Apple has shifted away from selling macOS installation discs for its computers, and the information has been corroborated by MacRumors. The move marks a clear transition from physical media to digital distribution for the operating system, a change that began years ago and continues to shape how users install and reinstall macOS today.
Historically, the last macOS versions that could be installed from physical media were released in 2011 and 2012. Those discs represented the final era of on-disc installers before Apple began to deliver macOS as downloadable digital images through its software ecosystem. Since then, the standard practice has been to obtain the operating system as a digital image, which is accessed and installed via the Mac App Store or other official download channels.
The first macOS version released exclusively in a digital format was Mavericks, which arrived in October 2013. Today, the line has progressed to macOS Sonoma, the current flagship edition. This evolution underscores Apple’s ongoing emphasis on digital distribution, streamlined updates, and faster deployment for users across Canada and the United States.
For individuals seeking to install older macOS versions on a compatible Mac, Apple still provides access to disk images through its official website. The process generally requires the device’s serial number to verify eligibility and ensure compatibility. Detailed, step by step guidance for creating install media—whether a USB drive or a DVD—remains available from Apple’s support resources, allowing users to prepare a bootable installer image when needed.
In the past, Apple also introduced new macOS releases with enhancements to security, performance, and features. Consumers can plan ahead by confirming the system requirements, compatibility with hardware, and any potential updates that could affect applications and workflows. With the current landscape, users in North America benefit from clear, centralized access to authentic install images and official installation procedures, ensuring reliable deployment across multiple devices and environments. — Source: Apple