macOS 15 Sequoia on Unsupported Macs Thread

[macpro_mid2014]

15.3 beta 3 to beta 4 was 1.15gb unfortunately not working after patching for me abit of grey screen , can see log in box and log in and see dock but not wallpaper or status bar .

I've just installed on my MBP11,2 (like yours). Working as expected with no issues so far.

Because I have an Ethernet connection, I never unpatch first, so it downloaded the whole thing.

Mouse and keyboard continuity is also working without any issues...

 

[OldMacPro2]

Guess I like to live dangerous. Took my MBP 15" mid-2010 (MacBook Pro 6,2, 2.4Ghz i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD), which was running High Sierra, and tried the Sequoia install, using OCLP 2.2.0.

Quite a LONG upgrade,( I didn't time it but kicked it off while I was doing other work...it probably took a couple of hours) I was getting a Sequoia icon to boot.

I think it re-booted a few more times...lost count.

After the FINAL reboot, it took forever to log in as a plain old users. And the fans came on full blast and then it was running super slow. I know on the "first boot" there is a lot of processes running in the background. That took awhile to settle down. Then based on some post that I read in this thread, I was able to turn off "dynamic wallpaper" and that helped even more.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend running Sequoia on a MacBook Pro this old, but it did work!

 

[OKonnel]

Guess I like to live dangerous. Took my MBP 15" mid-2010 (MacBook Pro 6,2, 2.4Ghz i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD), which was running High Sierra, and tried the Sequoia install, using OCLP 2.2.0.

Quite a LONG upgrade,( I didn't time it but kicked it off while I was doing other work...it probably took a couple of hours) I was getting a Sequoia icon to boot.

I think it re-booted a few more times...lost count.

After the FINAL reboot, it took forever to log in as a plain old users. And the fans came on full blast and then it was running super slow. I know on the "first boot" there is a lot of processes running in the background. That took awhile to settle down. Then based on some post that I read in this thread, I was able to turn off "dynamic wallpaper" and that helped even more.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend running Sequoia on a MacBook Pro this old, but it did work!

I also have a 2010 MacBook Pro with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD.
It works fine with Catalina installed using a USB stick created with the great @dosdude1 patch.
However, some drawbacks remain, and if one wants to use iMovie or Final Cut and other applications, one has to search for and download old "No-Metal" versions from the Internet.
One has to look for and use other tricks to overcome other drawbacks such as a difficult startup of many applications, updating with the latest Catalina updates, and so on.

In the end, I preferred to put High Sierra back to take advantage of old applications that were good and irreplaceable to me like BTV Pro and also the very good Quick Time 7 that I had purchased in Pro version. But if you can optimize it, Catalina is quite good and allows you to work.

I would be happy to know, however, if there is any user who has been able to get 2010 MacBook Pro's running smoothly and with all applications via a macOS version superior to Catalina (even if using old "No-Metal" apps) and what is the most functional macOS version among the latest that does not make Catalina regret with the dosdude1 patch that (I think) is recommended by the OCLP instructions themselves for the 2010 MacBook Pro.

 

[TOM1211]

I've just installed on my MBP11,2 (like yours). Working as expected with no issues so far.

Because I have an Ethernet connection, I never unpatch first, so it downloaded the whole thing.

Mouse and keyboard continuity is also working without any issues...

agreed downloading the whole update 15gb and it’s running fine after patching I’ve never really had a problem with unpatching was all on a test partition so nothing lost .

 

[OldMacPro2]

I also have a 2010 MacBook Pro with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD.
…

In the end, I preferred to put High Sierra back to take advantage of old applications that were good and irreplaceable to me like BTV Pro and also the very good Quick Time 7 that I had purchased in Pro version. But if you can optimize it, Catalina is quite good and allows you to work.
…

I think you are wise to stick with High Sierra or Catalina. My opinion, based on my limited experience, is that running Sequoia on a non-metal capable system is more of a science experiment than a really usable system. It’s fun to see it working, but too many limitations for general usage. My MBP 15” 2015 is another matter. It seems to be running very well and is metal supported. I can run Sequoia just fine.

 

[hvds]

I've just installed on my MBP11,2 (like yours). Working as expected with no issues so far.

Because I have an Ethernet connection, I never unpatch first, so it downloaded the whole thing.

Mouse and keyboard continuity is also working without any issues...

MBP11,1: installed 15.4b4 over b3 OTA, no previous unpatching, Ethernet usage. Using OCLP 2.2.0.
Works well as expected.

During some of the upgrade steps, the progress bar graphics looked unfamiliar and didn't show progress. But everything worked.

EDIT 19March: repeated the installation from USB installer, to be sure that will work when installing 15.4 to internal SSD once released. Worked as good as OTA did (including the graphics peculiarity of the progress bar). Looking forward to 15.4 release.

