That’s not all, now macOS Sierra 10.12.6 Recovery & Internet Recovery are also broken! Keep in mind, the is NOT the date and time issue. This is different issue that can be reproduced every single time. If attempt to install Sierra in recovery, the full installer will download (4.7GB) and then fail with this error:
An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again.
What the heck could this be? What’s going on?
Table of contents
What is the root problem?
How to fix the issue?
Fix #1 Boot to a NEWER version macOS Internet Recovery!
Fix #2 Create a macOS Sierra 10.12.6 bootable installer USB (NOTE: this has additional problems as thecreateinstallmediainstaller is BROKEN!)
Fix #3 Download the ONLY working version of macOS Sierra from Apple to recovery and use it to install Sierra!
What is the minimum and maximum macOS Version my Mac can run?
Do you need to downgrade or upgrade macOS on your Mac? This page will show you the oldest and newest version of macOS that you can install on your Mac.
Can I upgrade or downgrade macOS? How many times has this question come up over the years? Probably hundreds if not thousands of times. Mac Hardware has a minimum and maximum version of macOS that can be installed. MacOS versions that come before or after the minimum and maximum listed OS do not have the correct drivers required. At a certain point Apple will decide that a Mac is no longer supported and will not include drivers.
Internet Recovery Version
If your Mac supports Internet Recovery, you can use this guide to find out which version of macOS you will get using the following options.
Newest OS – Option-⌘-R
This option will be the newest or latest version of macOS that can be installed on your Mac.
Shipping OS (Oldest OS Available) – Shift-Option-⌘-R
The “Shipping OS Version” is the macOS version that your Mac originally shipped with from the factory. This is the IR Version that you will see if you use Shift-Option-⌘-R.
NOTE! The “Shipping OS can change to a newer OS release as the hardware gets older. An example of this is a MacBook Pro released with 10.13 but later is shipped with 10.14.
Fun Hardware Info
As of 5/1/321, Apple has released over 150 different Intel Model Identifiers.
MacBook1,1 (13-inch Core Duo 2006) – 10.4.6 – 10.6.8 = 3 OS Versions
Updates
In the future when Apple releases new hardware or OS, I will update this page. You can keep track of future updates from my Twitter Account @ClassicII_MrMac using the hashtag –
#UpgradeorDowngradeMacOS
Index of Intel-Based Mac Hardware From (2006-2020)
1. MacBook Pro – (2006-2020)
2. MacBook Air – (2008-2020)
3. MacBook – (2006-2017)
4. Mac Pro – (2006-2019)
5. iMac – (2006-2020)
6. iMac Pro – (2017)
7. Mac Mini – (2006-2018)
8. Xserve – (2006-2009)
1. MacBook Pro (2006-2020)
The MacBook Pro was introduced by Steve Jobs at Macworld Conference & Expo on January 10th, 2006. The MacBook Pro has seen five redesigns over the last 15 years. Starting with Gen 1 (2006-2008), Gen 2 Unibody (2008-2012), Gen 3 Retina (2012-2015), Gen 4 Touch Bar (2016-2019) & Gen 5 16″ Scissor (2019).
