iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)
Our verdict
Revive it.
Apple’s updates ended on macOS Catalina 10.15. The community’s didn’t.
I
Give it a new OS
OpenCore Legacy Patcher runs macOS Tahoe 26 on this machine — a modern browser and current patches, unofficially. OpenCore Legacy Patcher ↗
II
Give it a job
A single-purpose desk machine — music, photos, a second screen with history.
III
Or let it go
Apple no longer services this model, but Apple Stores still take it for free recycling. Working units are worth more sold than scrapped.
ObsoleteTops out at macOS Catalina 10.15 — or macOS Tahoe 26 with OpenCore.
Where to sell it
The record
Introduced
2013
Model identifier
iMac14,1
Chip
Intel Core i5/i7 Haswell
Architecture
Intel
Latest official release
macOS Catalina 10.15
With OpenCore Patcher
macOS Tahoe 26 · official patcher site
Security updates
Ended — macOS Catalina received its final security update in 2022 (last release 10.15.7 (2020-09-24)).
Apple hardware status
Obsolete — no longer serviced
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest macOS for the iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)?
The iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) officially tops out at macOS Catalina 10.15. The community’s OpenCore Legacy Patcher can take it to macOS Tahoe 26, unofficially.
Is the iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) still getting security updates?
No. Ended — macOS Catalina received its final security update in 2022 (last release 10.15.7 (2020-09-24)).
Can the iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) run a newer macOS than Catalina 10.15?
Officially, no. Unofficially, yes: OpenCore Legacy Patcher runs macOS Tahoe 26 on this machine — a modern browser and current patches. It’s unsupported territory, so back up first.
Is the iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as obsolete: no more parts, no more service. Apple Stores will still recycle it for free.
Same shelf