 

[makra]

I think you are wise to stick with High Sierra or Catalina. My opinion, based on my limited experience, is that running Sequoia on a non-metal capable system is more of a science experiment than a really usable system. It’s fun to see it working, but too many limitations for general usage. My MBP 15” 2015 is another matter. It seems to be running very well and is metal supported. I can run Sequoia just fine.

I wouldn't try Sequoia, but Sonoma works well, just somewhat slower than Catalina. But you'd have an OS, that is still getting updates...

 

[cab_007]

Being brave and willing to risk, I took the latest beta for 15.4 - 15.4 Beta (24E5238a). Glad to report no issues thus far, the only finicky thing was the download through Software Update (Settings), first reboot didn't look successful (black screen for a bit) but I left it alone to do its thing and after a couple of reboots and installing banner, all is well after installing the latest KDK and post-install root patches with OCLP 2.3.0 (n).

I haven't tested extensively but from past experience if the system works following upgrade+patch, usually its golden for me.

 

[loby]

I'm trying to repurpose my daughters mid-2010 Macbook Pro (MBP 7.1) which now has 8Gb and new 500GB SSD and runs the last 'recommended/supported' High Sierra os but it's now getting clunky and several websites not loading properly, like the OCLP Assets can't be seen using native browser so having had to resort to some Firefox 115 version, made me realise i need to take the next steps and update the MacOS.....

So far so good, but I'm not an Apple/Mac man and whilst I'm happy to use OCLP 2.2 having done some research, I'm still unsure about the limitation warning that I get when deciding to download Sequoia and what the warning message about 'Legacy trackpad and keyboard' means in practice as I don't want to brick the laptop......OCLP installer suggesting only Monterey.......yet i see notes about patches which may resolve/mitigate ??......I've also seen reference to plugging in a USB2 hub (which I have) to get around the inbuilt USB1.1??

Appreciate some guidance please.......Thanks in advance

Yes, use the hub with keyboard and a track pad (if you have one) when first installing using a usb flash drive with the installation files on it.

I have the same model, but first installed using OCLP 0.6.8 with Monterey. Install this first. Use your hub with keyboard and track paid wired up on the hub.

Then install and setup Monterey. After installation, open OCLP and make sure all patches are installed on the root drive. Laptop’s keyboard and built-in track pad should now work.

Now the fun part…

Two options: install from hard drive or usb drive.

Hook up hub with wired keyboard and trackpad.

Hard drive installation:

First - Download latest OCLP (2.2.0) Then download sequoia to applications folder using latest OCLP. Then double click to install like a normal upgrade of an OS. When the laptop reboots, make sure to hold down the option key and select the installed hard drive (or SSd drive) in the laptop (main drive) to continue to boot and install from. I would watch and every time the laptop reboots to install, make sure the installer (main drive) is selected. It should eventually install on its own without having to do anything. After installation, make sure again to install any patches needed on root after. Until all of the patches are installed, the laptop may run REALLY slow. It is normal until all of the patches are installed. Just move the arrow key as it moves slow to click etc. Once all patches are installed, it will run good.

USB drive installation:

Install like you did previously using the latest OCLP and uSB drive created with sequoia on top of macOS Monterey. After installation, make sure all patches are installed on root.

Try either or both and see what happens.

 

[smnbldwn]

A bit of extra information. I usually run this computer muted but I turned it off with the sound level up and noticed that when it doesn't start, it sometimes "bongs" repeatedly.

My MBP 8.2 eventually stopped fully booting Sequoia altogether. Luckily I managed to get it to boot off its old spinning HDD with OCLP Monterrey. I used this to install Ventura and now all is working fine so all the issues that I thought were janky hardware (this computer has its fair share of issues) turned out to be Sequoia-related. I am sticking with Ventura until it stops getting updates, then moving to Sonoma. I will only go to Sequoia when I have to...

 

[roysterdoyster]

MBP4,1 Early 2008

Q: Does the macOS 15.3.2 via OCLP 2.2.0 work on this machine? I have macOS 15.2 running reliably for months now. I am cautious with trying to update, since this is my only machine at present, and no specific OCLP update came out for several months to my observation.

I'd appreciate if fellow board members with the same machine could share their experiences. Thank you in advance.

 

[cybazaar]

Is it possible to create subgroups for different hardware models so people can more easily follow what others with similar hardware are experiencing?

 

[olad]

MBP4,1 Early 2008

Q: Does the macOS 15.3.2 via OCLP 2.2.0 work on this machine? I have macOS 15.2 running reliably for months now. I am cautious with trying to update, since this is my only machine at present...

(But) if it ain't broke...

 

[rehkram]

Is it possible to create subgroups for different hardware models so people can more easily follow what others with similar hardware are experiencing?

I vote 'no' to subgroups because the majority of posts are relevant to owners of several different models.

I use the 'search > this topic' function to get model-specific posts. And check-in regularly to follow the flow.

 

[houser]

I vote 'no' to subgroups because the majority of posts are relevant to owners of several different models.
I use the 'search > this topic' function to get model-specific posts. And check-in regularly to follow the flow.

