macOS 15 Sequoia on Unsupported Macs Thread

[mib01]

Can I run OCLP macOS 15 Sequoia on a 15-inch MacBook Pro with a Radeon GPU?

I've done a lot of reading on the non-Metal graphics, but it looks like OCLP added some support for the GPU now - or do I have to disable it and run the integrated Intel graphics?

I’ve been using Sequoia on a 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro with Radeon graphics for months without issues. Apple won't drop support for this system until around September 2028. And by the looks of it, it will be the last version supported by OCLP for Intel Macs. There have been no further updates regarding "Tahoe."

 

[mib01]

I still read through this thread from time to time, just to keep up with the latest news. Mr. Macintosh is supposed to be releasing a video soon talking about OCLP progress, and other info that's related. I haven't seen it posted yet since the release of his 26.6.6 video. As far as my own personal setup, I'm still getting by nicely with Monterey on the iMac, with a Sonoma VM installed in Fusion 13.5.2. For browsers I use Firefox, and Orion (with a lifetime Orion+ subscription). As I mentioned a while back, I got myself an M3 iPad Air for a current Apple hybrid device that's a tablet, and a somewhat functional desktop. I think a real compeling reason for me to buy a new mac at this point, is when Apple decides to put cellular radios in their laptops. That would make owning a laptop again really worth it over the iPad.

I haven't yet swapped my current MacBook Pro for one with Apple Silicon; I still have a bit of breathing room—another year with Sequoia—before losing Apple support, and the apps will keep working for a while after that, so there's no need to rush. The base M4 Mac Mini is my most likely choice, though I might fall back on a used MacBook with an M-series chip as a last resort.

 

[MacinMan]

I haven't yet swapped my current MacBook Pro for one with Apple Silicon; I still have a bit of breathing room—another year with Sequoia—before losing Apple support, and the apps will keep working for a while after that, so there's no need to rush. The base M4 Mac Mini is my most likely choice, though I might fall back on a used MacBook with an M-series chip as a last resort.

I have a late 2015, 27" iMac 17,1 as my main Mac. 2TB Fusion drive, and 32 GB RAM. Monterey still is the sweet spot for me with the Sonoma VM in Fusion 13.5.2. The VM has 16 GB RAM, and Apple GPU enabled in the VMX file. It's a good balance as anything I need a newer version of macOS for runs smoothly in the VM while leaving the stuff I need a supported OS for in terms of hardware /drivers for as a good balance. I've also been keeping up with the progress of macOS updates, and for what I do, an older mac, and older version of macOS is the sweet spot. To work around the lack of Security updates provided by Apple, I do the following: As mentioned I Use Orion as a Safari replacement, and Firefox as my main browser. For other tools such as opeSSL, ssh, etc I have compiled them in /usr/local and have set them up instead of using Apple's provided stuff by using open source alternatives for what I can. Since I don't develop Apple specific software, I've also built and install full versions of LLVM, and gcc for compatibility with different source code, and projects. I have Linux set up alternatively as well. I've been using Gemini to help maintain my setup as it's been much easier to work with in maintaining my specific setup over dealing with other people in most cases.

I do know when I am eventually forced to buy a new mac in the future, I'll be giving up a lot of freedom I have with the older intel based mac, and older versions of macOS in what I can do to the OS to modify it, and having to deal with Apple's security. As far as using Gemini over other people for help. Typically I'm good at spotting wrong info, or instructions and can correct it. If I need help beyond that, I typically find the missing info from other sources, or the solution will present itself at a later time.

My main take away here has been I've used OCLP in the past for a while, now I'm learning / remembering how to do things for myself so it's more satisfying and a bigger sense or accomplishment.

 

[josehill]

macOS 15.7.8 final release on a 13" mid-2012 MacBook Pro (MBP 9,2) with 16 GB RAM and an SSD: installed and running as expected.

