of the world, OS X Mavericks is set to launch this fall, bringing features like an all-new user interface, Continuity, and more to Apple's desktop operating system.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 2 now available, here’s what’s new [Changelog]


Apple posts video of OS X Yosemite redesign [Video]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Design, PC / Laptop, Software, Videos,

OS X Yosemite

Apple has posted the OS X Yosemite design video that it showed during the WWDC 2014 keynote, which shows a bunch of the new features and design elements found in OS X 10.10. In case you haven't seen WWDC (although you can watch the WWDC 2014 keynote video in its entirety,) this video covers the larger design language updates, and the more subtle changes to the dock, icons, traffic light buttons, etc. It also gives a look at the new AirDrop functionality, Finder, Messages, Notification Center, and all the rest of the OS X new hotness.

You can check out the video after the jump.

Click to continue reading Apple posts video of OS X Yosemite redesign [Video]


Watch Apple reveal OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 in the WWDC 2014 keynote right here! [Video]

If you missed the WWDC 2014 keynote, we've pretty much had you covered here at Gear Live as far as the news coming out of the event. However, sometimes, seeing is believing, and many would rather watch the historic event for themselves. Now you can. Apple has made the video available to view on demand on YouTube and on the Apple Web site. If you'd prefer to download it, you can grab it in iTunes using your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. We've embedded the YouTube version right here for you!


How to set up Handoff in OS X Yosemite & iOS 8

Yosemite ios 8 handoff setup

With plenty of people now running both iOS 8 beta and OS X Yosemite Developer Preview in order to kick the tires on Apple's upcoming operating systems, we're hearing that a lot of people are confused as to how to get the cool Handoff feature working. Handoff, announced during the WWDC 2014 keynote, is what allows the two operating systems talk to each other and pass app information back and forth seamlessly. Here's how you do it:

Click to continue reading How to set up Handoff in OS X Yosemite & iOS 8


How to fix Final Cut Pro & iMovie in OS X Yosemite

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, Software,

Final Cut Pro X Yosemite fix

Yesterday, Apple released the first OS X Yosemite Developer Preview following its WWDC 2014 keynote, allowing beta testers early access to its next big desktop operating system update. While many appreciate the new, overhauled appearance of the OS, many forgot that this was beta software they were installing, and that all bets were off as far as bugs and other issues went. One of the big ones if you edit videos is that both Final Cut Pro X and iMovie won't launch by default in the initial Yosemite Developer Preview. We were able to find a way around this:

  1. Head to your Applications folder in Finder
  2. Right-click the Final Cut Pro or iMovie app icon
  3. Select "Show Package Contents"
  4. Go into the Contents folder
  5. Go into the  MacOS folder
  6. Double-click on the app icon (either Final Cur Pro or iMovie)

This will launch the Terminal app first, and then should launch the video editor after a few Terminal commands go through. It's not a perfect solution, but it's one that we've found will work for now, at least until Yosemite Developer Preview 2 is released in what we guess will be a couple of weeks.


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