macOS 10.14 Mojave on Unsupported Macs Thread

[Larsvonhier]

It’s much better to do a clean install and I highly recommend it but you should be able to just install it over your over your current installation. It’s not the best idea but it should work although it’s even more unlikely that it’ll work with a patched system unfortunately.

Tried this on several machines. Different outcome:
One installation could not be completed, installer crashed when upgrading from HS.
One installation crashed, but seemingly completed the installation - macOS could be booted afterwards and had a huge "lost&found" (aka "recovered files") folder containing most of my old apps and some user profile.
One installation went through but had to be restarted manually, afterwards booting fine.

So my conclusion is: You could try to install atop of HS but do not expext success or rely on it. Better have a cloned volume ready before you do. Or leave it and start with a freshly erased volume to install to!

What I figured yesterday, though: Updating a live system from the system settings works perfectly (I went from 326g to 326h). You just have to apply the patches again, otherwise no boot.
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Languages are probably about 2-3 GB and I would expect CPU usage to stay around the same. These are guesses, I haven’t done testing.

Yes, the 2-3 GB range is realistic, but anyway: I have no increased resource-hunger of Mojave on my machines.
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Mojave is having higher CPU usage than High Sierra, I think because of more animations, processes and also more transparent things. And it's still in Dev Beta 3 so Final Release can be better.

I ran some benchmark tests and monitored the action with iStat Menus (v5).
Most machines* settle (after doing the photo indexing, spotlight indexing) to a just slightly increased CPU usage of around 4-6% total for non-user related tasks, leaving approx. 95% idle CPU time. On (High) Sierra that was around 98% idle. Both values far from frying the machines!

What I noticed in the past (especially with beta macOS versions) is that when I connected external monitors (DVI), the process WindowServer jumped to 20-40% permanently sometimes - until I disconnected and re-connected the ext. monitor. I sent proof of that bug to Apple and it never re-appeared in final releases. Sometimes in following betas it showed up again...

* iMac 8,1
* MB 7,1
* MB Air 2,1
* MB Pro 4,1

 

[0403979]

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Mojave is having higher CPU usage than High Sierra, I think because of more animations, processes and also more transparent things. And it's still in Dev Beta 3 so Final Release can be better.

I hope so.
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Tried this on several machines. Different outcome:
One installation could not be completed, installer crashed when upgrading from HS.
One installation crashed, but seemingly completed the installation - macOS could be booted afterwards and had a huge "lost&found" (aka "recovered files") folder containing most of my old apps and some user profile.
One installation went through but had to be restarted manually, afterwards booting fine.

So my conclusion is: You could try to install atop of HS but do not expext success or rely on it. Better have a cloned volume ready before you do. Or leave it and start with a freshly erased volume to install to!

What I figured yesterday, though: Updating a live system from the system settings works perfectly (I went from 326g to 326h). You just have to apply the patches again, otherwise no boot.

It should work fine on a supported machine though.

 

[Larsvonhier]

Important advice for all and mainly to those who experience higher temperature:

today I noticed my temps (both in HS and MJ) suddenly ramping, then watching at Activity Monitor I find that YaraScanService process, triggered by some third party apps, started eating high CPU and in few minutes all my 8 GB RAM and more, then I forced closing.
Usually in normal daily use I do not ever sature more than half of the physical RAM quantity.

Reading somewhere I find that also others had the same issue then discovered that:

Yara service is part of the new Apple MalwareRemovalTool here is the path: /System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app

And it has a framework too in /S/L/PrivateFrameworks/yara.framework

Some users reporting that this service went in conflict with some installed apps consuming more CPU and Memory and with SIP disabled they had removed MRT.app and his framework.

I think in my specific case was caused by installing a third party app, so I will not remove them but in extremis cases I will.

And it seems this framework is called also by others AntiVirus/AntiMalware Mac softwares.

Anyway be careful with high temperatures and keep ever an eye in Activity Monitor.

Interesting read (has been an issue before for some users):
https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/296339/mrt-process-using-large-unbounded-amount-of-memory

 

[Kaitozaki]

You need to ERASE your hard disk before installing. I'd recommend using a second blank partition. As stated multiple times before in this thread, doing an upgrade doesn't work properly at this point.

Would this work to bypass apfs format?