It took more than an hour for Spotlight and other processes to finish doing their post-update stuff, with the fans blowing for the whole time. Once the machine settled down, interactive performance was very good, comparable to the same machine running its last supported OS, Catalina. The only real issue I notice with this hardware is that it uses the fans significantly more than an identical system running macOS 10.15 Catalina.

I've been keeping this machine running mostly out of curiosity to see if OCLP will eventually support Tahoe, but at this point, I'm probably closer to just swapping out the SSD drive and installing a long-term support version of Linux on it. Linux will be easier on the machine, so the hardware probably will last a little longer. I'm thinking of using it with Thunderbird as a central repository for all the miscellaneous, non-critical email accounts I've collected over years.

An impressive job by the OCLP developers! I really didn't expect them to keep this Mac running current software this long!

 

[Bobbesteijn]

Installed Sequoia 15.7.8 works perfect

 

[iMac'd]

macOS 15.7.8 final release on a 13" mid-2012 MacBook Pro (MBP 9,2) with 16 GB RAM and an SSD: installed and running as expected.

It took more than an hour for Spotlight and other processes to finish doing their post-update stuff, with the fans blowing for the whole time. Once the machine settled down, interactive performance was very good, comparable to the same machine running its last supported OS, Catalina. The only real issue I notice with this hardware is that it uses the fans significantly more than an identical system running macOS 10.15 Catalina.

I've been keeping this machine running mostly out of curiosity to see if OCLP will eventually support Tahoe, but at this point, I'm probably closer to just swapping out the SSD drive and installing a long-term support version of Linux on it. Linux will be easier on the machine, so the hardware probably will last a little longer. I'm thinking of using it with Thunderbird as a central repository for all the miscellaneous, non-critical email accounts I've collected over years.

An impressive job by the OCLP developers! I really didn't expect them to keep this Mac running current software this long!

It would be handy if a special thread was created - just for advising of new updates for Sonoma and Sequoia, and whether they were compatible with OCLP; currently it's just luck that a few people on this or other OCLP forums happen to mention it.
PS I turn off spotlight for the whole OS prior to the root patching and turn it back on at a more convenient time; also planning on using Linux post Oct. 27 but unfortunately the fabulous battery saving Aldente app. won't ever likely work with a Linux system.

 

[MacinMan]

I watched the above mentioned video by Mr. Macintosh last night:

Seems like he's even uncertain the future of the project now, but he did provide good info, on what he could as always.

I'm starting to see App updates such as GOG Galaxy switch to Apple Silicon for requirements now. So, it looks like to really keep up to date with Apple, it's going to require a hardware upgrade, as well as software. Thankfully, everything I currently need still works with my existing hardware / software, I have ways to get what I need without a lot of extra work. However, it seems like Apple, and other developers are starting to push more and more for a platform upgrade.

 

[xboxbml]

I watched the above mentioned video by Mr. Macintosh last night:

Seems like he's even uncertain the future of the project now, but he did provide good info, on what he could as always.

I'm starting to see App updates such as GOG Galaxy switch to Apple Silicon for requirements now. So, it looks like to really keep up to date with Apple, it's going to require a hardware upgrade, as well as software. Thankfully, everything I currently need still works with my existing hardware / software, I have ways to get what I need without a lot of extra work. However, it seems like Apple, and other developers are starting to push more and more for a platform upgrade.

Yeah, I watched it too.. I mean we kinda figured that right. Never know though. I'm hoping to use my Macs for another couple-few years anyway. Unless I come across or can part with the $. My wife has the M5 Pro 15 so if we have to we can use that to do the taxes next time. I migrated all the accounts from the 2012 to it after she bought it. I'd probably get the Air when I buy, if it still exists by that time. I'm half tempted to put Sequoia on the 2015MBP. I was going to keep it on stock Monterey until it dies, but I might be forced to update it. We'll see. I think this would do Sequoia ok. The 2015 Air will not and be usable. Needs more horsepower/RAM to run well IMO.

 

[woefi]

As a longtime reader of this forum (and also day-1-oclp-user) I'm looking for ways to eliminate unnecessary background processes on my wife's mbp92 (2012 non-retina HD4000, 16GB, 2 TB ssd).

