macOS Sequoia, also known as macOS 15, is the latest version of Apple’s official operating system for their computers. If you own a MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Pro, or Mac Studio, you’ll want to update to this version to explore the new features announced earlier this summer. However, not all devices are compatible with Sequoia. If you want to install macOS Sequoia on an older Mac or a compatible one, there is an alternative: OpenCore.
Last year, we introduced you to OpenCore Legacy Patcher, a free and open-source application that allows you to update older Macs to the latest macOS version. This is often not possible on Macs that are more than seven years old. Apple has several reasons for this, including that older Macs may not meet the hardware requirements or handle the new features. But where Apple leaves off, there are always alternative solutions available.
With the release of macOS Sequoia, the developers behind OpenCore Legacy Patcher have launched version 2.0 of their patch, designed to extend the life of older Macs. This version allows macOS Sequoia to be installed on unsupported Macs. If you have a Mac from between 2008 and 2019 that no longer supports the latest macOS update, you might be able to bypass this limitation using OpenCore.
List of Macs compatible with macOS Sequoia
The first step is to check if your Mac can install macOS Sequoia. Apple released a list of compatible devices after the launch of macOS Sequoia in June. As with previous updates, not all models will be able to take full advantage of the new features. However, if your Mac is just a few years old, it may still be eligible for an official upgrade to Sequoia.
The following Macs are compatible with macOS Sequoia:
- iMac from 2019 or newer
- iMac Pro from 2017 or newer
- Mac Studio from 2022 or newer
- MacBook Air from 2020 or newer
- Mac mini from 2018 or newer
- MacBook Pro from 2018 or newer
- Mac Pro from 2019 or newer
How to install macOS Sequoia on older Macs
As the creators of OpenCore Legacy Patcher explain, its primary goal is to “breathe new life into Macs that are no longer supported by Apple.” This app allows you to install and use macOS Big Sur and newer versions on Macs as old as 2007. The project initially supported Big Sur, but has since expanded to include Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and finally Sequoia, which became available on September 16, 2024. Overall, this app is a great option for installing macOS Sequoia on unsupported Macs.
One of its most notable features is native Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, similar to those we see on other Apple devices. Once you’ve installed macOS Sequoia (or any supported version), you can easily update your system as patches and minor updates are released, just like on newer Macs.
Other key features include full support for WPA WiFi on the latest chipsets, System Integrity Protection (SIP), FileVault 2, .im4m Secure Boot, and Vaulting. It also offers Safe Mode, System Recovery, and Single-User Boot. Additionally, it unlocks features like Sidecar and AirPlay on both supported and unsupported Macs, manages SATA and NVMe devices on non-Apple hardware, and provides graphics acceleration on GPUs, regardless of whether they support Metal.
Macs that support both Sequoia and OpenCore
A total of 83 unsupported Mac models will be able to run macOS 15, also known as macOS Sequoia, using OpenCore Legacy Patcher. Older models that don’t meet the requirements will have to stick with earlier versions like Sonoma or Ventura. Here’s the installer, along with details about some potential limitations. One significant issue is that the Photos app won’t work on Macs with graphics cards that don’t support Metal.
Macs that can run macOS Sequoia using OpenCore Legacy Patcher 2.0.0 include:
- MacBook (2008 to 2019) – MacBook5,x to MacBook10,1
- MacBook Air (2008 to 2017) – MacBook Air2,1 to MacBook Air7,x
- MacBook Pro (2008 to 2017) – MacBookPro4,1 to MacBookPro14,x
- Mac mini (2009 to 2017) – Macmini3,1 to Macmini7,1
- iMac (2007 to 2018) – iMac7,1 to iMac18,x
- Mac Pro (2008 to 2018) – MacPro3,1 to MacPro6,1
- Xserve (2008 to 2010) – Xserve2,1 to Xserve3,1
How the OpenCore Legacy Patcher works
OpenCore Legacy Patcher is surprisingly easy to use, especially considering how complex it is to make old Macs compatible with newer macOS versions. If you’re looking to install macOS Sequoia on unsupported Macs, this is the most practical solution. Before starting, you should check, based on your Mac model, to what extent you’ll be able to use macOS Sequoia. You can find this information on the page listing supported models, which also highlights any potential issues you might encounter.
There are a few important steps not mentioned in OpenCore’s guide that you should follow. First, make sure you have enough space on your Mac’s hard drive, as a certain amount of free storage is required to install macOS. Luckily, the installation will be done from a USB drive, but it’s still wise to check. It’s also essential to back up your hard drive before starting. In case anything goes wrong during the installation, you’ll want to have your files safely stored on an external drive.
Once you’re ready, you can download the application to “download and install the macOS installers” and proceed with installing macOS Sequoia on your older Mac. You’ll need a USB drive with at least 32 GB for Sequoia, while older macOS versions may only require 16 GB. After downloading OpenCore Legacy Patcher, open the app and click on “Create macOS Installer.” Then, select “Download macOS Installer” and choose from the available versions. Finally, select the USB drive where you’d like to store the installer, and let OpenCore complete the process.
Step-by-step guide to installing macOS using OpenCore
Now that we have the USB with the macOS Sequoia installer (or an earlier version), return to OpenCore Legacy Patcher and click on Build and Install OpenCore. The app will set up everything necessary to allow the macOS installation to work on your old Mac, something that wouldn’t normally be possible without this patch.
Once the patching process is complete, the wizard will give you the option to Install to disk. It will prompt you to select the drive where you want to install macOS. Choose your primary drive. After the installation finishes, you can restart your Mac—if the wizard doesn’t do it automatically. As your Mac starts up, hold down the Option key to access the startup menu. From there, choose Install macOS Sequoia instead of the default option, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
After macOS Sequoia is installed, your Mac will reboot again. At this point, there’s just one more step. By default, you’ll need the USB drive to boot into macOS. However, you can change the boot settings so that your Mac can boot directly from the main disk. To do this, open the OpenCore Legacy Patcher app again, click Build and Install OpenCore, and this time, select the main disk instead of the USB. Then, restart your Mac, hold down the Option key to access the EFI menu, and choose the main disk to set it as the default boot option.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s a good idea to take your time and review the official documentation. This can help you avoid surprises or unexpected issues. That said, if you’re using an older Mac that you no longer rely on or had previously abandoned because it couldn’t be updated, experimenting with OpenCore Legacy Patcher is a great option. However, if you plan to install it on your primary Mac, it’s important to proceed with extra caution.
