Mac OS Monterey on 2012 MacBook Pro

This thread will be dedicated to the discussion of running macOS 12.0 on unsupported Macs

At the time of writing, WWDC has wrapped up and Developer Seeds have been sent out. We're eagerly awaiting for all our community developers and enthusiasts to test out the new version of macOS

We will be expanding this thread with much more information as the day goes by including known issues as well as patcher support

macOS Monterey Compatibility

• 2016 and later MacBook
  • MacBook9,1
  • MacBook10,1
• 2015 and later MacBook Air
  • MacBookAir7,x
  • MacBookAir8,x
  • MacBookAir9,1
• 2015 and later MacBook Pro
  • MacBookPro11,4-5
  • MacBookPro12,1
  • MacBookPro13,x
  • MacBookPro14,x
  • MacBookPro15,x
  • MacBookPro16,x
• 2015 and later iMac
  • iMac16,x
  • iMac17,1
  • iMac18,x
  • iMac19,x
  • iMac20,x
• 2017 and later iMac Pro
  • iMacPro1,1
• 2014 and later Mac mini
  • Macmini7,1
  • Macmini8,1
• 2013 and later Mac Pro
  • MacPro6,1
  • MacPro7,1

Not officially supported in macOS Monterey, but most likely fully capable of running Monterey (details will be found in the patcher documentation)

• 2013 and 2014 MacBook Pro
  • MacBookPro11,1-3
• 2013 and 2014 MacBook Air
  • MacBookAir6,x
• 2015 MacBook
  • MacBook8,1
• 2014 and early 2015 iMac
  • iMac14,4
  • iMac15,1

* Not officially supported in macOS Big Sur, but are fully capable of running both Big Sur and Monterey with a Metal-compatible GPU and upgraded WiFi/BT card. Nvidia dGPU based systems need Kepler patches (Beta 7+)

+ Does not support any form of graphics acceleration currently

++ Catalina supported system capable of running Monterey with Kepler (Beta 7+) and/or HD4000 patches

• Early-2008 or newer Mac Pro, iMac, or MacBook Pro:
  • MacPro3,1 *
  • MacPro4,1 *
  • MacPro5,1 *
  • iMac7,1 +
  • iMac8,1 +
  • iMac9,1 +
  • iMac10,x +
  • iMac11,x *
  • iMac12,x *
  • iMac13,x ++
  • iMac14,1-3 ++
  • MacBookPro4,1 +
  • MacBookPro5,x +
  • MacBookPro6,x +
  • MacBookPro7,x +
  • MacBookPro8,x +
  • MacBookPro9,x ++
  • MacBookPro10,x ++
• Late-2008 or newer MacBook Air or Aluminum Unibody MacBook:
  • MacBookAir2,1 +
  • MacBookAir3,x +
  • MacBookAir4,x +
  • MacBookAir5,x ++
  • MacBook5,1 +
• Early-2009 or newer Mac Mini or white MacBook:
  • Macmini3,1 +
  • Macmini4,1 +
  • Macmini5,x +
  • Macmini6,x ++
  • MacBook5,2 +
  • MacBook6,1 +
  • MacBook7,1 +
  • MacBook8,1 ++
• Early-2008 or newer Xserve:
  • Xserve2,1 *
  • Xserve3,1 *

• 2006-2007 Mac Pros, iMacs, MacBook Pros, and Mac Minis:
  • MacPro1,1
  • MacPro2,1
  • iMac4,1
  • iMac5,x
  • iMac6,1
  • MacBookPro1,1
  • MacBookPro2,1
  • MacBookPro3,1
  • Macmini1,1
  • Macmini2,1
• — The 2007 iMac 7,1 is compatible with Catalina and potentially Big Sur if the CPU is upgraded to a Penryn-based Core 2 Duo, such as a T9300.
  