Just for this "typewriter" use case:

• Writing long letters in Pages (by hand, no ai needed) and exporting to simple PDFs for email
• Researching on websites in Safari (no video streaming, just plain work)
• Apple Mail (Thunderbird would suffice, too)
• No special apps, no adobe, no microslop, no "pro"-Apps
• Universal pasteboard (handoff from iPhone 12) is very helpful
• note: there are many text files on disk (problematic spotlight indexing?)
• to this point there was iCould Photos enabled (maybe disable it?)

Problem: This machine has a dual-core CPU and keeps grinding on a few processes:

• kernel_task 117% <- most of the time
• corespotlightd 60% <-second most
• WindowServer 29% <- slow HD4000, I get it...
• triald 21%
• mobileassetd 20%

Any advice how to quickly and permanently kill the responsible services (or iCloud features)
The machine will be left in standby for days until it is needed and will only be restarted every few weeks.

 

[imacker2011]

I updated our two 2011 iMacs 27", i7, 20GB RAM, Kepler K2100m/K4100m, SSD etc. to 15.7.8 with no problems. Downloading and creating the installer with the OCLP App felt a bit nostalgic already. Then started the setup from within running 15.7.7/2.4.1 installations from either the USB stick or the applications folder, respectively. All went smooth and patches were automatically reapplied after the installations had finished. Let the machines sit for an hour to have spotlight complete indexing and now all seems fine.

 

[josehill]

Problem: This machine has a dual-core CPU and keeps grinding on a few processes:

• kernel_task 117% <- most of the time
• corespotlightd 60% <-second most
• WindowServer 29% <- slow HD4000, I get it...
• triald 21%
• mobileassetd 20%

Any advice how to quickly and permanently kill the responsible services (or iCloud features)

I am running the same hardware with OCLP 2.4.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.8. I am not currently seeing those issues in general, though it sometimes can take as long as an hour for Spotlight to update its indices after a reboot.

In general, you cannot permanently kill the processes you mentioned, but you may be able to reduce their load by minimizing services that use them.

• You can try reducing the number of folders the Spotlight indexes or simply waiting a while for Spotlight to settle down.
• You can try disabling iCloud Photos, which may reduce triald and mobileassetd activity.
• WindowServer controls just about everything that is drawn on the screen. It's hard to make specific recommendations there. If you have an unusual number of windows open or a lot of menu bar items, that may be an issue, but that would be rare, I think.
• Likewise, kernel_task is not something that is easily managed, nor should it be. It is used to manage resource usage on Macs so that they operate within a comfortable temperature range, among other things. It should not be killed or otherwise manipulated.
• Review the apps that are syncing from that Mac to iCloud Drive and consider disabling any that aren't necessary. (Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > Saved to iCloud > See All and Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > Saved to iCloud > Drive > Apps Syncing to iCloud Drive) This may help with mobileassetd utilization.
• I don't think that Universal Clipboard is likely to be the problem, but you can try disabling Handoff to find out.

FWIW, I do not have iCloud Photos or iCloud Messages enabled on my MBP 9,2.

 

[MacinMan]

Yeah, I watched it too.. I mean we kinda figured that right. Never know though. I'm hoping to use my Macs for another couple-few years anyway. Unless I come across or can part with the $. My wife has the M5 Pro 15 so if we have to we can use that to do the taxes next time. I migrated all the accounts from the 2012 to it after she bought it. I'd probably get the Air when I buy, if it still exists by that time. I'm half tempted to put Sequoia on the 2015MBP. I was going to keep it on stock Monterey until it dies, but I might be forced to update it. We'll see. I think this would do Sequoia ok. The 2015 Air will not and be usable. Needs more horsepower/RAM to run well IMO.

