Instructions for installing the latest versions of macOS Ventura and Sonoma on a Mac that is not officially supported.
Macworld
Every year, Apple releases a new version of its operating system for desktop and laptop computers, called macOS, which includes new features and enhancements. However, the latest version, Sonoma, is not compatible with older Mac devices such as the Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (released before 2018), iMacs (released before 2019), or the Mac Pro (released before 2019). If you own one of these older devices, you may think you are out of luck. But is that really the case?
What if your Mac or MacBook is not as new as the ones mentioned? According to official guidelines, this means that your Mac cannot be updated to macOS Sonoma at the moment. However, if Apple considers your Mac too old to support Sonoma or any other macOS versions, updating is not a straightforward process. You can still make it possible by using the OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
The release of the OpenCore Legacy Patcher for macOS Sonoma, which will provide this capability, is anticipated to occur in October 2023. However, there is a preliminary preview (located here) that offers initial support. Patchers are currently accessible for other versions of macOS such as Ventura and Monterey.
What are the benefits of running a newer version of macOS on an older Mac?
Not only Sonoma, but also macOS Ventura and macOS Monterey have limitations when it comes to compatibility with older Mac models. For example, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and iMac models released before 2017 are not able to run macOS Ventura, while MacBook Air and Mac mini models released before 2018 are also not compatible. Additionally, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models released before late 2015 cannot run macOS Monterey. If you own a pre-2014 Mac mini or a pre-2013 Mac Pro, you will also not be able to run macOS Monterey.
There is a valid explanation for why you may choose to run one of these three versions of macOS on your Mac. Apple provides security updates for only the most recent three versions, which means that if your Mac cannot update, it may be at risk for security issues. For more information, please refer to: How long does Apple support Macs.
Is my Mac too outdated to be updated?
Check the compatibility of your Mac with different versions of macOS using our macOS compatibility checker.
Sonoma is compatible with the following Mac models.
-
The 2018+ MacBook Air.
-
The MacBook Pro released in 2018 and beyond.
-
The Mac mini models released in 2018 and beyond.
-
The iMac models released in 2019 and beyond.
- iMac Pro from 2017
-
The Mac Pro models released in 2019 and beyond.
-
Starting in 2022, Mac Studio will be available and will continue to be available in the future.
This is a summary of the Mac computers that are compatible with Ventura.
-
MacBook versions released in 2017 or after.
-
MacBook Air models released in 2018 or later
-
MacBook Pro versions released in 2017 or after
-
Mac mini versions released in 2018 or after.
-
iMac models released in 2017 or after.
-
All versions of the iMac Pro.
- Mac Pro models from 2019 or later
- Mac Studio (all models)
Here is a summary of the Mac computers that are compatible with Monterey:
-
MacBook models released in or after early 2016
-
MacBook Air models released in or after early 2015
-
MacBook Pro versions released after 2015.
-
The versions of Mac mini released in 2014 or later.
- iMac from 2015 or later
- iMac Pro (all models)
-
From late 2013 onwards, the Mac Pro models were released.
If your Mac is eligible, refer to: Step-by-step guide on updating your macOS to the most recent compatible operating system.
Is it advisable to update the operating system of an older Mac to the latest macOS version?
Prior to following our tutorial, we want to caution you: Apple has chosen not to provide support for the latest Mac operating system on older models for a reason. These older models do not have the necessary components or power to handle the demands of newer systems. Therefore, if you decide to install Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, or any older versions on an unsupported Mac, do not anticipate it running seamlessly.
It is important to anticipate potential issues while using your Mac. Be aware that your Mac may not work at its best and there is a risk of losing data. To avoid this, we suggest creating a complete backup of your Mac beforehand. For instance, some older Macs experienced difficulties with their Wi-Fi connection after upgrading to macOS Big Sur. Additionally, running macOS on an unsupported Mac may violate Apple’s terms and conditions.
Curious if it’s worth updating your Mac? Check out: macOS Sonoma vs Ventura.
If you are determined to use Sonoma, perhaps it is time to update your Mac and sell your previous one.
Check out our guide on selling a used Mac and keep an eye on our regularly updated list of top Mac deals.
-
The top bargains for MacBook Air.
-
The top discounts on MacBook Pro available this month.
- The best Mac mini deals this month
-
The top iMac discounts available this month.
When will the update for Sonoma be released?
