How to Install Sonoma on Unsupported Mac [macOS 14 Available Now]

This guide explains 4 different ways to install macOS Sonoma on an unsupported Mac. Go through each step carefully to download it when it's officially launched. While upgrading to macOS 14, you may lose some data. Install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac today to recover all your data!

The following table will guide you on install macOS Sonoma on unsupported Mac:

Install macOS Sonoma on Unsupported Mac Preview

The newest OS, the macOS Sonoma Beta, was proclaimed at Apple's WWDC 2023, held between the 5th to 9th of June. Developers can download and install this latest OS with several appealing features. The macOS 14 Sonoma will replace macOS Ventura, now available in different iMac and MacBook Air, and Pro laptops.

This macOS Sonoma has a wider array of supported Macs than Ventura. But the OpenCore Legacy Patcher team is working consistently to bring this latest macOS 14 to obsolete Macs. Why do you upgrade to macOS Sonoma and the attractive features of this macOS version? You will get these features:

• Video conferencing tool and effects
• Animated screensavers
• Widgets on the desktop
• Gaming and Safari updates

macOS Sonoma carries every new possibility for maximizing innovation and productivity. The recently released macOS upholds Apple's policy of local protection for everything you do and witness on your Mac wherever it is practical, like the current Communication Security. It is introduced to macOS Sonoma and finds what Apple metaphorically calls vulnerable videos and photographs.

Do you know you can install macOS 14 on an unsupported Mac? macOS Sonoma won't function on Macs from 2016 or older. The 2017 iMac Pro gets the opportunity to run Sonoma. Otherwise, these are the devices that will support macOS Sonoma:

• iMac 2019 or later
• MacBook Air, 2018 and later
• Mac Pro, 2019 and later
• Mac Mini, 2018 and later
• Mac Studio, 2022 and later

Are you willing to install macOS Sonoma on an unsupported Mac? Consider this video to learn more about macOS 14:

• 00:21 Click About This Mac to learn the Mac model
• 00:47 Run OpenCore Patcher on Mac
• 03:26 Reboot your Mac
• 05:02 Install macOS Sonoma beta

How to Install macOS Sonoma on Unsupported Mac

If you're a software developer, macOS Sonoma is available to download on your MacBook. But you must ensure the Mac is fully compatible with the latest macOS 14. After releasing the company-wide compatibility list, Apple has been accused of ending service for outdated Mac systems. You may anticipate several issues with this macOS Sonoma beta software. The issues include:

• Non-trustworthy battery life on a MacBook Air or Pro.
• Overheating issues.
• Non-credible third-party app compatibility.

To prevent data loss due to these reasons, you'd better download the EaseUS data recovery software to back up your vital data.

Apart from all these issues with installing macOS Sonoma, we will provide the top 4 steps to install macOS Sonoma on an unsupported Mac. Don't forget to share this article on social media; it will help users in several ways.

Step 1. Download macOS Sonoma Beta Resource on Mac

There are two methods to download macOS Sonoma:

A. Download macOS 14 beta for developers from the developer website

You need to get the installation file for macOS Sonoma first, which can be obtained from the Apple Developer website in case you have an Apple Developer Program login. Follow the steps below to install macOS 14 for developers from the developer website:

Step 1. You need to launch Safari on your MacBook to visit developer.apple.com.

Step 2. Opt for macOS, and hit Download.

Step 3. Use your credentials to sign in.

Step 4. Go to the download section, find macOS 14 Sonoma to install, and hit the "Install Profile".

Step 5. The download location needs to be opened on your Mac.

Step 6. Hit macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.dmg to open it.

Step 7. Spot this file: macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.pkg, located in the disk image. Now, double-click to commence the installation process.

Step 8. Hit the continue button.

Step 9. Go through the terms and conditions, tick the box, and select install.

Step 10. Now, you will see the software update option on the screen.

Step 11. You may download the latest macOS Sonoma Developer Beta. Click "macOS Sonoma Developer Beta" and hit the Upgrade now button.

B. Download macOS Sonoma with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac

You may get the macOS Sonoma beta version from a third-party tool if you don't have an Apple Developer account. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, one of the industry's most well-known data recovery software applications, now has a brand-new function for creating macOS bootable USB drive installation.

You can check the following steps to learn how to download macOS 14:

Step 1. Select macOS installer

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and click "macOS Installer" on the left side. In tab 1, unfold the macOS version list by clicking "Select macOS intaller".  You can also select "Refresh" button after downloading the macOS installer from App Store.

You can download macOS installer to upgrade or downgrade macOS, and you can find all the available versions, no matter the latest or older versions. Morever, you can apply macOS installer to dual boot Mac and run two macOS together.