Functionality wise, Sequoia runs fine on this iMac 17,1, but because of the graphics issues due to the patched OS when it comes to DRM, and graphics in a VM, That's why I decided to keep Monterey as the Host and use Sonoma in a VM because the stuff I need a newer version of macOS for isn't graphics intense, so it splits it up nicely so both sides function as they should. The other advantage is, the VM has a normal install of Sonoma so it's sealed like a supported mac would be, so SIP works correctly, and with Paravirtualized Graphics enabled, things run quiet smoothly.

 

[MacMorrison]

It's a good idea to keep a copy of the fully-supported OS around, even if it's the secondary system or an external boot drive.

I've got an old copy of macOS High Sierra 10.13 on my 2011 MacBook Pro and it works perfectly with both its integrated and discrete graphics.

 

[imacker2011]

As a longtime reader of this forum (and also day-1-oclp-user) I'm looking for ways to eliminate unnecessary background processes on my wife's mbp92 (2012 non-retina HD4000, 16GB, 2 TB ssd).

Any advice how to quickly and permanently kill the responsible services (or iCloud features)
The machine will be left in standby for days until it is needed and will only be restarted every few weeks.

I once got these recommendations from a fellow forum member to speed up Sequoia on older MBPs:

1. Always run MacsFanControl. 2. Used Terminal to disable MRT, MDS_stores, and ReportCrash. 3. Check Applications>Utilities>Activity Monitor for ram consumption just after startup (with nothing set to reopen last shutdown). If it's showing something like 3.5 used of 4gb, then something's effed up. (What I typically do in these cases is CCC5 clone the drive to an external SSD partition, then boot that and check it again. If still high, do a second clone pass with GetBackupPro3 followed by CCC5 again. If that doesn't work, clean install OS to another external partition, fully update, then migrate.

Never tried it myself, but according to him it should "remove a ton of hidden Apple telemetry and logging, and free up a gig or more of ram."

My wife has a MBP early 2013 as well; the only thing which massively improved performance on Sequoia was changing the thermal paste. But since it was still slow, we changed to Pop!OS and not looked back. But it's an 8GB model, I think with an i7/16GB you should actually not have these problems.

 

[Frantisekj]

I had Kingston SSD in imac 14,3 with sequioa installed.
I had Samsung or Adata one installed in Macbook Pro 9,1 with sequioa as well.
I swapped them. REpatched one in imac but I am not abble to patch/install ssd on MBP. I swapped them because of size and speed as MBP should go on sale.
I tried several versions of sequioa. Yesterday I tried even 15.7.8
USB creates normally. Boots normally. I erase target disk to Journal or AFPS GUID
Installation starts, first run finish. Then it restarts and at the end of this run it shows Installation ends with error.
When I click ok there disk util windows come on (or Settings one for setting targed drive for restart) but there is no drive.I tried drive as internal and external as well, many times. OCLP 2.4.1 I became hopeless because in this setup you can not turn on verbose mode on.
Any idea? Thank you very much. It is first time I face such a hurdle.

 

[xboxbml]

Functionality wise, Sequoia runs fine on this iMac 17,1, but because of the graphics issues due to the patched OS when it comes to DRM, and graphics in a VM, That's why I decided to keep Monterey as the Host and use Sonoma in a VM because the stuff I need a newer version of macOS for isn't graphics intense, so it splits it up nicely so both sides function as they should. The other advantage is, the VM has a normal install of Sonoma so it's sealed like a supported mac would be, so SIP works correctly, and with Paravirtualized Graphics enabled, things run quiet smoothly.

Nice!

 

[Bigwaff]

I became hopeless because in this setup you can not turn on verbose mode on.

 

[dogen]

Any idea? Thank you very much. It is first time I face such a hurdle.

You might try booting while holding the option key, select the EFI partition, press the spacebar once the icons within the EFI appear, reset NVRAM, and then boot within the EFI. I'm assuming you have a still working Sequoia, a partial installation that offers an Install macOS icon, or a macOS installer to boot from. I ran into a similar error when I installed 15.7.8 (I posted on it a few days ago). Resetting NVRAM fixed it.

