How to install macOS on old and discontinued Macs
Install macOS 14 (Sonoma) on your unsupported Mac
With the release of each new version of macOS, Apple stops supporting many older Macs. As I mentioned in my recent story about upgrading my Intel-based Macbook Pro to macOS Sonoma, many Mac models from 2017 and earlier do not get any official updates to macOS 14 (Sonoma) anymore.
So, the question is, is there any unofficial way to install the newer macOS versions on old and discontinued Macs? In this short story, we will get to know a project called OpenCore Legacy Patcher that allows older Macs to run newer versions of macOS.
What is OpenCore Legacy Patcher? · How do I know if my Mac is compatible with OpenCore Legacy Patcher? ∘ What should I do If my Mac is not on the list? · What are the risks of using OpenCore Legacy Patcher? · Final Word
What is OpenCore Legacy Patcher?
OpenCore Legacy Patcher is a Python-based project revolving around Acidanthera’s OpenCorePkg and Lilu that allows older Macs to run newer versions of macOS that Apple does not officially support.
It is based on OpenCore, which is a bootloader that can boot macOS on non-Apple hardware. OpenCore Legacy Patcher uses OpenCore and other patches to enable features such as graphics acceleration, Wi-Fi, system updates, and more on unsupported Macs. It also unlocks some restricted features on supported Macs, such as Sidecar and AirPlay. OpenCore Legacy Patcher supports macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma on Macs as old as 2007.
How do I know if my Mac is compatible with OpenCore Legacy Patcher?
To know if your Mac is compatible with OpenCore Legacy Patcher, you can check the supported models list on its GitHub page. This list shows the Mac models that are supported by the patcher, as well as the features and limitations of each model.
The lowest Mac model that the OpenCore Legacy Patcher supports when writing this text is the iMac (20-inch & 24-inch for mid-2007). You can also find the minimum requirements for running macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma on unsupported Macs. Generally, your Mac needs to have a 64-bit CPU, a Metal-compatible GPU, and at least 4 GB of RAM to run the latest macOS versions.
What should I do If my Mac is not on the list?
If your Mac is not on the list, you can still try to use OpenCore Legacy Patcher, but you may encounter some issues or missing features. You can also join the OpenCore Legacy Patcher Discord server to get help from other users and developers.
What are the risks of using OpenCore Legacy Patcher?
As a disclaimer, I have not tested this project, but you can find many articles and videos about people who tried it successfully and are so happy! For example, watch this video:
Using OpenCore Legacy Patcher can have some risks, such as:
- Security issues: OpenCore Legacy Patcher may compromise the security of your Mac by disabling some features like System Integrity Protection (SIP), Secure Boot, and Signed System Volume (SSV).
- Legal issues: OpenCore Legacy Patcher may violate the terms of the macOS software license agreement, which states that you are only allowed to install and use macOS on Apple-branded hardware that meets the system requirements.
- Compatibility issues: OpenCore Legacy Patcher may not work well with some Mac models, features, or applications. You may encounter bugs, glitches, or missing functionality when using OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
Therefore, you should be careful and aware of the potential risks before using OpenCore Legacy Patcher. You should also back up your data and create a recovery drive if something goes wrong.
Final Word
I am always worried about the day Apple removes my 2019 Intel-based MacBook from the list of supported Macs for the next macOS versions. This project can be a practical solution for anyone who has this concern or problem.
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