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Guide: Step-by-Step Installation for macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 Pre-Release on Hackintosh

The pre-release macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 installer is available for testing, but you might face challenges with traditional apps like "Download Full Installer" being outdated. Below is a guide using Mist to obtain the installer and configure a Hackintosh with OpenCore for a seamless installation.

Prerequisites

1. Hardware Requirements:

   • Supported Intel/AMD CPUs.
   • Compatible GPU (e.g., AMD or supported Intel UHD Graphics).
   • Minimum 16GB RAM and SSD with APFS support.

2. Tools and Software:

   • Mist: To download the macOS Sonoma installer.
   • OpenCore Bootloader: For boot management.
   • A 16GB or larger USB Drive.

3. Required Kexts:

   • Lilu.kext
   • WhateverGreen.kext
   • VirtualSMC.kext
   • AppleALC.kext
   • IntelMausi.kext or RealtekRTL8111.kext (for network drivers).

Step 1: Download macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 Installer with Mist

1. Install Mist:

   • Download Mist from its official GitHub page.
   • Install Mist on your working macOS system.

2. Download the Installer:

   • Launch Mist and select macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 (pre-release).
   • Choose "Download Full Installer" and save it to your Applications folder.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Installer

1. Format the USB Drive:

   • Open Disk Utility and format your USB drive:
     • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
     • Scheme: GUID Partition Map.

2. Create Bootable Media:

   • Open Terminal and run:

   bash
   Copy code
   sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma\ 14.7.2.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/YourUSB
   

   • Replace /Volumes/YourUSB with the actual name of your USB drive.

Step 3: Set Up OpenCore Bootloader

1. Download OpenCore:

   • Visit the OpenCore GitHub page and download the latest release.

2. Prepare EFI Partition:

   • Use a tool like MountEFI to mount the EFI partition of your USB.
   • Copy the EFI folder from OpenCore to the USB's EFI partition.

3. Install Kexts:

   • Place the required kexts into the EFI/OC/Kexts directory:
     • Lilu.kext
     • WhateverGreen.kext
     • VirtualSMC.kext
     • AppleALC.kext

4. Edit config.plist:

   • Use ProperTree to edit the config.plist.
   • Add necessary boot arguments and device properties based on your hardware.

Sample config.plist Additions for macOS Sonoma

SMBIOS Settings

xml
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<key>PlatformInfo</key>
<dict>
    <key>Generic</key>
    <dict>
        <key>SystemProductName</key>
        <string>iMac20,1</string> <!-- Example: Adjust to match your CPU/GPU -->
        <key>SystemSerialNumber</key>
        <string>XXXXXXXXXXXXX</string>
        <key>MLB</key>
        <string>XXXXXXXXXXXXX</string>
    </dict>
</dict>

Graphics Configuration

For Intel UHD or Xe Graphics:

xml
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<key>PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x2,0x0)</key>
<dict>
    <key>AAPL,ig-platform-id</key>
    <data>BwCbPg==</data>
    <key>framebuffer-patch-enable</key>
    <data>AAEAAQ==</data>
</dict>

Boot Arguments

xml
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<key>boot-args</key>
<string>-v debug=0x100 keepsyms=1 alcid=1 agdpmod=pikera</string>

• -v: Enables verbose mode.
• debug=0x100: Debugging support.
• alcid=1: For AppleALC to enable audio (adjust based on your motherboard).
• agdpmod=pikera: Required for some AMD GPUs.

Step 4: Boot from USB and Install macOS

1. Enter BIOS:

   • Disable Secure Boot.
   • Set SATA to AHCI mode.
   • Set USB as the first boot device.

2. Boot into OpenCore:

   • Insert the USB and boot into OpenCore.
   • Select "Install macOS Sonoma" from the boot menu.

3. Install macOS:

   • Follow the installer prompts to install macOS Sonoma on your desired partition.

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup

1. Transfer OpenCore to Your System Drive:

   • After installation, mount your system disk's EFI partition.
   • Copy the OpenCore EFI folder from the USB to the system disk.

2. Add Additional Drivers:

   • Install network or Wi-Fi drivers using the corresponding kexts if necessary.

3. Finalise config.plist:

   • Use tools like Hackintool to refine device properties and ensure everything works.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully install macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 on your Hackintosh. While Mist provides an efficient way to get the latest installer, configuring OpenCore properly is crucial for a smooth experience. Make sure to test all functionalities like audio, network, and graphics acceleration post-installation.