Wondering what the earliest version of Mac mini that is compatible with GarageBand

My son loves GarageBand on his iPhone now he wants a Mac mini so it’s more convenient and easier for him to use. This is the only reason he wants a mac so I was wondering what is the earliest Mac mini that is compatible with GarageBand and able to download thank you in advance.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Aug 24, 2025 8:21 AM

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Posted on Aug 24, 2025 8:49 AM

Currently Garageband requires Mac OS 14.4 (Sonoma), so that would make it compatible with these computers at the least and of course any newer model:

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

  • Mac mini (2023)
  • Mac mini (M1, 2020)
  • Mac mini (2018)


Personally, I would stay away from the 2018 model as that one was still using the Intel processor, where support may be short lived.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 24, 2025 8:49 AM in response to Darkstroller74

Currently Garageband requires Mac OS 14.4 (Sonoma), so that would make it compatible with these computers at the least and of course any newer model:

macOS Sonoma is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

  • Mac mini (2023)
  • Mac mini (M1, 2020)
  • Mac mini (2018)


Personally, I would stay away from the 2018 model as that one was still using the Intel processor, where support may be short lived.

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Wondering what the earliest version of Mac mini that is compatible with GarageBand

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