/Volumes/"Image Volume/Install macOS High Sierra.app"/Contents/Resources/startosinstall --volume the_target_volume --converttoapfs NO --agreetolicense

 

[jackluke]

Would this work to bypass apfs format?

/Volumes/"Image Volume/Install macOS High Sierra.app"/Contents/Resources/startosinstall --volume the_target_volume --converttoapfs NO --agreetolicense

I would help you too but need to know:

1) On which unsupported Mac desktop/laptop/mini machine type are you trying to install Mojave ?
2) On which disk drive type internal/external RPM/SSD do you want install it?

Since you want bypass the APFS format using HFSplus, I suppose you have a pre 2009 Mac that supports maximum until El Capitan 10.11.x, because those who support at least Sierra 10.12.6 can use APFS quietly.

Another important step is that your internal/external disk must be formatted in GPT/GUID scheme with at least an empty partition of 30 GB in HFSplus, not from a standard/default Windows/Linux formatting to be clear.

 

[Pangu103]

works perfectly!

 

[Banan4eto]

Brilliant! You get the prize!

On my mbp 5,3 - A straight b9 install with Mojave beta 3 with no IOUSB kext swaps ...

So I started FaceTime first and let is stew a bit longer than usual. Yes, sluggish and black screen, but then it prompts and suggests a restart. After which, FaceTime and PhotoBooth and iSight are all working in parallel no matter what order I start them up in. Even after multiple restarts.

Thanks! Much simpler than I thought this would be.

Somehow FaceTime reconfigures some optimal persistent settings.

Very cool. Thanks man!

Hi man,

Can you paste what is your iSight hardware ID?

Thanks!

 

[Kaitozaki]

I would help you too but need to know:

1) On which unsupported Mac desktop/laptop/mini machine type are you trying to install Mojave ?
2) On which disk drive type internal/external RPM/SSD do you want install it?

Since you want bypass the APFS format using HFSplus, I suppose you have a pre 2009 Mac that supports maximum until El Capitan 10.11.x, because those who support at least Sierra 10.12.6 can use APFS quietly.

Another important step is that your internal/external disk must be formatted in GPT/GUID scheme with at least an empty partition of 30 GB in HFSplus, not from a standard/default Windows/Linux formatting to be clear.

I actually have a mid 2011 imac 27", i know it has apfs and im using a hybrid SSD, its 8mb cache or something like that...i had it till sierra high on beta forgot which one... My SSD is internal and i dont know why i didn't know about apfs before formatting the new drive...i format the normal way as every...i have been googling about this and only found out about it yesterday...if can by pass that it would work already...also i dont think i need a apfs formatted drive...cause i want my stuff and dont want to transfer data to another hard drive...it will take really long...

""Another important step is that your internal/external disk must be formatted in GPT/GUID scheme with at least an empty partition of 30 GB in HFSplus, not from a standard/default Windows/Linux formatting to be clear.""

Are you saying i just need a partition 30gb only? And all my stuff will be there and the old OS will be removed?

 

[TheMacMan2018]

Hi,

I tried to update my MacBook Air Mid-2011 using the MacOS Mojave Patcher and it does not work. I can the patcher app and download MacOS, but it downloads still High Sierra to my machine... weird. Why is that?

I also tried to download it on my other machine because it support Mojave and then copied the install file to my MacBook Air and ran the patcher. It created a USB stick and I could open the setup installer, but then I get the message that I need to download additional content and it is not available and the installer quits.

What am I doing wrong?!?!? Need help!!!

 

[alphascorp]

Hello everyone,

Successful installation of Mac OS Mojave beta3 on MacBook Pro (15 inches, mid-2009)
with the Patcher (version: 0.1b10)
a big thank you to dosdude1 !!!

I partially translated the patcher into French ...

I also customized the "CoreType.bundle" with the Mac OS Mojave display on the screens of different Macs.

 

[jackluke]

I actually have a mid 2011 imac 27", i know it has apfs and im using a hybrid SSD, its 8mb cache or something like that...i had it till sierra high on beta forgot which one... My SSD is internal and i dont know why i didn't know about apfs before formatting the new drive...i format the normal way as every...i have been googling about this and only found out about it yesterday...if can by pass that it would work already...also i dont think i need a apfs formatted drive...cause i want my stuff and dont want to transfer data to another hard drive...it will take really long...