 

[MacinMan]

Nice!

Here are some screenshots within the VM itself like I was running it as the host. It's not perfect, but it's very usable, and stable.

 

[deeveedee]

A little late to the party... easy update to macOS Sequoia 15.7.8 on my HackBookPro6,2. Applying non-metal NVidia Tesla and Modern Wi-Fi post-install patches with OCLP 2.5.0 nightly.

 

[deeveedee]

As a longtime reader of this forum (and also day-1-oclp-user) I'm looking for ways to eliminate unnecessary background processes on my wife's mbp92 (2012 non-retina HD4000, 16GB, 2 TB ssd).

• WindowServer 29% <- slow HD4000, I get it...

Not sure if this helps with HD4000 WindowServer, but can't hurt... in System Settings, try enabling Accessibility > Display > Reduce Transparency and Reduce Motion.

EDIT: One other thing to try... System Settings > Wallpaper > Select a color (scroll to the bottom of the Wallpaper pane) or select your own photo.

 

[MacMorrison]

Upgrading my external SSD 15.7.7 system to 15.7.8 with OCLP 2.4.1 on a 2015 MacBook Pro 15" (MacBookPro11,5 / A1398, EMC 2910).

The full 15.7.8 installation measures at 15.63 GB, the Safari 26.6 update is 230.6 MB

OCLP Patches
Graphics: Intel Haswell
Graphics: AMD Legacy GCN
Networking: Modern Wireless
Miscellaneous: PCIe FaceTime Camera

Everything seems to be cool after upgrading - it all took about 20 minutes.

* GarageBand 10.4.14 crashes after the update (after the Open Project window), even after I run OnyX 4.8.5 cache clearing and restart. I'll try uninstalling and reinstalling GarageBand next.

 

[ofey]

As a technonumpty I took the plunge and did the upgrade to Sequoia on my late 2015 27" iMac, and it's been great with 1 exception, it no longer see's my iPhone 11 so the phone does not charge on the iMac, or appear in music etc. The Apple lightening cable has always been in port 4 without issue, so I've changed cables, tried all 4 ports, and I tried my wifes iPhone 12 and nada. Yet my time machine, and other things pligged into the ports work, and I tried both phones on my M2 MBA also runing Sequoia, and the charge and apper in music etc. So whatever funkiness is going on it's definately an issue on the iMac.

The version of Sequoia was 15.7.7 and the version of OCLP is 2.4.1. So I checked and there was an OS upgrade to 15.7.8, so I did it and it now shows as 15.7.8 in about this mac. OCLP said I needed to upgrade patches, but every time it fails with the message in the photo. So now I'm in big trouble, the icons are on my home screen but the background is black, and I cannot connect to the internet via wifi or bluetooth hotspot.

On the plus side, it see's the phones again, but the mac is just a big typewritter now, so I've created a bigger problem than I started with..... any and all help appreciated to fix this.

I've had this problem since 15.7.5. Still waiting for someone out there to tell me how to fix this problem.
What I've done in the meantime to connect my iPhone 12 to my OCLP-ed Mac is to revert root patches (which always complains that boot drive is dirty), Running without root patches ensures the iPhone connects no issues. Once I apply the root patches again, I notice on boot that the iPhone starts to charge then as the progress bar moves during the boot process, it "disappears" i.e. no longer charges.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[MacMorrison]

I've had this problem since 15.7.5. Still waiting for someone out there to tell me how to fix this problem.
What I've done in the meantime to connect my iPhone 12 to my OCLP-ed Mac is to revert root patches (which always complains that boot drive is dirty), Running without root patches ensures the iPhone connects no issues. Once I apply the root patches again, I notice on boot that the iPhone starts to charge then as the progress bar moves during the boot process, it "disappears" i.e. no longer charges.

Any help is much appreciated.

It could be there's a hardware problem on your USB controller or your iMac's logic board, too.

Have you tried the usual NVRAM and SMC resets?

 

[TimothyR734]

macOS 15.7.9 successfully installed