iATKOS | United Kingdom

Prerequisites

1. Hardware Compatibility:

   • CPU: Intel 8th Gen+ or AMD Ryzen (Zen 2+). Apple Silicon not supported.

   • GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5000/6000/7000 series or NVIDIA RTX 30/40* (limited/no drivers).

   • Storage: 60GB+ free space (SSD recommended).

   • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB+ recommended.

   • Motherboard: UEFI-enabled (e.g., Gigabyte Z390/Z690, ASUS ROG Strix).

   • USB: 16GB+ flash drive.

2. Software Tools:

   • OpenCore 1.0.0+ (check for updates post-Public Beta release).

   • ProperTree (plist editor).

   • GenSMBIOS (for generating SMBIOS).

   • gibMacOS (to download macOS Public Beta).

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

1. Download macOS Tahoe Public Beta:

   • Join the Apple Beta Software Program (available July 2025).

   • Use gibMacOS to download the macOS 26 Public Beta installer once released.

     bash

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     python gibMacOS.command -b -v 26  

2. Create Bootable USB:

   • Format USB as GPT with FAT32 (use Disk Utility on macOS or Rufus on Windows).

   • Mount the USB with OpenCore:

     bash

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     Download

     sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Tahoe\ Beta.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/USB  

Step 2: Configure OpenCore

1. EFI Folder Setup:

   • Download OpenCore and copy EFI folder to USB.

   • Add essential kexts to EFI/OC/Kexts:

     • Lilu.kext (core patch engine).

     • WhateverGreen.kext (GPU fixes).

     • VirtualSMC.kext (SMC emulation).

     • AppleALC.kext (audio).

     • NVMeFix.kext (SSD support).

2. Config.plist Configuration:

   • Use ProperTree to edit config.plist:

     • SMBIOS: Set to a compatible Mac model (e.g., iMac20,1 for Intel Comet Lake).

     • ACPI: Add SSDTs for your hardware (use SSDTTime).

     • Boot-Args: Add -v keepsyms=1 debug=0x100 alcid=1 (verbose mode + audio layout ID).

     • DeviceProperties: Inject GPU properties (e.g., AAPL,slot-name).

   • Wait for Tahoe-specific patches (monitor dortania.github.io post-release).

Step 3: BIOS/UEFI Settings

• Disable:

  • Secure Boot

  • Fast Boot

  • VT-d

  • CFG Lock

• Enable:

  • UEFI Mode

  • Above 4G Decoding

  • EHCI/XHCI Handoff

Step 4: Install macOS Tahoe

1. Boot from USB:

   • Press boot key (e.g., F12) → select USB.

   • In OpenCore picker, select Install macOS Tahoe Beta.

2. Disk Partitioning:

   • Use Disk Utility to format target drive as APFS (GUID Partition Map).

   • Install macOS to the new APFS volume.

3. Complete Installation:

   • Follow on-screen prompts (skip Apple ID until post-install).

   • After reboot, select macOS Tahoe from OpenCore.

Step 5: Post-Installation

1. Transfer OpenCore to Boot Drive:

   • Mount EFI partition of the boot drive (use MountEFI).

   • Copy EFI folder from USB to the boot drive’s EFI partition.

2. Fixing Hardware:

   • Audio: Adjust alcid=XX in boot-args (find layout ID here).

   • Ethernet/WiFi: Use kexts like IntelMausi.kext or AirportItlwm.kext for Intel Wi-Fi.

   • GPU: Test with -wegnoegpu boot-arg for iGPU/dGPU switching.

3. Updates & Backups:

   • Use OpenCore to install future Tahoe updates.

   • Backup EFI regularly!

Warnings

• Avoid Developer Beta: Bans risk if discussed/shared.

• Expect Bugs: Pre-release software may break hardware support (e.g., GPU panics).

• Community First: Check r/Hackintosh and Dortania for Tahoe-specific fixes after Public Beta launch.

Final Notes: This guide will be updated once macOS 26 Tahoe Public Beta releases in July 2025. Always verify hardware compatibility and kext updates!