Install macOS Sequoia on Unsupported Mac | Get Sequoia Beta Now

Dany updated on Jul 15, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

While Apple ensures that older Macs can still install new MacOS updates, some models are still left behind - and it can be frustrating! If you are one of those who have seen the latest announcement of macOS Sequoia and discovered it's not compatible with your Mac, you don't need to worry. We will share the right ways to help you install macOS Sequoia on Unsupported Mac.

Begin by downloading macOS Sequoia Resource, creating a bootable macOS Sequoia USB, installing the OpenCore Legacy Patcher, and then finally installing macOS Sequoia on an unsupported Mac. While it might seem like a couple of quick fixes, you'll need to thoroughly read the guide to avoid any installation problems. Let's get into it!

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Step 1. Download macOS Sequoia Resource Open your web browser, go to the macOS Sequoia Full Installer Database.  Look for the macOS...Full steps
Step 2. Create Bootable macOS Sequoia USB Connect a 16GB USB flash drive to your Mac. Use an empty USB or back up crucial data beforehand...Full steps
Step 3. Install OpenCore Legacy Patcher To obtain the most recent version, go to the OpenCore Legacy page on GitHub and select the...Full steps
Step 4. Install macOS 15 on Unsupported Mac Plug the bootable macOS Sequoia USB drive into the unsupported Mac you want to upgrade...Full steps

Step 1. Download macOS Sequoia Resource

To start the process of installing macOS Sequoia on your unsupported Mac, the first critical step involves downloading the macOS Sequoia installer. Below are the detailed steps on how to obtain the installer directly from Apple using a trusted resource:

Step 1. Open your web browser and go to macOS Sequoia Full Installer Database.

Note: This database will provide download links for the macOS Sequoia complete Installer pkg files (InstallAssistant.pkg). This is the identical complete installation that you would get from the App Store for Intel and Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 Mac computers.

Step 2. Look for the macOS Sequoia BETA Full Installer section and download the suitable one. The InstallAssistant.pkg is kept on Apple's servers and includes the whole "Install macOS.app" file.

Step 3. Once downloaded, install the pkg to find the entire macOS installer in your programs folder. You can also download and install macOS Sonoma on unsupported Macs with this website.

mr.macintosh sequoia beta installer

Here's a video that may help you learn how to download Sequoia beta and some outstanding new features:

  • 00:30 Back up your Mac
  • 00:54 macOS Sequoia beta compatibility
  • 01:33 Download macOS Sequoia beta
  • 02:29 macOS Sequoia's new features
download macOS Sequoia
 

Step 2. Create Bootable macOS Sequoia USB

Installing macOS Sequoia on an unsupported Mac requires you to create a bootable USB on a Mac. If the USB you are using is not empty, remember to back up essential data in advance and protect your data before installing macOS Sequoia! The installation process might fail, particularly on unsupported Mac systems, causing data loss. We suggest EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. This utility is great for backing up data and retrieving files lost during installation.

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While protecting your sensitive information, the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac gives you peace of mind. The outstanding tool can recover deleted files on macOS Sequoia and support multiple file formats such as images, videos, and documents more efficiently in no time. Recover data from USB drives, hard drives, partitions, and more.

This proactive step ensures that your journey to upgrading to macOS Sequoia is smooth and secure. Always remember that safeguarding your data is as crucial as updating your operating system! You can share this product on social media to help more macOS Sequoia users!

 

Here are the steps to create a bootable USB:

Step 1. Connect a 16GB USB flash drive to your Mac. Use an empty USB or back up crucial data beforehand, as creating a bootable USB flash drive will wipe all data.

Step 2. Search Spotlight or go to "Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility". Or wake up with Spotlight.

Use Spotlight to open Disk Utility

Step 3. In "Disk Utility", choose your USB drive from the sidebar. Click "Erase", choose "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)", and name it "Sequoia". Click "Erase" to continue.

erase disk on Mac

Step 4. After formatting the USB device, open "Terminal" and run the following command, substituting '/Applications/Install macOS Sequoia.app' with your downloaded installation location:

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

Notice:
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. When Terminal indicates that the process is done, your USB drive is now a bootable macOS Sequoia installer.

Step 3. Install OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Follow the steps below to complete this section:

Step 1. To obtain the most recent version, go to the OpenCore Legacy page on GitHub and select the "Getting Started" button. Open OpenCore-Patcher (GUI) and choose "Build and Install OpenCore". Follow the on-screen instructions to create the Mac OpenCore package.

build and install opencore

Step 2. Once OpenCore Legacy has completed creating the OpenCore package for your Mac, go to the Install OpenCore step.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the package on the USB stick you formatted in the previous section. This creates a bootable USB installer from the Sequoia installer you downloaded.

 install opencore

Step 4. When OpenCore Legacy has completed creating the installer, remove the USB stick from the Mac and insert it into the Mac where you want to install Sequoia.

Step 4. Install macOS 15 on Unsupported Mac

After creating a bootable macOS Sequoia USB and installing OpenCore Legacy Patcher, you may install it on your unsupported Mac. This brief guide shows how to continue:

Step 1. Plug the bootable macOS Sequoia USB drive into the unsupported Mac you want to upgrade.

Step 2. Power on or restart your Mac, holding down the "Option" key immediately until the boot selection screen appears. Select the "USB drive" containing macOS Sequoia and press Enter.

Step 3. From the macOS Utilities window, choose "Install macOS." Select your Mac's internal drive and start installation using the on-screen instructions. This may take time, so be patient.

Please share this guide on social media to assist others. Sharing your story may help others in similar circumstances!

 

Conclusion

Installing macOS Sequoia on an unsupported Mac requires downloading the installation files, generating a bootable USB, installing the OpenCore Legacy Patcher, and then installing and running the MacOS 15. The procedure may seem complicated, but following each step will guarantee a successful installation. Remember, planning and detail matter.

Data must be protected before you proceed with the installation process, especially on unsupported Macs. We endorse EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac. This utility offers comprehensive recovery options if data is lost during installation. You can quickly recover lost files from partitions, USB drives, and even external hard drives.

Install macOS 15 on Unsupported Mac FAQs

Here are some of the top searched queries related to installing macOS 15 on Unsupported Mac:

1. Can I install macOS Sequoia with OpenCore Legacy Patcher?

MacOS Sequoia may be installed on unsupported Macs using OpenCore Legacy Patcher. This application lets you run the newest macOS version on older hardware, even if Apple doesn't support it.

2. How do I download macOS Sequoia Developer Beta 2?

Register as an Apple Developer to obtain macOS Sequoia Developer Beta 2. Visit Apple Developer, sign in, and go to downloads. Download the macOS Sequoia Developer Beta 2 installation there.

3. Why can't I install macOS Sequoia on my MacBook Air?

MacOS Sequoia may not be installed on your MacBook Air if it doesn't fulfill Apple's hardware requirements or Apple doesn't support the installation. MacOS Sequoia is not supported for MacBook Air 2018 and 2019 models.

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Updated by Dany

Dany is an editor of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on writing articles about data recovery on Mac devices and PCs. She is devoted to improving her writing skills and enriching her professional knowledge. Dany also enjoys reading detective novels in her spare time.

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