iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
Our verdict
Revive it.
Apple’s updates ended on macOS Monterey 12. 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 Monterey 12 — or macOS Tahoe 26 with OpenCore.
Where to sell it
The record
Introduced
2015
Model identifier
iMac17,1
Chip
Intel Core i5/i7 Skylake
Architecture
Intel
Latest official release
macOS Monterey 12
With OpenCore Patcher
macOS Tahoe 26 · official patcher site
Security updates
Ended — macOS Monterey received its final security update in 2024 (last release 12.7.6 (2024-07-29)).
Apple hardware status
Obsolete — no longer serviced
Data confidence
high
Common questions
What is the newest macOS for the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)?
The iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) officially tops out at macOS Monterey 12. The community’s OpenCore Legacy Patcher can take it to macOS Tahoe 26, unofficially.
Is the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) still getting security updates?
No. Ended — macOS Monterey received its final security update in 2024 (last release 12.7.6 (2024-07-29)).
Can the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) run a newer macOS than Monterey 12?
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 (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) vintage or obsolete?
Apple classifies it as obsolete: no more parts, no more service. Apple Stores will still recycle it for free.
Same shelf