Model Identifier
Machine Model
T1 T2
Ship OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
MacBookPro16,2
(13-inch 2020)
T2
10.15.4
10.15 >
11.0 >
MacBookPro16,2
(13-inch 2020)
T2
10.15.4
10.15 >
11.0 >
MacBookPro16,1
(16-inch Late 2019)
T2
10.15.1
10.15 >
11.0 >
MacBookPro15,4
(13-inch Mid 2019)
T2
10.14.5
10.14.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro15,1
(15-inch 2019)
T2
10.14.5
10.14.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro15,3
(15-inch 2019 Vega)
T2
10.14.5
10.14.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro15,3
(15″ Mid 2018 Vega)
T2
10.14.1
10.14.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro15,2
(13-inch Mid 2018)
T2
10.13.6
10.13.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro15,1
(15-inch Mid 2018)
T2
10.13.6
10.13.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro14,3
(15-inch Mid 2017)
T1
10.12.5
10.12.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro14,2
(13-inch Mid 2017)
T1
10.12.5
10.12.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro14,1
(13-inch Mid 2017)
T1
10.12.5
10.12.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro13,3
(15-inch Late 2016)
T1
10.12.1
10.12.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro13,2
(13-inch Late 2016)
T1
10.12.1
10.12.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro13,1
(15-inch Late 2016)
T1
10.12.1
10.12.6
11.0 >
MacBookPro11,5
(15-inch Mid 2015)
10.10.3
10.10.5
11.0 >
MacBookPro11,4
(15-inch Mid 2015)
10.10.3
10.10.5
11.0 >
MacBookPro12,1
(13-inch Early 2015)
10.10.2
10.10.5
11.0 >
MacBookPro11,3
(15-inch Mid 2014)
10.9.4
10.9.5
11.0 >
MacBookPro11,2
(15-inch Late 2013)
10.9.0
10.9.5
11.0 >
MacBookPro11,1
(13-inch Late 2013)
10.9.0
10.9.5
11.0 >
MacBookPro10,2
(13-inch Early 2013)
10.8.2
10.8.5
10.15 >
MacBookPro10,1
(15-inch Early 2013)
10.8.2
10.8.5
10.15 >
MacBookPro10,2
(13-inch Ret 2012)
10.7.4
10.7.5
10.15 >
MacBookPro10.1
(15-inch Ret 2012)
10.7.4
10.7.5
10.15 >
MacBookPro9,2
(13-inch Mid 2012)
10.7.3
10.7.5
10.15 >
MacBookPro9,1
(15-inch Mid 2012)
10.7.3
10.7.5
10.15 >
MacBookPro8,3
(17-inch Late 2011)
10.7.2
10.7.5
10.13.6
MacBookPro8,2
(15-inch Late 2011)
10.7.2
10.7.5
10.13.6
MacBookPro8,1
(13-inch Late 2011)
10.7.2
10.7.5
10.13.6
MacBookPro8,3
(17-inch Early 2011)
10.6.6
10.6.6*
10.13.6
MacBookPro8,2
(15-inch Early 2011)
10.6.6
10.6.6*
10.13.6
MacBookPro8,1
(13-inch Early 2011)
10.6.6
10.6.6*
10.13.6
MacBookPro7,1
(13-inch Mid 2010)
10.6.3
10.6.3*
10.13.6
MacBookPro6,2
(15-inch Mid 2010)
10.6.3
10.6.3*
10.13.6
MacBookPro6,1
(17-inch Early 2010)
10.6.3
10.6.3*
10.12.6
MacBookPro5,5
(13-inch Mid 2009)
10.5.7
10.5.7*
10.11.6
MacBookPro5,4
(15-inch Mid 2009)
10.5.7
10.5.7*
10.11.6
MacBookPro5,3
(15-inch Mid 2009)
10.5.7
10.5.7*
10.11.6
MacBookPro5,2
(17-inch Early 2009)
10.5.6
10.5.6*
10.11.6
MacBookPro5,1
(15-inch Late 2008)
10.5.5
10.5.5*
10.11.6
MacBookPro5,1
(17-inch Late 2008)
10.5.5
10.5.5*
10.11.6
MacBookPro4,1
(15-inch Early 2008)
10.5.2
10.5.2*
10.11.6
MacBookPro4,1
(17-inch Early 2008)
10.5.2
10.5.2*
10.11.6
MacBookPro3,1
(15-inch Late 2007)
10.4.9
10.4.9*
10.11.6
MacBookPro3,1
(17-inch Late 2007)
10.4.9
10.4.9*
10.11.6
MacBookPro2,2
(15-inch Late 2006)
10.4.8
10.4.8*
10.7.5
MacBookPro2,1
(17-inch Late 2006)
10.4.8
10.4.8*
10.7.5
MacBookPro1,2
(17-inch 2006)
10.4.5
10.4.5*
10.6.8
MacBookPro1,1
(15-inch 2006)
10.4.5
10.4.5*
10.6.8
*Available on
Reinstall DVD or CD
2. MacBook Air (2008-2020)
The MacBook Air was first introduced at Macworld San Fransisco by Steve Jobs on January 15th, 2008. For the 1st Generation from 2008-2010 the screen size was or a 13.3″ and included a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor. The Second Generation introduced in 2010 added an 11″ version. From 2017 on you could only get the 13″ Model. The 3rd Generation 13-inch MacBook Air was released in 2018.