Step 2. Format the USB flash drive

Connect a USB flash drive (larger than 16 GB) to the Mac as your macOS boot drive. Choose the USB drive you prepared in tab 2 and click the "Erase and create" option in the pop-up window to format your USB flash drive. Then click the "Create macOS installer" button to start the creating.

1. Important: This progress will delete all data on your USB flash drive, please back up the data before, or use EaseUS data recovery software to recover your data.

Step 3. Create the macOS installer boot drive

Click the "Finish" button after the macOS installer creating is finished. Follow the prompts on the interface to perform subsequent installation operations.

Step 2. Correctly Format a USB on Mac for macOS 14

You should now make a bootable USB for Mac as you have installed the macOS Sonoma Installer program on your Mac. Follow the steps below:

Method 1: Get rid of your storage device

Step 1. Your Mac needs to be linked with the storage device.

Step 2. Opt for your storage device after opening the disk utility.

Step 3. Hit the "Erase" button on the disk utility's top menu bar.

Step 4. Select macOS extended in Format and GUID partition Mac in Scheme after modifying the disk's name.

Step 5. You may confirm your preferences by hitting the erase button.

Method 2: Execute command lines to turn your storage device into a bootable installation

Step 1. Open Terminal on Mac by using the Spotlight search shortcut.

Step 2. Type the below-mentioned command strings in the terminal window:

Step 3. To protect your actions, when requested, input the admin account's password and hit Y.

Step 4. When the process completes, the name of your disc division will be changed to Install macOS Sonoma.

Step 3. Download and Install OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Follow the steps below to download and install OpenCore Legacy Patcher:

Step 1. Launch OpenCore Legacy Patcher on your macOS 14.

Step 2. Open Settings from the main page of the OpenCore Legacy Patcher.

Step 3. Opt for Verbose in order to provide accurate information for debugging during the installation process.

Follow the steps below to kick-start the installation work:

Method 1: Create and install OpenCore

Step 1. Opt for Build and Install OpenCore on the main interface of the OpenCore Legacy Patcher.

Step 2. Select the "Build OpenCore" button in the new popup.

Step 3. When the build completes successfully, choose to Install OpenCore and Install to Disc.

Step 4. Choose to install the disc in the OpenCore.

Step 5. Select EFI to confirm your choices.

Method 2: Start the macOS installer & OpenCore

Step 1. Press the option key after restarting your MacBook until you see a boot screen with several options.

Step 2. Using the EFI boot characters option, you may use the keyboard and mouse to select the OpenCore symbol.

Step 3. You will notice the OpenCore Picker on the screen as you have uploaded OpenCore here.

Step 4. After deciding to set up macOS Sonoma, you arrive at the typical boot window in the wizard.

Step 4. Install Sonoma on Unsupported Mac and Boot

You can install macOS Sonoma from the App Store. Go through the steps below:

Step 1. Visit the App Store, and in the search bar, type macOS Sonoma.

Step 2. Hit the Get button, provide your Apple ID, and install macOS Sonoma. You can also install macOS Ventura with the brand-new feature of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac: macOS installer.

Recover Data from macOS 14 on Unsupported Mac

Downloading macOS Sonoma on an incompatible Mac seems exciting. But it may also ruin your data. Critical files and data may become corrupted while accessing third-party resources. This could be problematic since a person's device likely contains many essential information and records.

If you're having trouble finding meaningful information on your Mac, you should recover it using a reputable data recovery program. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is your best option in this regard.

These are the best features of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac:

To Wrap Up

You're all set! After completing the installation of macOS 14, explore all that the operating system can offer. If you stumble upon anything unusual, be sure to let us know. You may be confident that our team will notify you of everything that gives the OS a fantastic upgrade. You can easily install macOS 14 on an unsupported Mac, and if any data is lost while installing the latest OS, you must consider using EaseUS.

Install macOS 14 on Unsupported Mac FAQs

Consider the below-mentioned FAQs to understand the topic better:

1. How to install macOS Monterey on an unsupported Mac?

Consider preparing a USB to install macOS Monterey on an unsupported Mac. You can prepare your USB via disk utility. All you need to do is plug in the USB in your MacBook, open the disk utility, opt for your USB, and finally hit the erase button.

2. How to recover data on macOS Sonoma Mac?

In order to recoup data on macOS Sonoma Mac, you may download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. Otherwise, you may retrieve deleted files from the trash. When you delete files on macOS Sonoma using this move to trash shortcut, you might see the Trash folder.

3. How to create a macOS 14 bootable installer?

After turning on your Mac, you need to press and hold the Option (Alt) key. When you notice your bootable volumes on a dark display, let go of the Option key. Choose the drive that has the installer on it. After that, either tap Return or the onscreen arrows.

4. What are the new features of macOS 14 Sonoma?

Enhanced screen sharing, higher privacy in Safari, the latest accessibility features for cognitive, vision, and speech accessibility, and new screen savers are some of the greatest features of macOS Sonoma.