What version of Mac OS X is pre-installed on the Aluminum iMac models? Can it run Windows? Linux? @ EveryMac.com

Aluminum iMac Q&A - Updated November 4, 2011

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What version of Mac OS X is pre-installed on the Aluminum iMac models?

Different Aluminium iMac models shipped with different versions of Mac OS X. The version of Mac OS X that each line ship -- or originally shipped with -- include the following:

Alumium iMac Line	Mac OS X Version
Original	Mac OS X 10.4.10 (8R4031) "Tiger"
Early 2008/Penryn	Mac OS X 10.5.2 (9C2028) "Leopard"
Early 2009	Mac OS X 10.5.6 (9G2030) "Leopard"
Late 2009	Mac OS X 10.6.1 (10A2155) "Snow Leopard"
Mid-2010	Mac OS X 10.6.3 (10D2322a) "Snow Leopard"
Mid-2011 (Current)	Mac OS X 10.6.6 (10J4026) "Snow Leopard"
Late 2011 (Current)	Mac OS X 10.7.2 (11C40) "Lion"

For the maximum supported version of Mac OS X for all "recent" -- G3 and later -- Macs, please refer to the Maximum Supported Mac OS listing.

Can the Aluminum iMac models run Mac OS 9/Classic applications?

No. Apple provides no support for running Mac OS 9 or the "Classic Environment" on Intel-based Macs like the Aluminum iMac models. Intel-based Macs rely on the "Rosetta Universal Binary Translator" to run software for Mac OS X for PowerPC, and this emulator cannot run "Classic/MacOS 9" applications.

Additionally, Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard," Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," and Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion," also provide no support for "Mac OS 9/Classic" applications. Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion" doesn't even support Mac OS X applications written for the PowerPC processor.

If you have a mission critical application that only runs on Mac OS 9, you likely would be best served by maintaining a PowerPC-based Mac. However, you may also be interested in reading "Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?" from the Mac OS 9/Classic Support Q&A.

Site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of booting in both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9. Site sponsor PowerMax also sells systems capable of running Mac OS 9/Classic.

Can the Aluminum iMac models run Windows?

Yes. For those unfortunate ones condemned to use Windows, the Windows on Mac Q&A provides answers for just about everything you need to know about running Windows on the Aluminum iMac models or any other Intel-based Mac.

Can the Aluminum iMac models run Linux?

Yes. All Intel-based iMac models are capable of running a number of Intel-based distributions of Linux through Apple Boot Camp or by using "virtualization".

For more on Boot Camp and Virtualization, please refer to the Windows on Mac Q&A.

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