Model Identifier
Machine Model
T1 T2
Ship OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
MacBookAir9,1
(Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
T2
10.15.3
10.15>
10.15>
MacBookAir8,2
(Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
T2
10.14.5
10.14.6
10.15>
MacBookAir8,1
(Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
T2
10.14.1
10.14.6
10.15>
MacBookAir7,2
(Mid 2017)
10.12.6
10.12.6
10.15>
MacBookAir7,2
(13-inch Early 2015)
10.10.2
10.10.5
10.15>
MacBookAir7,1
(11-inch Early 2015)
10.10.2
10.10.5
10.15>
MacBookAir6,2
(13-inch Early 2014)
10.10.2
10.10.5
10.15>
MacBookAir6,1
(11-inch Mid 2013)
10.8.4
10.8.5
10.15 >
MacBookAir6,2
(13-inch Mid 2013 )
10.8.4
10.8.5
10.15 >
MacBookAir6,1
(11-inch Mid 2012)
10.7.4
10.7.5
10.15 >
MacBookAir5,2
(13″ EDU Mid 2012)
10.8.2
10.8.5
10.15 >
MacBookAir5,2
13-inch Mid 2012)
10.7.4
10.7.4*
10.15>
MacBookAir5,1
(11-inch Mid 2012)
10.7.4
10.7.4*
10.15 >
MacBookAir4,2
(13″ EDU Mid 2012)
10.7.3
10.7.4*
10.15 >
MacBookAir4,1
(11-inch Mid 2012)
10.7
10.7.4*
10.15 >
MacBookAir3,2
(13-inch Late 2010)
10.6.4
10.6.4*
10.13.6
MacBookAir3,1
(11-inch Late 2010)
10.6.4
10.6.4*
10.13.6
MacBookAir2,1
(13-inch Mid 2009)
10.5.7
10.5.7
10.11.6
MacBookAir2,1
(13-inch Late 2008)
10.5.5
10.5.5
10.11.6
MacBookAir1,1
(13-inch Early 2008)
10.5.1
10.5.1
10.11.6
*USB Installer
3. MacBook – (2006-2017)
This Section covers the original 2006 13-inch MacBook all the way to the 2017 12″ Version. The MacBook has seen 4 different designs since 2006. Gen 1 Polycarbonate (2006-2008), Gen 2 Aluminum Unibody (2008-2009). Gen 3 Polycarbonate Unibody (2009-2010) & Gen 4 12″ USB-C (2015-2017).
Model Identifier
Machine Model
Ship OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
MacBook10,1
(Mid 2017)
10.12.5
10.12.6
10.15 >
MacBook9,1
(Early 2016)
10.11.4
10.11.6
10.15 >
MacBook8,1
(Early 2015)
10.10.2
10.10.6
10.15 >
MacBook7,1
(Unibody Mid 2010)
10.6.3
10.6.3 DVD
10.11.6
MacBook6,1
(Unibody Late 2009)
10.6.1
10.6.1 DVD
10.13.6
MacBook5,2
(White Mid 2009)
10.5.7
10.5.7 DVD
10.11.6
MacBook5,2
(13-inch C2D Early 2009)
10.5.6
10.5.6 DVD
10.11.6
MacBook5,1
(13-inch C2D Late 2008 Aluminum)
10.5.5
10.5.5 DVD
10.11.6
MacBook4,1
(13-inch C2D Early 2008)
10.5.2
10.5.2 DVD
10.7.5
MacBook3,1
(13-inch C2D Late 2007)
10.5
10.5 DVD
10.7.5
MacBook2,1
(13-inch C2D Mid 2007)
10.4.9
10.4.9 DVD
10.7.5
MacBook2,1
(13-inch C2D Late 2006)
10.4.8
10.4.8 DVD
10.7.5
MacBook1,1
(13-inch Core Duo 2006)
10.4.6
10.4.6 DVD
10.6.8
4. Mac Pro – (2006-2019)
The Mac Pro was first introduced at WWDC on August 7, 2006. It has seen 3 Generations from 2006-2019. Gen 1 “Cheese Grater” V1 (2006-2012), Gen 2 “Trash Can” (2013) & Gen 3 “Cheese Grater” V2 (2019).