  
• 2006-2008 MacBooks:
  • MacBook1,1
  • MacBook2,1
  • MacBook3,1
  • MacBook4,1 (as with Mojave and Catalina, we'll be on our own here, but Big Sur will be running on this machine!)
• 2008 MacBook Air (MacBookAir 1,1)
• All PowerPC-based Macs
• All 68k-based Macs

• Nvidia Kepler GPU drivers
  • Beta7 dropped Nvidia Kepler support. This is affecting all stock 2012/2013 Mac models with Nvidia GPU including iMacs and MacBookPro systems, MacPro3.1/4.1/5.1 with Nvidia PCI GPU cards, and all iMac Late 2009 - Mid 2011 which have been modded with a MXM Nvidia Kepler GPU.
  • OpenCore Legacy Patcher has re-added support for these systems in v0.2.5
• Intel HD 4000 drivers
  • Compared to macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey has dropped support for Intel's Ivy Bridge Graphics. This means laptops with Intel HD 4000 GPUs will no longer have graphics acceleration such as the Macmini6,x, MacBookAir5,x, MacBookPro9,x and MacBookPro10,x
  • OpenCore Legacy Patcher has re-added support for these GPUs in v0.1.7
• Legacy Bluetooth Support
  • BRCM2046 and BRCM2070 Bluetooth modules have been dropped from Monterey. More in-depth explantation here
    • Models included:
      • iMac12,x and older
      • Macmini4,1 and older
      • MacBook7,1 and older
      • MacBookAir4,x and older
      • MacBookPro8,x and older
      • MacPro5,1 and older
• Legacy Wireless Cards
  • BCM94322, BCM94328 and Atheros drivers currently can't be re-added currently
    • Models included:
      • iMac12,x and older
      • Macmini3,1 and older
      • MacBook5,x and older
      • MacBookAir2,1 and older
      • MacBookPro7,1 and older (6,x excluded)
      • MacPro5,1 and older
  • BCM943224, BCM94331, BCM94360 and BCM943602 still function correctly with OpenCore Legacy Patcher

• Non Apple Software (like Word) and Apple software like Maps, Photos, FinalCut, etc rely on the so called metal framework introduced back with Mojave in 2018. This is a low level and high speed interface to modern graphics cards.
  Pre 2012 Apple Macs lack of any graphics acceleration in all macOS versions since Mojave. Patching those older systems with basic OpenGL graphics support becomes more and more difficult. And to make it worse, modern apps using more and more metal features. So expect even a patched old Mac will not be able to run this software without loss of partial or full functionality. This problem cannot be solved or patched.
  Some Macs can be upgraded with metal dGPU, all modular systems like the MacPro3,1 -4,1 -5,1 and iMacs built in 2009-2011.
• AppleTV and watching 4K Netflix with Safari needs either a metal iGPU (Intel CPU 2012+) or a 2017+ dGPU.
• AirDrop, HandOff, Continuity needs a BCM94360CD Bluetooth 4.0/WiFi N combo card available since 2013/2014 in Apple Macs. Some Macs can be upgraded with those modules.
• SideCar needs Bluetooth 4.0/WiFi N and an metal iGPU or 2017+ dGPU
• Universal Control needs Bluetooth 4.0/WiFi N for wireless

All hardware still supported with Big Sur but dropped from Monterey support will get Apple software and firmware updates until late summer 2023. To apply those (valuable and often necessary firmware) updates you need to install and update Big Sur on your system. All firmware upgrades are bundled into the macOS updates.

The most easy way to achieve this is having an APFS container (aka volume) in parallel with your new Monterey installation. No user data needs to be copied in there. Just boot Big Sur when you get an Big Sur update notification and apply all updates.

You may drop (delete) this basic Big Sur installation after Apple stopped delivering new updates. You will not get new firmware releases.

Another method to update the firmware has been described on this site. It requires some system admin technical skills.

Installing macOS Monterey on an unsupported Mac
Q: How do I determine what Mac model I have?
A: To determine your Mac's SMBIOS model identifier, simply run the below command in Terminal:

Code:

system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep 'Model Identifier'

Q: How do I prepare my Mac?
A: Install the latest firmware release you can get for your Mac. All system pre 2012 do not receive any new updates. Install the lastest High Sierra or El Capitan (pre 2009) version to force your old Mac to get the firmware update.
All Macs 2012+ may still receive updates with Catalina until Summer 2022 and Big Sur until 2023. The most easy way to get this still upcoming updates is having a small Catalina/Big Sur installation on a separate APFS container on the internal disk and update this installation on a regular basis.

Q: How do I download macOS Monterey?
A: One way is to use tools such as gibMacOS which can download macOS Monterey InstallAssistant packages directly from Apple. The latest version of the OCLP tools included a download functionality and can build an USB installer automatically.

