Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
Power Macintosh G4 Q&A - Updated April 21, 2009
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the Power Mac G4? Which Power Mac G4 models can boot MacOS 9? Which Power Mac G4 models can only run MacOS 9 applications in the "Classic" Environment?
Except for the "Firewire 800" models -- which only can boot MacOS X 10.2.3 and higher -- all other Power Macintosh G4 models are capable of booting MacOS 9.
All Power Mac G4 models can run MacOS 9 applications when booting MacOS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and lower (Some models support MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard", and this version of the operating system does not support MacOS 9 at all). The version of the MacOS pre-installed, as well as the degree of MacOS 9 compatibility is provided on the specs page for each system.
However, this information also is provided in this chart for your convenience:
Power Mac G4 | Pre-Installed | MacOS 9 Support |
8.6 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
8.6 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
8.6 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
8.6 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
8.6 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
8.6 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.0.4 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.0.4 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.0.4 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.1 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.1 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.1 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.1, X 10.0.3* | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.2, X 10.0.4 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.2, X 10.0.4 | Boot/Classic Mode† | |
9.2, X 10.0.4 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.2.2, X 10.1.2 | Boot/Classic Mode | |
9.2.2, X 10.1.2 | Boot/Classic Mode† | |
9.2.2, X 10.1.2 | Boot/Classic Mode† | |
9.2.2, X 10.2 | Boot/Classic Mode† | |
9.2.2, X 10.2 | Boot/Classic Mode† | |
9.2.2, X 10.2 | Boot/Classic Mode† | |
X 10.2.3 | Classic Mode Only† | |
X 10.2.3 | Classic Mode Only† | |
X 10.2.3 | Classic Mode Only† | |
9.2.2, X 10.2 | Boot/Classic Mode† |
* The original configuration shipped with MacOS 9.1 pre-installed, later configurations had MacOS X 10.0.3 installed as well.
† These models are officially supported running MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard" but do not support MacOS 9 applications, even in "Classic Mode", when booting this version of MacOS X.
For more on MacOS 9, please refer to the MacOS 9/Classic Support Q&A.
Also see: Is there a "hack" to make MacOS X 10.5 "Leopard" run on unsupported Power Mac G4 models?
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< Power Macintosh G4 Q&A (Main)
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.