Agreed. IMHO this thread is working ok, if you use the search tools as advised by rehkram.
It is reasonably well documented that up to a point, in relatively smaller social media contexts like this one, it is generally a good idea to trust the users of the group with some degree of discipline to work with one thread rather than creating multiple subgroups which tend to yield diluted and inactive threads and kill the life and function of the group and make it harder to find what you are looking for. FWIW.

 

[olad]

Agreed. IMHO this thread is working ok, if you use the search tools as advised by rehkram.
It is reasonably well documented that up to a point, in relatively smaller social media contexts like this one, it is generally a good idea to trust the users of the group with some degree of discipline to work with one thread rather than creating multiple subgroups with tend to yield diluted and inactive threads and kill the life and function of the group and make it harder to find what you are looking for. FWIW.

And also, I learn a lot from reading about other models, whether they be Mac Pros, MacBooks, MacBook Airs or whatever. I'd rather use the search functions to locate anything I want.

 

[deeveedee]

Apple's AI roll-out has not gone well according to recent reports. I don't yet own Apple Silicon, so I don't have first-hand knowledge. I'm hoping that the Apple misstep causes them to support Intel for another year. It might be time to flip my coin to make another prediction.

 

[houser]

Apple's AI roll-out has not gone well according to recent reports. I don't yet own Apple Silicon, so I don't have first-hand knowledge. I'm hoping that the Apple misstep causes them to support Intel for another year. It might be time to flip my coin to make another prediction.

AI is not going well for anyone. But why would that affect intel support and help the OCLP community, to stay on topic?

 

[deeveedee]

AI is not going well for anyone. But why would that affect intel support and help the OCLP community, to stay on topic?

If Apple were extending Intel support only to help the OCLP community, that would be fascinating. My 'production' Mac doesn't need OCLP, so it would be my hope that Apple extends support for my currently-supported Intel Mac without OCLP (indirectly helping the OCLP community).

If you want a prediction, I'll need to defer to my coin flip (after I find my lucky coin ).

 

[rehkram]

For those who like stats, here's today's traffic report for the unsupported Mac threads to date:

macOS​	Posts​	Pages​	Views​	Started​	Last post​
Catalina 10.15​	16K​	636​	4M​	2019-06​	2024-12​
Big Sur 11​	12K​	500​	3M​	2020-06​	2025-01​
Monterey 12​	10K​	382​	2M​	2021-06​	2025-03​
Ventura 13​	8K​	337​	2M​	2022-06​	2025-03​
Sonoma 14​	8K​	305​	1M​	2023-06​	2025-03​
Sequoia 15​	3K​	116​	416K​	2024-06​	2025-03​
?

 

[rehkram]

I compiled the stats because it seemed to me that the Sequoia caper had generated a huuuge amount of discussion.

Clearly I was totally wrong, and there's plenty of time til June

 

[olad]

I compiled the stats because it seemed to me that the Sequoia caper had generated a huuuge amount of discussion.

Clearly I was totally wrong, and there's plenty of time til June

I love statistics like this; it shows the stark situation. Once, long ago (in the days when we used @dosdude1's patchers), I was interested in how fast we reached a certain number of posts (I forget the details now). I thought it indicated how well patchers matured as macOSes rolled out. As you noted, despite the seemingly large amount of discussion on Sequoia, the reality is different - I don't think it will make 5K posts by June. Great post, thanks.

 

[houser]

If Apple were extending Intel support only to help the OCLP community, that would be fascinating. My 'production' Mac doesn't need OCLP, so it would be my hope that Apple extends support for my currently-supported Intel Mac without OCLP (indirectly helping the OCLP community).

If you want a prediction, I'll need to defer to my coin flip (after I find my lucky coin ).

I now see your point with indirect support for OCLP but not the relevance to the Apple AI roll-out.
Ah well. No need for predictions, I have my own coin
I do not think that Apple would do anything at all for the OCLP community, other than best case not explicitly targeting it to eliminate Intel support via OCLP, which I am sure they could if they wanted, and Apple Silicon will likely "soon" have that as a side-effect anyway.

 

[haralds]

15.3.2 running fine on my
* Mac Pro 3,1 (one proc. limitation - can already be circumvented manually, so I´d expect that in coming OCLP updates)
* Mac Pro 5,1
* MacBook 5,2
Patched with OCLP 2.2.0.

Does Music work on your CMPro? I have run into Music crashing on mine. I think I have seen a MacSchrauber post somewhere indicating some of its plugins use AVX2 now. Those instructions are not supported on the Xeons used on CMPro.

 

[MacRumors3590]

Does Music work on your CMPro? I have run into Music crashing on mine. I think I have seen a MacSchrauber post somewhere indicating some of its plugins use AVX2 now. Those instructions are not supported on the Xeons used on CMPro.

Works here on cMP no crash yet