Q: How to create a USB installer after downloading the InstallAssistant package?
A: Install the package, it creates an app named Install macOS Monterey in your applications folder. Create the USB installer following this official Apple guide. The latest OCLP version can download and build an installer.

Q: How can I use this installer on my unsupported Mac?
A: Before hitting the download button of the patcher tool (see below) please check OpenCore legacy Patcher's documentation. It contains a support statement about unsupported Macs running Monterey, too.

Q: Where/how can I download a patcher tool?
A: Currently there is only one patcher supporting macOS 12, Monterey being OpenCore Legacy Patcher. As time goes on, we expect many more developers to join in with their own implementations of the patching process:

1. OpenCore Legacy Patcher by @khronokernel and @dhinakg is a completely different approach compared to older patcher methods based on OpenCore. This is currently the only option offering system updates via Apple software update like all supported Macs as well as Intel HD4000 iGPU and NVIDIA Kepler acceleration. While the preparation uses a simple GUI the Monterey installation and updating happens in the same way as on supported systems via System Preferences.
   • Supports macOS 10.9, Mavericks and later to run.
     • Supports macOS 10.7, Lion and later if Python3 is installed manually.
   • For easy troubleshooting we recommend joining the OpenCore Patcher Paradise Discord.

Q: How can I update my unsupported macOS Monterey installation?
A: Just use the standard apple software update as on supported system. But is is a good practice to update OCLP in advance. Check the OCLP docs how to do this and check out the change log of the new OCLP releases. Keep in mind most systems will need post install patching after each macOS update!

Q: How can I enable acceleration on my newly unsupported metal GPU?
A: Currently one can regain acceleration for both the Intel's HD4000 iGPUs and the NVIDIA Kepler dGPU via OpenCore Legacy Patcher. For users who wish to install the HD4000/Kepler acceleration patches on non-OpenCore Legacy Patcher machines see here: How to Root Patch with non-OpenCore Legacy Patcher Macs/Hackintoshes

Q: When can we expect OpenGL/non-Metal GPU Acceleration?
A: Starting with OCLP version 0.2.5 legacy OpenGL/non-Metal acceleration for Monterey has been implemented.

Please understand no one can predict when there will be patch sets ready or if current glitches can or will ever be resolved. Remember that it took over 300 days from Big Sur's unveiling to achieve public acceleration for non-Metal GPUs. And with TeraScale 2 acceleration, this took almost 3 years to achieve public acceleration. So be patient as developers are hard at work, however expect no error free support in Monterey. Additionally most applications rely more and more on Metal GPU features. Such apps may cause just a feature loss or will completely fail on non-Metal system. This will never change and the only way out is changing the GPU (iMac Late 2009-Mid 2011 and MacPro systems) with a Metal compatible one or buying a new Mac.

Please remember it is highly suggested that you have a backup in place before installing new system software on your main devices, overwriting any stable releases.

Apple and all patch developers are not responsible for any potential damage or data loss caused by using pre-release software or unofficial support patches. Please use at your own risk.

Let the fun begin. Can’t wait to update my 2012 Unibody in September!! (Assuming the patcher supports it)

Let's get ready to beta test this

best of luck Devs for macOS 12 ♥️

Apparently the compatibility is the same as Big Sur according to Techradar

• 12-inch MacBook (2015 and later)
• MacBook Air (2013 and later)
• MacBook Air M1 (Late 2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later)
• MacBook Pro M1 (Late 2020 and later)
• Mac mini (2014 and later)
• Mac mini (Late 2020 and later)
• iMac (2014 and later)
• iMac M1 (2021 and later)
• iMac Pro (all models)
• Mac Pro (2013 and later)

Nvm they lied

Getting the Dev Beta as soon its available today. Will Test it on my 2011 iMac with K610m and 2017 MBP

Supported machines:

Apparently the compatibility is the same as Big Sur according to Techradar

• 12-inch MacBook (2015 and later)
• MacBook Air (2013 and later)
• MacBook Air M1 (Late 2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later)
• MacBook Pro M1 (Late 2020 and later)
• Mac mini (2014 and later)
• Mac mini (Late 2020 and later)
• iMac (2014 and later)
• iMac M1 (2021 and later)
• iMac Pro (all models)
• Mac Pro (2013 and later)

Should be easy-peasy with OCLP i guess, fingers crossed

What justifies Apple dropping a whole heap of Macs when it barely has any new features?