For macOS Sonoma, the Patch will not be released until October. However, an early preview is currently available for initial support. Once the patcher is released, we will provide instructions on how to update an older Mac to Sonoma.
Instructions for installing Ventura on a Mac that is not supported
If your Mac is older than a couple of years and you attempt to install Ventura on it, you will encounter some obstacles – the main one being that Software Update will not allow you to install the latest version of macOS.
Nevertheless, it is still feasible to install Ventura on an older Mac. This can be achieved by using a patch. Fortunately, there is a patcher called the OpenCore Legacy Patcher specifically designed for installing macOS Ventura on older Macs. The download and instructions can be accessed here.
Please be aware that macOS patchers have limitations and not all Mac computers may be compatible. Prior to installing Ventura on an older Mac, please confirm its compatibility with the patcher. A list of supported Macs is available here.
The steps to upgrade to a newer version of macOS on Macs that are not compatible are as follows:
-
Prior to taking any action, make sure to create a backup of your Mac as a precautionary measure.
-
To begin, you must acquire the installation files for the specific macOS version you desire, such as Ventura. These can be obtained using a compatible Mac. If they do not appear in Software Update, they can be downloaded from the Mac App Store. Please note that the files are large and the download may take some time.
-
After downloading, the installation files must be transferred onto a USB stick and the USB stick must be prepared for installing macOS Ventura. We provide instructions on how to make a bootable macOS installer in a different article. The installation files can be located in Finder > Applications (accessible by pressing Shift + Command + A while in Finder).
-
To proceed, you must acquire the patcher program that will deceive the installation files of your desired macOS version into thinking that your Mac is compatible. The most recent version of the aforementioned patcher can be downloaded here. Press the “Code” tab, followed by the green “Code” button, and finally the “Download Zip” button.
-
Upon unzipping the downloaded archive, you will come across a file called “OpenCore-Patcher.app”.
-
Execute the OpenCore-Patcher application.
-
Select Build OpenCore (unless you want to use the patcher on a different Mac, in which case it is Change Model).
-
After building OpenCore, the process should complete quickly and you will be taken back to the main menu.
- )
The subsequent action is to select the option to Install OpenCore on either a USB or internal drive. (It is advised to install on a drive with the FAT32 format.)
-
Once you have created the necessary item, you should restart your Mac while pressing and holding the Option (Alt) key.
-
After the Mac is turned on, a black screen will appear with several drive options. Choose the EFI Boot option.
-
To initiate OpenCore, select the option “Install macOS” and choose “Install macOS Ventura” in the OpenCore Picker.
-
Please proceed with the installation of macOS Ventura.
If you encounter any difficulties, we suggest following the instructions provided here. Please anticipate the update process to last for a few hours.
Instructions for updating macOS on a Mac that is not officially supported.
After installing macOS Ventura (or any chosen version), software updates will be shown in the Software Updates section when they become available. It is advised not to directly install these updates, but rather to create a USB drive with the updated installation files and use that to update the system.
How to install Monterey on an unsupported Mac
The steps for installing Monterey on your Mac are identical. Just like before, you can access the download and instructions here.
Please be cautious as Boot Camp Assistant may not function properly on Macs that are compatible with the app. Additionally, other features you are accustomed to may not be functional.
To patch, utilize the same patcher mentioned earlier, which is compatible with Big Sur and newer versions. You can verify your Mac’s compatibility with the patcher on this site.
The steps for upgrading to a different version of macOS on Macs that are not compatible remain unchanged from the above method. However, you will need to access the Monterey installation files, which can be obtained from the Mac App Store. These files are 12GB in size, so the process may take some time.
After successfully launching OpenCore, you can choose the “Install macOS” option in the OpenCore Picker. From there, you will be presented with the option to install macOS Monterey.
Instructions for installing Big Sur on a Mac that is not supported
Installing Big Sur on a Mac that is not officially supported can be challenging, but this does not mean that it is impossible to do so. You can utilize the same tool mentioned above, as well as another one specifically designed for installing macOS Big Sur on older Macs, which can be found on GitHub under the name “big-sur-micropatcher”.
Verify that the patcher is suitable for use on your Mac by referencing the information provided on the linked patch page.
The steps for upgrading a Mac that is not compatible to Big Sur are identical to the ones mentioned above. However, this time, you can download the installation files from the provided Mac App Store link. Simply follow the instructions in our linked guide to create a bootable installer.