Model Identifier
Machine Model
T1 T2
Ship OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
MacPro7,1
(2019)
T2
10.5.1
10.15 >
10.15 >
MacPro6,1
(Late 2013)
NA
10.9.1
10.9.5
10.15 >
MacPro5,1
(2012 Server)
NA
10.7.4
10.7.5
10.14.6*
MacPro5,1
(Mid 2010)
NA
10.6.4
10.6.4 DVD
10.14.6*
MacPro4,1
(Nehalem 2009)
NA
10.5.6
10.6.6 DVD
10.11.6
MacPro3,1
(Eight Core 2008)
NA
10.5.1
10.5.1 DVD
10.11.6
MacPro2,1
(Eight Core 2007)
NA
10.4.9
10.4.9 DVD
10.7.5
MacPro1,1
(Quad Core 2006)
NA
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.7.5
*Metal Graphics
Video Card Required
5. iMac – (2006-2019)
The iMac was first introduced at an Apple Special Event at the Flint Center, Cupertino on May 6, 1998 by Steve Jobs. The First Intel Based iMac was introduced at Macworld Conference and Expo on January 10, 2006 by Steve Jobs. It has seen seven different designs since 1998.
Model Identifier
Machine Model
Ship OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
iMac20,2
(5K, 2020; 5700/XT)
10.15.6
10.15.6
10.15>
iMac20,1
(27-Inch 5K, 2020)
10.15.6
10.15.6
10.15>
iMac19,2
(21.5-Inch 4k, 2019)
10.14.4
10.14.6
10.15 >
iMac19,1
(27-Inch 5k, 2019)
10.14.4
10.14.6
10.15 >
iMac18,3
(27-Inch 5k Mid-2017)
10.12.4
10.12.6
10.15 >
iMac18,2
(21.5-Inch 4k Mid-2017)
10.12.4
10.12.6
10.15 >
iMac18,1
(21.5-Inch Mid-2017)
10.12.4
10.12.6
10.15 >
iMac17,1
(27-Inch 5k, Late 2015)
10.11
10.11.6
10.15 >
iMac16,2
(21.5-Inch 4k. Late 2015)
10.11
10.11.6
10.15 >
iMac16,2
(21.5-Inch Late 2015)
10.11
10.11.6
10.15 >
iMac16,1
(21.5-Inch Late 2015)
10.11
10.11.6
10.15 >
iMac15,1
(27-Inch 5K, Mid-2015)
10.10.2
10.10.5
10.15 >
iMac15,1
(27-Inch 5k, Late 2014)
10.10
10.10.5
10.15 >
iMac14,4
(21.5-inch Mid 2014)
10.9.3
10.9.5
10.15 >
iMac14,3
(21.5-inch Late 2013)
10.8.4
10.8.5
10.15 >
iMac14,2
(27-inch Late 2013)
10.8.4
10.8.5
10.15 >
iMac14,1
(21.5-inch Late 2013)
10.8.4
10.8.5
10.15 >
iMac13,2
(27-Inch Late 2012)
10.8.2
10.8.5
10.15 >
iMac13,1
(21.5-inch Late 2012)
10.8.2
10.8.5
10.15 >
iMac12,1
(21.5-inch Late 2011)
10.7.2
10.7.5
10.13.6
iMac12,2
(27-inch Mid 2011)
10.6.6
10.6.6 DVD
10.13.6
iMac12,1
(21.5-inch Mid 2011)
10.6.6
10.6.6 DVD
10.13.6
iMac11,3
(27-inch Mid 2010)
10.6.3
10.6.3 DVD
10.13.6
iMac11,2
(21.5-inch Mid 2010)
10.6.3
10.6.3 DVD
10.13.6
iMac11,1
(27-inch Late 2009)
10.6.2
10.6.2 DVD
10.13.6
iMac10,1
(21.5-inch Late 2009)
10.6.1
10.6.1 DVD
10.13.6
iMac10,1
(27-inch Late 2009)
10.6.1
10.6.1 DVD
10.13.6
iMac9,1
(20-inch Mid 2009 EDU)
10.5.8
10.5.8 DVD
10.11.6
iMac9,1
(24-inch Early 2009)
10.5.6
10.5.6 DVD
10.11.6
iMac9,1
(20-inch Early 2009)
10.5.6
10.5.6 DVD
10.11.6
iMac8,1
(24-inch Early 2008)
10.5.2
10.5.2 DVD
10.11.6
iMac8,1
(20-inch Early 2008)
10.5.2
10.5.2 DVD
10.11.6
iMac7,1
(24-inch Mid 2007)