Universal control is 2016 and later for most devices, I'm interested to see if that's a hardware or software cutoff and if it can be enabled on legacy machines.

What justifies Apple dropping a whole heap of Macs when it barely has any new features?

It appears any remaining Mac with Nvidia graphics have been completely dropped altogether

What justifies Apple dropping a whole heap of Macs when it barely has any new features?

they're trying to drop several intel Macs each release so they don't have to do it immediately to end intel support altogether <3

It appears any remaining Mac with Nvidia graphics have been completely dropped altogether

What about 2013/2014 MacBooks Airs and Pros with Intel Integrated graphics?

Looks like another arbitrary cutoff. How different is the 2014 MacBook Air/Pro from their 2015 counterparts? I doubt there's much different between Haswell and Broadwell.

Universal control is 2016 and later for most devices, I'm interested to see if that's a hardware or software cutoff and if it can be enabled on legacy machines.

I hope universal control be available to macs that don't support sidecar.

What about 2013/2014 MacBooks Airs and Pros with Intel Integrated graphics?

Maybe Apple wants to drop Intel HD 5000 graphics, but the supported Mac Mini 2014 has Intel HD 5000 graphics.

Scratching my head on this one.

What about 2013/2014 MacBooks Airs and Pros with Intel Integrated graphics?

No MBAs or MBPs before 2015, think as generous as they have been with iOS and iPad OS they've been quite harsh with Monterey, especially given Big Sur dropped a lot of macs last year too. OTOH I can see they probably want to move forward quite quickly due to the complexity of the situation?

Why is the Mac mini 2014 supported, but not the iMac 2014? They were literally introduced at the same moment.

No MBAs or MBPs before 2015, think as generous as they have been with iOS and iPad OS they've been quite harsh with Monterey, especially given Big Sur dropped a lot of macs last year too. OTOH I can see they probably want to move forward quite quickly due to the complexity of the situation?

yeah they want to drop intel macs ASAP. We have seen this before with PPC->Intel transition

I will definitely need new hardware. I'm somewhat shocked that my 2014 MacBook Pro is falling off the list. It has the same CPU as my 2015.

Regarding OS support, here are supported Board IDs:

Code:

Mac-06F11F11946D27C5

Mac-06F11FD93F0323C5

Mac-0CFF9C7C2B63DF8D

Mac-112818653D3AABFC

Mac-112B0A653D3AAB9C

Mac-1E7E29AD0135F9BC

Mac-226CB3C6A851A671

Mac-27AD2F918AE68F61

Mac-35C5E08120C7EEAF

Mac-473D31EABEB93F9B

Mac-4B682C642B45593E

Mac-50619A408DB004DA

Mac-53FDB3D8DB8CA971

Mac-551B86E5744E2388

Mac-5A49A77366F81C72

Mac-5F9802EFE386AA28

Mac-63001698E7A34814

Mac-65CE76090165799A

Mac-66E35819EE2D0D05

Mac-747B1AEFF11738BE

Mac-77F17D7DA9285301

Mac-7BA5B2D9E42DDD94

Mac-7BA5B2DFE22DDD8C

Mac-827FAC58A8FDFA22

Mac-827FB448E656EC26

Mac-90BE64C3CB5A9AEB

Mac-937A206F2EE63C01

Mac-937CB26E2E02BB01

Mac-9394BDF4BF862EE7

Mac-9AE82516C7C6B903

Mac-9F18E312C5C2BF0B

Mac-A369DDC4E67F1C45

Mac-A5C67F76ED83108C

Mac-A61BADE1FDAD7B05

Mac-AA95B1DDAB278B95

Mac-AF89B6D9451A490B

Mac-B4831CEBD52A0C4C

Mac-B809C3757DA9BB8D

Mac-BE088AF8C5EB4FA2

Mac-C6F71043CEAA02A6

Mac-CAD6701F7CEA0921

Mac-CF21D135A7D34AA6

Mac-CFF7D910A743CAAF

Mac-DB15BD556843C820

Mac-E1008331FDC96864

Mac-E43C1C25D4880AD6

Mac-E7203C0F68AA0004

Mac-EE2EBD4B90B839A8

Mac-F60DEB81FF30ACF6

Mac-FFE5EF870D7BA81A