Yosemite’s coolest new features won’t be available on all Macs

Apple has finally released its new desktop operating system, OS X Yosemite, which comes with a variety of interesting features, but not all of them will be available to all Mac users. In the OS X Yosemite upgrade instructions posted on its website, Apple has also listed feature requirements that note which Mac models can support some of Yosemite’s coolest features, including Continuity and Handoff.

Yosemite can be installed on a variety of machines, according to Apple, going all the way back to 2007 for the iMac and MacBook Pro.

However, for Handoff and Instant Hotspot users will need a Mac that’s from 2012 or newer (MacBook Air, Pro, iMac and Mac mini) or a late 2013 Mac Pro. Apple also revealed that Phone Calling requires an iPhone with iOS 8, while SMS support and Instant Hotspot require an iPhone with iOS 8.1 on board. Naturally, these features aren’t important to those Mac users who don’t own iPhones and/or iPads as well.

There are other features that won’t be available on older devices. Mac to iOS AirDrop is also only supported on the same Macs that can offer users access to Handoff and Instant Hotspot. Mac to Mac AirDrop is available on older Macs though, going all the way back to 2008 for the MacBook Pro and the MacBook.

AirPlay Mirroring works between a second-generation Apple TV and Yosemite-running Macs from 2011 or newer (MacBook Pro, Air, iMac and Mac Mini), or on the late 2013 Mac Pro. Peer-to-Peer AirPlay works between 2012 or later Macs and third-gen Apple TV (model A1469 or later).

Finally, Power Nap only works on 2010 or newer MacBook Air models, 2012 or newer MacBook Pro with Retina display, iMac, Mac Mini, and late 2013 Mac Pro.

The complete upgrade instructions for Yosemite, as well as feature requirements are available at the source link.