- If you download the Big Sur patcher from GitHub
To obtain the code, select the “Code” option and then click on the “Download Zip” button.
-
Once you have downloaded and opened the archive, you will come across a file named “micropatcher.sh”.
- Launch a terminal and use the drag-and-drop method to add the file to the terminal. Execute the command afterwards.
-
Next, use your bootable installer to install macOS.
There may be additional tasks to complete after installing the big-sur-micropatcher. The instructions for this can be found within the patch itself. Once the Mac has been prepared using the USB stick, open a terminal and type “/Volumes/Image Volume/set-vars.sh”. This script is a crucial part of the patch for macOS Big Sur and alters important booting and system file settings.
It may take multiple hours to complete the update. In certain instances, it may appear that the installer has stopped working during the update. In these situations, it is best to be patient as the installation is likely still ongoing. As technology advances, more efficient methods for updating machines may be developed. Currently, the most reliable method is to use a bootable USB drive for updating.
Steps to install Catalina on an older Mac device.
According to Apple, macOS Catalina is compatible with the following Mac models:
-
MacBook models released in 2015 or after that.
-
Models of MacBook Air released from mid-2012 or onwards.
-
MacBook Pro models released in mid-2012 or after that time.
-
Mac mini versions released after 2012.
-
iMac computers released after 2012.
- iMac Pro (all models)
- and later are equipped with PCIe-based flash storage
Starting from late 2013, Mac Pro models come with flash storage based on PCIe technology.
A patch created by DOSDude1 is available for download, allowing you to install macOS Catalina on an older Mac.
Not all Macs are compatible with the Catalina hack, but a majority of them are included. You can check if your Mac is eligible by referring to this list.
DODDude1 provides a video guide on his website, available here. While we have condensed the instructions below, it is advised to refer to his tutorial for optimal results.
-
Please click on the provided link to obtain the most recent update for the Catalina patch. Donations are also accepted.
-
Launch the Catalina Patcher application.
- Click Continue.
-
Select “Download a Copy.”
-
The download for Catalina will begin, but due to its size of almost 8GB, it may take some time.
-
Insert a USB drive.
-
Select the option for “Create a bootable installer.”
-
Connect the bootable installer to the desired Mac for updating purposes.
-
Press and hold the Option/Alt key while restarting the Mac. This will prompt the Mac to open in Startup Manager.
-
Select the drive with the bootable installer and press Enter.
-
Your Mac should now be able to boot into Recovery mode.
-
Select “Reinstall macOS” and patiently wait for the latest version of macOS to be installed.
-
Once the installation is finished, it is recommended to restart your Mac in Recovery mode and select the drive with the bootable installer.
-
Select “macOS Post Install” and the necessary updates will be applied to your Mac, allowing Catalina to function properly.
-
After applying the patches, select “Force Cache Rebuild.”
- Restart.
-
After rebooting, your Mac should successfully start up with a functional version of macOS Catalina.
If your macOS version is older than High Sierra or Mojave, you must reformat your hard drive to APFS.
We offer additional guidance for installing macOS using a Bootable Installer on our website.
Instructions for installing Mojave on an older Mac computer.
Apple recommends that the following Mac models are compatible with macOS Mojave:
- Mac models from 2012 or later
- iMac Pro (from 2017)
-
MacBook models released in 2015 or after
- MacBook Pro models from 2012 or later
-
Models of MacBook Air released in 2012 or after.
- Mac mini models from 2012 or later
-
The Mac Pro models released in late 2013, as well as the mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with a recommended Metal-capable graphics card.
A patch tool, created by DOSDude1, allows for the installation of macOS Mojave on older Macs, similar to the process for Catalina.
The Mojave Patch Tool can be downloaded from this link.
How to operate High Sierra and previous versions on an aging Mac computer.
The previous version of macOS, High Sierra, had a slightly wider range. According to Apple, it was compatible with MacBook and iMac models from late 2009 or newer, as well as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and Mac Pro models from 2010 or newer.
DOSDude1 previously created a similar fix for High Sierra and Sierra. With the fix applied, you can use machines from as early as 2008. However, it is not guaranteed to run smoothly, which is why Apple does not recommend this approach. However, you may still be able to achieve satisfactory performance.