10.4.10
10.4.10 DVD
10.11.6
iMac7,1
(20-inch Mid 2007)
10.4.10
10.4.10 DVD
10.11.6
iMac6,1
(24-inch Late 2006)
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.7.5
iMac5,2
(17-inch Late 2006)
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.7.5
iMac5,1
(20-inch Late 2006)
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.7.5
iMac5,1
(17-inch Late 2006)
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.7.5
iMac4,2
(17-inch Mid 2006)
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.6.8
iMac4,1
(20-inch Early 2006)
10.4.4
10.4.4 DVD
10.6.8
iMac4,1
(17-inch Early 2006)
10.4.4
10.4.4 DVD
10.6.8
6. iMac Pro (2018)
The iMac Pro was introduced at WWDC on June 5, 2017.
Model Identifier
Machine Model
T2
Ship OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
iMacPro1,1
(5k, 27-inch Late 2017)
T2
10.13.2
10.13.6
10.15 >
7. Mac Mini – (2006 -2018)
On January 10, 2005, the Mac mini was announced at the Macworld Conference & Expo by Steve Jobs. He said at the time the Mac Mini was “the cheapest, most affordable Mac ever”. The Intel Version was announced on February 28, 2006.
Model Identifier
Machine Model
T1 T2
Shipping OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
Macmini8,1
(Late 2018)
T2
10.14
10.14.6
10.15 >
Macmini7,1
(Late 2014)
NA
10.10
10.10.5
10.15 >
Macmini6,2
(Late 2012 Server)
NA
10.8.2
10.8.5
10.15 >
Macmini6,2
(Late 2012)
NA
10.8.1
10.8.5
10.15 >
Macmini6,1
(Late 2012)
NA
10.8.1
10.8.5
10.15 >
Macmini5,3
(Mid 2011 Server)
NA
10.7
10.7.5
10.13.6
Macmini5,2
(Mid 2011)
NA
10.7
10.7.5
10.13.6
Macmini5,1
(Mid 2011)
NA
10.7
10.7.5
10.13.6
Macmini4,1
(Mid 2010 Server)
NA
10.6.4
10.6.4 DVD
10.13.6
Macmini4,1
(Mid 2010)
NA
10.6.4
10.6.4 DVD
10.13.6
Macmini3,1
(Late 2009 Server)
NA
10.6.1
10.6.1 DVD
10.11.6
Macmini3,1
(Late 2009)
NA
10.6.1
10.6.1 DVD
10.11.6
Macmini3,1
(Early 2009)
NA
10.5.6
10.5.6 DVD
10.11.6
Macmini2,1
(Mid 2007)
NA
10.4.10
10.4.10 DVD
10.7.5
Macmini1,1
(Late 2006)
NA
10.4.7
10.4.7 DVD
10.6.8
Macmini1,1
(Early 2006)
NA
10.4.5
10.4.5 DVD
10.6.8
8. Xserve – (2006-2009)
I almost forgot about Xserve. How could I forget about one of my favorite most reliable Macs ever created? The Xserve was introduced on May 14, 2002. The First Generation was based on a G4 Processor. The 2nd Generation was based on the G5 and the 3rd and final Generation was based on Intel’s Xeon Processor.
Model Identifier
Machine Model
Shipping OS
Oldest OS
Latest OS
Xserve3,1
(Quad Core Early 2009)
10.5.6 Server
10.5.6 Server DVD
10.11.6
Xserve2,1
(Eight Core Early 2008)
10.5 Server
10.5.0 Server DVD
10.7.5
Xserve1,1
(Quad Core Late 2006)
10.4.8 Server
10.4.8 Server DVD
10.7.5
If you have information for this page or find an error, please Contact Me.
