Share
Share
Share

Hackintosh Guide: Installing macOS 26 Tahoe Public Beta (Step-by-Step)

 




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:

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
      Copy
      Download
      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
      Copy
      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/OpenCore/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!

Post a Comment