""Another important step is that your internal/external disk must be formatted in GPT/GUID scheme with at least an empty partition of 30 GB in HFSplus, not from a standard/default Windows/Linux formatting to be clear.""

Are you saying i just need a partition 30gb only? And all my stuff will be there and the old OS will be removed?

The situation with some AMD Radeon GPUs are a bit complicated, you should wait for the next major version of dosdude1's Mojave Patcher, and when it will be available select as Post Install your Mac model: iMac12,2

Only if you are expert in manage partitions with Disk Utility, you could create an HFSplus partition of 30 gb or more (I guess 25 GB would be suffice for Mojave beta), depending on how much free space you need on your old High Sierra, and yes your stuffs will be there with the old HS.

Anyway, even if this is possible I repeat only if you are able in Disk Utility shrinking partitions, if you haven't practice much with partitions, then I recommend for only testing purpose you should install it on external USB hard disk that will be more safe.

What you mean with "hybrid SSD" that it's partially mechanical and partially flash memory?
In this case it could be also a disk incompatibility with some Mojave AHCI/SATA controller kext, and so installing it on external USB hdd will be still a better choice.

 

[16v]

same her!
MBP Mid 2009 (5.4) Cam not working

 

[jackluke]

same her!
MBP Mid 2009 (5.4) Cam not working

This is a unsupported Mac supported until El Capitan, if you read some pages before someone has found a solution replacing two kexts from a dosdude1 repository, or you can download the latest Mojave Patcher and apply the post install fixes for your Mac model: MacBookPro5,4

edit: page 115

 

[16v]

Really no one is gonna help me?

It wont boot...im stuck here...

NO!
don't erase!

Just start new, and run patcher!
Don't install again - only patcher.

this worked for me!

 

[jackluke]

Hi,

I tried to update my MacBook Air Mid-2011 using the MacOS Mojave Patcher and it does not work. I can the patcher app and download MacOS, but it downloads still High Sierra to my machine... weird. Why is that?

I also tried to download it on my other machine because it support Mojave and then copied the install file to my MacBook Air and ran the patcher. It created a USB stick and I could open the setup installer, but then I get the message that I need to download additional content and it is not available and the installer quits.

What am I doing wrong?!?!? Need help!!!

The Mojave Patcher is not suited for booting on supported machines but only on unsupported machines, obviously.

You have not to update your main HS, instead you have to install it over another partition on your internal drive or better on an external usb drive.

Anyway Apple often update their catalogURLs so you have to wait a bit for a new dosdude1 release of the Mojave Patcher or updating scripts.

And if you (not only you but anyone else) want to be included in the Mojave Patcher Post Install Mac model should specify their Mac Model. For example from what you have written your Mac Model could be one of these: MacBookAir4,1 or 4,2

 

[16v]

This is a unsupported Mac supported until El Capitan, if you read some pages before someone has found a solution replacing two kexts from a dosdude1 repository, or you can download the latest Mojave Patcher and apply the post install fixes for your Mac model: MacBookPro5,4

edit: page 115

Yes i know!
Just want to say same problem.

Question:
Only Patcher?
How can i use only the patcher - witjout buildung a new bootable device?

Thank you

 

[jackluke]

Yes i know!
Just want to say same problem.

Question:
Only Patcher?
How can i use only the patcher - witjout buildung a new bootable device?

Thank you

I don't know deeply the app package created by dosdude1, you should ask directly to him for this.
Maybe he could create a separate Post Install app for those who have already installed Mojave and need only patches refreshing.

 

[bjwhite3114]

@dosdude1 , any chance you could add the tweak to allow nightshift on older mac's too, while we're patching things? I have a 2011 15" 8,2 and was able to enable it when nightshift came out but then didn't bother after subsequent updates. Just a thought.

 

[jackluke]

@dosdude1 , any chance you could add the tweak to allow nightshift on older mac's too, while we're patching things? I have a 2011 15" 8,2 and was able to enable it when nightshift came out but then didn't bother after subsequent updates. Just a thought.

I made a night shift patch for Mojave beta 2, based on pikeralpha method, I have tried on several machines and it still works, anyway not tried yet on a Mac with ATI/AMD GPU, you have another HS MacOS, or able to revert back your original backed up file you could give a try and give me a feedback of this.