Thank You!
https://everymac.com is the best source for Macintosh Hardware information on the internet!
Today Apple released macOS Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update #3 and Security Updates 2019-005 for High Sierra 10.13 and Sierra 10.12. If Apple’s previous update release history is any guide, 2019-005 will be the final Security Update for Sierra. Once macOS 10.15 Catalina is released in October, Mojave will be security patched for two more years. High Sierra will be supported for one year and Sierra will be dropped.
10.14.6 Supplemental Update #3 ??? Wait.. What? Apple is calling it the 2nd Supplemental Update.
Not sure where Apple got out of order here, but this is the 10.14.6 Build Version release schedule.
Which version of the 10.14.6 update does my Mac need?
Software Update will always point you to the right update.
Any Build Version of 10.14.6 = Supplemental Update #3
10.14.0-10.14.4 = Combo Update
10.14.5 = Delta Update
10.8 – 10.14.6 Upgrade = Updated 10.14.6 (18G103) Full Installer.app
How do you keep track of all the macOS Build Versions?
I document all of all macOS versions along with most Apple Applications, XProtect, Gatekeeper and MRT updates in one database. You can check out the link below.
High Sierra 10.13.6 & Sierra 10.12 will crash when waking up from sleep after the 2019-004 Security Update is installed. UPDATE: NOW FIXED WITH REVISED RELEASE! 7/29/19
Apple today pulled the 2019-004 Security Update after it was found to cause Kernel Panics when a Mac wakes from sleep.
First spotted on Apple Support Forums by user Fugge on July 10th, 2019. He installed the 2019-004 Security Update Developer Beta and started seeing Kernel Panics crashes after waking from sleep. A Kernel Panic will happen every single time the Mac wakes from sleep. The issue was then reported on July 24th by Howard Oakley
1. 2019-004 Security Update for High Sierra 10.13 & Sierra 10.12 Re Released 7/29!!!!
2. Mojave 10.14.6 Supplemental Update fixes an issue that may prevent certain Macs from waking from sleep properly.
3. 2019-004 High Sierra Update Removed from SUS
4. 2019-004 Sierra Security Update removed from SUS
5. T2 BridgeOS version 16.16.6568 also removed
6. Affected Mac Models
7. Check your DEP or Provision work flow. Software Update for 10.12 and 10.13 will not show previous Security Updates.
8. Problem: Kernel Panic after waking from sleep after closing the lid.
9. Fresh install of 10.13 + 2019-004 Security update on a 2018 T2 MacBook Pro does NOT crash!
10. Workaround? – “Prevent computer from sleeping when display is off” Or Reseting the SMC.
11.Reports are saying that the problem remains after reverting back
12. Is the problem actually in the T1/T2 Chip update?
13. This has happened before. It’s recommended that you wait a few days before you install any update.
1. UPDATE! 2019-004 Security Update for High Sierra & Sierra Re Released 7/29!!!!
Apple today at 12:05 CST re released the 2019-004 Security Update for High Sierra 10.13 and Sierra 10.12. A new BridgeOS and EFICheck AllowListAll update are also new. I will update when I have new build versions and new information.
The updated version of 2019-004 will now show up new for you in software update. Even if you installed the 2019-004 update before it was pulled, you will see the update show as NEW!
I already have one report from a user saying that the new update has cleared up the crash on sleep issue!
BridgeOS was re released but the BuildVersion remains the same at 16.16.6568 the updated files inside are dated 7/26
The Re Released 2019-004 Security Update for High Sierra 10.13 BuildVersion is now (17G8030)
The Re Released 2019-004 Security Update for Sierra 10.12 BuildVersion is now (16G2128)
Apple also rereleased the 10.14.6 Full Installer, Combo Update and Delta update. The new Build Version is (18G87).
3. 2019-004 High Sierra Update Removed from SUS
Apple has pulled the 2019-004 High Sierra update from the Software Update Service. It will not show up if you run softwareupdate -l or show up at the old address support.apple.com/kb/DL2012?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US. The download button still works when you go to Apple.com/downloads.
2019-004 link on apple.com/downloads – The download button still works but the page was pulled.
