Apple and macOS compatibility with Live
When updating elements of your macOS producing environment, make sure to check that Live, your computer processor, macOS version, plug-ins, and any third-party software and hardware are compatible and supported.
Apple Silicon native support
macOS compatibility
Upgrading your macOS version
Apple Silicon native support
To download the Silicon-native version of Live, log into your Ableton account, select your current Live 12 or 11 license, then choose macOS Universal > Download.
- Live 12 Universal build of Live runs natively on both Intel-CPU Macs and Apple Silicon computers with any ARM processor, including all versions of M chips.
- As of Live 11.1. the Universal build of Live runs natively on both Intel-CPU Macs and Apple Silicon computers with any ARM processor, including all versions of M chips.
- Live 11.0 is compatible with Apple Silicon computers via Rosetta 2.
- Live 10 is compatible with Apple Silicon computers via Rosetta 2.
Note: If using VST plug-ins in Live, check the developers' published information for Silicon support and compatibility. To troubleshoot issues with plug-ins, see these guides:
- VST/AU plug-in doesn't appear in Live's Browser
- Waves plug-in compatibility
- How to open Live using Rosetta
macOS compatibility
Note: We have not determined any issues running Sequia with Live 11 or 12, if you experience issues please get in touch with Ableton support.
Live 12
- Universal build is supported on Intel and Silicon Macs running macOS 11 Big Sur through macOS 15 Sequoia.
Live 11
- Universal build is supported on Silicon Macs running macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur through macOS 15 Sequoia.
- Universal build is supported on Intel Macs running macOS 10.14 Mojave through macOS 15 Sequoia.
- Intel build is supported on Intel Macs running macOS 10.13 High Sierra only.
Live 10
- Live 10 is supported on macOS El Capitan 10.11.6 through macOS 14 Sonoma.
Upgrading your macOS version
Note: An update is a newer version of the currently installed macOS, such as an update from macOS Ventura 13.5 to macOS Ventura 13.6. An upgrade is a major new version of macOS with new name, such as an upgrade from macOS Ventura to macOS Sonoma.
Before upgrading to a new macOS (e.g. from macOS 11 Big Sur to macOS 13 Ventura), make sure your version of Live, as well as all plug-ins, hardware drivers, and other applications, are officially supported on the new OS. If not, we recommend waiting until updates are released.
The latest security updates for your current macOS version (e.g. an update from macOS Ventura 13.5.2 to macOS Ventura 13.6) should always be installed when released, as these provide important fixes and do not introduce compatibility issues.
Back up all important data before updating your operating system, Live, or any other software. We recommend waiting to upgrade to a new macOS until critical projects are completed.