It is many pages previously

 

[pkouame]

Hi man,

Can you paste what is your iSight hardware ID?

Thanks!

Here it is on my mbp 5,3. From System Report (USB)

Built-in iSight:

Product ID: 0x8507
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Inc.)
Version: 4.19
Serial Number: 8H98603UN6V23A00
Speed: Up to 480 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
Location ID: 0x24400000 / 2
Current Available (mA): 500
Current Required (mA): 500
Extra Operating Current (mA): 0
Built-In: Yes

on its own USB2.0 Bus.

 

[bjwhite3114]

I installed Mohave on a fresh volume but still have my working High Sierra install.

If you link me instructions, I'll give it a try and report.

I made a night shift patch for Mojave beta 2, based on pikeralpha method, I have tried on several machines and it still works, anyway not tried yet on a Mac with ATI/AMD GPU, you have another HS MacOS, or able to revert back your original backed up file you could give a try and give me a feedback of this.

 

[jackluke]

I installed Mohave on a fresh volume but still have my working High Sierra install.

If you link me instructions, I'll give it a try and report.

Ok found, check it on page 87.

Please consider it could not work, but this is not invasive I assure it is easy fixable.
If you booting after apple logo to a black screen then go back to your HS and replace again your backed up CoreBrightness file in the Mojave disk, and you will boot again as before.

If it doesn't work I think already know why perhaps haven't included a binary patch for you MBP 8,2 model. Don't remember if I included, but if doesn't work I will try make another through Xcode for your MBP.

I have hex editor checked the CoreBrightness file it seems that only one of these MacBookPro: MBP 9,x or MBP 8,x Series you can "choose" to patch at once for Night Shift, so I guess they will require two separated patches or two binary files already patched.
Also notice a separate patch required for MacBookAir5,x or MacBookAir4,x and so on. It will be not so simple to include all the unsupported night shift machines.

Anyway one made by dosdude1 would be surely better than this.

Here is bjwhite3114 I patched to include your MBP 8,2 this time, give it a try with this updated one, just following the same steps of thread page 87, I'm confident Mojave Night Shift will work for your machine this time!

This file should work for any of these machines:
MacBookPro8,x
iMacPro1,x
iMac13,x
Macmini6,x
MacBookAir5,x
MacPro6,x
MacBook8,x

edit: The File is deprecated in favor of new dosdude1 Night Shift Patcher.

 

[Starplayr]

Apply typically supports machines with OS updates for about 7-10 years. That's really not bad considering. Could you imagine a car company sending you updates to your card 7-10 years later? It's definitely not because they aren't making any money at all, I can still use the App Store and iTunes on unsupported OSes. Last time I used my iMac G4, I was able to access the iTunes Store. That's pretty crazy.

If you do a google search for Apple computer support policy, you will find Apple’s Vintage and obsolete products listed there.

Vintage is 5-7 years old.
Obsolete is more than 7 years old.

This list can vary by country and it’s about service and parts; it does not list software updates, OS’, etc.

 

[TimothyR734]

Ok found, check it on page 87.

Please consider it could not work, but this is not invasive I assure it is easy fixable.
If you booting after apple logo to a black screen then go back to your HS and replace again your backed up CoreBrightness file in the Mojave disk, and you will boot again as before.

If it doesn't work I think already know why perhaps haven't included a binary patch for you MBP 8,2 model. Don't remember if I included, but if doesn't work I will try make another through Xcode for your MBP.

Anyway one made by dosdude1 would be surely better than this.

When I first installed macOS Mojave Public beta 1 on my iMac 9,1 my screen was dark so I tried the backlight patch from the post install patches and only the backlight was checked from the macOS High Sierra patcher then I clicked reboot and it said no valid High Sierra found on this drive so I clicked ok then when got in my desktop the update patcher prompted me to install the updates for backlight and night shift and I only checked those 2 and it works well

 

[Starplayr]

This is probably not a huge deal, but I tried making another Mojave patch disk directly from Mojave and ran into errors midway through. It's UI also does not support Dark Mode. Not really urgent issues but ran into this when I had just Mojave running on one machine and wanted to create some patch disks for another machine to test on. Going back to HS or S or even ElCap to make the disks works just fine. Ran into the same errors creating an HS disk from Mojave as well.