4. 2019-004 Sierra Update Removed from SUS.
Apple on late on Wednesday also removed the 2019-004 Sierra 10.12 Security Update. This update was removed hours after the 10.13 update was removed. The same problem must be in this update for Sierra Systems. Keep in mind only the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros can install Sierra 10.12.
5. BridgeOS version 16.16.6568 also removed.
If you downloaded the 2019-004 update before Apple removed it, you still would not be able to install it if you have a T2 equipped Mac. BridgeOS version 16.16.6568 with a Product ID of 041-51542 is now deprecated. When the Mac starts the installer the new BridgeOS is REQUIRED before the security update can install.
This also means you can not install the 10.13 or 10.12 2019-004 Security Update on T1/T2 Macs.
6. Check your DEP or Provision work flow. Software Update for 10.12 and 10.13 will not show previous Security Updates.
If you have a provisioning workflow where you rebuild Macs using DEP or some other type of system, you will be stuck on the current BuildVersion on the full installer BuildVersion. This means if you run a softwareupdate -iar command or have automatic updates set on, it will not receive any security updates until a fixed 2019-004 update is released.
7. Affected Mac Models
I am not totally sure the scope of this, as users have reported the issue mostly on MacBook Pro’s. Others reported this issue happening on iMacs.
I have confirmed the issue does not happen on at least one Non T1/T2 Mac. I was able to install 2019-004 on a 2017 MacBook Air and it did NOT Kernel Panic on sleep or wake.
Testing the issue on a 2017 MacBook Air
8. Problem: Kernel Panic after waking from sleep after closing the lid.
One of the Kernel Panic Reports posted from the Apple Support Post. The issue happens after you close the lid or wake the Mac from Sleep.
*** Panic Report ***
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff7f88668303): “Failed to quiesce supporting devices\n”@/BuildRoot/Library/Caches/com.apple.xbs/Sources/AppleACPIPlatform/AppleACPIPlatform-254.50.6/AppleACPIPlatformPower.cpp:1972
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task
Mac OS version:
16G2127
Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 16.7.0: Sun Jun 2 20:26:31 PDT 2019; root:xnu-3789.73.50~1/RELEASE_X86_64
Kernel UUID: 9778BC83-2647-3AE4-A7F2-8A2F41FA8791
ernel slide: 0x0000000005400000
rnel text base: 0xffffff8005600000
__HIB text base: 0xffffff8005500000
System model name: MacBookPro13,3 (Mac-…)
2019-004 kernel panic crashes
9. Fresh install of 10.13 + 2019-004 Security update does NOT crash on sleep!
I was able to update a 2018 T2 MacBook Pro with the 2019-004 update and BridgeOS 16.16.6568 and it does NOT crash on sleep wake. The issue is starting to look like a conflict with a Kernel Extension or piece of 3rd party software. A few of the Kernel Panic Reports were sort of pointing to Virtual box but that may be pushing it.
10. Workarounds? “Prevent computer from sleeping when display is off”& Resetting SMC
1. Try turning on “Prevent computer from sleeping when display is off” NOTE: This option is only available for when you are plugged into power. I am not sure what will happen when you are on battery power.
I was able to get the shutdowns to stop by disabling computer sleep when display is off. system preferences -> energy saver -> check “Prevent computer from sleeping when display is off”
Not a solution, but at least stops the annoying shutdowns until Apple can fix the issue.
2.Reset SMC (System Management Controller)NOTE: this only seems to help about 50% of the time. Resetting the SMC seems to work for some but not others.
I found a workaround that actually did the trick. SMC Reset, which for me was as simple as shutting down the device, unplugging the power, waiting 15 seconds, and plugging it back in. Directions called for me to wait 5 seconds before turning the power back on, but in my case it booted right up automatically after reconnecting the power cord. Specific instructions will vary depending on the device: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
3. Use Apple Menu > Sleep, instead of closing the lid.
I can put the display to sleep and leave the lid open without a problem. I recommend doing this if you are connected to power.
