Mac Compatibility Guide for Ableton Live
This guide covers compatibility for Ableton Live on Mac, including supported Mac computer processors (Apple silicon and Intel) and operating system (macOS) versions.
macOS version compatibility
Upgrading macOS
Support for Mac computers with Apple silicon
Third-party plug-ins on Mac computers with Apple silicon
Before updating your macOS production environment, verify compatibility between Live and your computer processor, macOS version, plug-ins, third-party software, hardware, and device drivers.
macOS version compatibility
Compatibility with macOS versions varies by Live version, as listed below. Learn more about current Live Minimum System Requirements or Live 1-9 Minimum System Requirements.
Supported macOS versions by Live version
| Live Version | Supported macOS versions |
|---|---|
| Live 12 | macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur through macOS 15 Sequoia |
| Live 11 | macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur through macOS 15 Sequoia (Macs with Apple silicon) |
| macOS 10.14 Mojave through macOS 15 Sequoia (Intel-based Macs) | |
| Live 10 | macOS 10.11.6 El Capitan through macOS 15 Sequoia |
Upgrading macOS
Upgrading your macOS version
e.g. upgrading from Ventura to Sequoia: Before upgrading to a new macOS version, confirm that your Live version, plug-ins, hardware drivers, and applications are officially supported in the new version. If not, wait to upgrade your OS until all necessary software is compatible.
Security updates
e.g. updating from Ventura 13.5 to 13.6: Installing macOS security updates immediately is recommended, as they provide critical fixes and don't cause software compatibility issues.
Best practices
- Back up all data before upgrading your operating system.
- Complete critical projects before major OS upgrades.
- Review system requirements for older Live versions. Learn more about Live 1-9 Minimum System Requirements.
Support for Mac computers with Apple silicon
The macOS Universal build of Live is compatible with both Intel-based Mac computers and Mac computers with Apple silicon.
To install the correct Live software package on all Macs running macOS 10.14 and later, log into your Ableton account, select your Live 12 or 11 license, then choose macOS Universal and click Download.
Note: The Intel-only build of Live 11 is required for macOS 10.13 High Sierra on Intel-based Macs only.
Native support for Mac computers with Apple silicon
| Live version | Software package | Supported Macs |
|---|---|---|
| Live 12 | macOS Universal | Runs natively on Macs with Apple silicon (all M chip versions) and Intel-based Macs |
| Live 11 (Version 11.1 and later) | macOS Universal | Runs natively on Macs with Apple silicon (all M chip versions) and Intel-based Macs |
| Live 11.0 | macOS 64-bit |
Supported on Macs with Apple silicon via Rosetta Runs natively on Intel-based Macs |
| Live 10: | macOS 64-bit |
Supported on Macs with Apple silicon via Rosetta Runs natively on Intel-based Macs |
Third-party plug-ins on Mac computers with Apple silicon
To be accessed in Live on Macs with Apple silicon, plug-ins must also be natively compatible. You can also open Live using Rosetta to access Intel-only plug-ins, but this may affect performance. To prevent issues, check the developers' documentation for Apple silicon support and update each device to the latest version. For instructions and troubleshooting, visit these guides: