Bring Your Own MacBook (BYOM) – Device Requirements
HKIS students participate in a Bring Your Own MacBook (BYOM) program.
All Grade 6–12 students are required to bring an Apple Mac laptop to school each day.
To support student learning, we outline two device tiers below:
- a minimum allowed specification, and
- a recommended specification that supports all learning pathways and offers longer usable life.
Note: MacBook Neo ships with macOS 26 (Tahoe) and cannot be downgraded. Other supported Mac models may run macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later.
Minimum Allowed Specifications (MacBook Neo only)
(Device will work for general academic use but may have limitations over time)
- Device: MacBook Neo
- Apple Silicon chip: A18 Pro
- Memory (RAM): 8GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB or above
- Operating System: macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later
Important: While the MacBook Neo meets our minimum requirements, it is not recommended for students who may pursue courses involving art, design, video production, or other resource intensive applications.
Recommended Specifications (MacBook Air or MacBook Pro)
(Supports all courses, activities, and learning pathways through Middle and High School)
- Device: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
- Apple Silicon chip: M2 or above
- Memory (RAM): 16GB RAM or higher
- Storage: 256GB or above
- Operating System: macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later
A MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM is strongly recommended for families seeking maximum flexibility, performance, and device longevity.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the MacBook, students will need:
- A USBC to USBA adapter (for compatibility with some classroom peripherals)
- Access to a personal Apple ID, which is required to install updates and keep required software current