Garry144 – Apple Discussion Forum User
4. Wait until Apple Fixes the issue and then releases a new Updated Security Update.
5. Fresh reinstall of 10.13.6 and 2019-004 Security Update. NOTE: read section 8.
6. Upgrade to macOS Mojave 10.14
7. UPDATE 7/25: THIS DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE!!!While the restore does work the system will still crash. Check to see if you tmutil created a time machine restore point in the Recovery Partition by running tmutil listlocalsnapshots /
You should see something like this
MacbookPro:~ User$ tmutil listlocalsnapshots /
com.apple.TimeMachine.2019-07-24-221041
If you have a snapshot listed you can boot to the Recovery Partition, click on Time Machine and if you have a localsnapshot listed it will look like this.
You may be able to revert back to a the previous OS Version if you can get to the localsnapshot before 24 hours.
If you have successfully reverted back you can click about this Mac to verify you are on the old build version. You can also type in sw_vers in terminal to display the BuildVersion.
Made it back to 17G7024
Now that we made it back to 17G7024 the question remains… Is the actual issue in the 2019-004 Security Update OR in the T1 EmbeddedOS or T2 BridgeOS? UPDATE: looks the the issue still remains. Continue reading below.
11. Reports are saying that the problem remains after reverting back to (17G7024)
A user in the Apple Discussion Forum was able to follow the above instructions and use the TM localsnapshot to revert back, but reported that he is still having the issue.
So, I reverted to the snapshot that was taken right before the update, but the problem still exists. I never saw this issue before installing the security update.
12. Is the problem actually in the T1/T2 Chip update?
This could very well mean that the problem is not inside the 2019-004 update code but in the T1/T2 chip update known as EmbeddedOS or BridgeOS. This would make sense since you can still install the 2019-004 update on a NON T1/T2 system and it’s fine. You can’t downgrade to a previous version of the T1/T2 Update. If this is the case you will have to wait until Apple releases the fixed 2019-004 update which includes a updated T1/T2 Update.
13. This has happened before. It’s recommended that you wait a few days before you install any update.
This is not the first time Apple has pulled an update. They pulled High Sierra and Sierra 2019-002 Security Update this past March. It’s a good idea to wait at least a few days before you update.
Today Apple released macOS Mojave 10.14.6 and Security Updates 2019-004 for High Sierra 10.13 and Sierra 10.12. If Apple’s previous update release history is any guide, 10.14.6 will be the final update for Mojave. Once macOS 10.15 Catalina is released in September, Mojave will be security patched for two more years. High Sierra will be supported for one year and Sierra will be dropped.
Zoom Vulnerably Remediation, 14 Total variants & RCE found. Index of Zoom & MRT Links & Info
14 total Zoom Vulnerably / Exploit variants and a RCE Remote Code Execution found!
Just when you had enough of the first Zoom Vulnerably, Apple released MRTConfigData 1.46 (now 1.47!) to deal with 14 total variants and a Remote Code Execution (RCE) . I created this Index of MRT Links & Info to help you get through the confusion.
UPDATED: 07/18/19 – MRTConfigData 1.47 released and 3 more Zoom variants! Brings the total to 14.
MRT Malware Removal Tool Index
1. List of zoom opener variants and MRT versions
2. MRTConfigData Compatible OS versions.
3. Software Update & MRT Commands
4. Malware Removal Tool Documentation
5. Caveats of installing MRTConfigData and how the MRT scan works differently in 10.14 vs 10.13
6. Other ways to install MRT updates
7. Digging into the MRT Binary
8. More questions, Problems and Errors
9. Links to scripts and other MacAdmin articles
10. Disclaimer
1. List zoom opener variants and MRT Versions
How do we even know which variants are included in MRTConfigData v1.45 and v1.46? (Now 1.47!) The only way to find out is to dig into the MRT Binary Code. I talk about how I found the new variants a little more in section 7 below.
We now have 14 new Zoom Opener variants to worry about. Each one is a hidden folder listed in your user folder!
MRT Versions
1. MRTConfigData v1.45 – 7/10/19
2. MRTConfigData v1.46 – 7/16/19
3. MRTCOnfigData v1.47 -7/18/19
Zoom Variants
1. /.zoomus – 1.45
2. /.ringcentralopener – 1.46
3. /.telusmeetingsopener– 1.46
4. /.btcloudphonemeetingsopener– 1.46
5. /.officesuitehdmeetingopener– 1.46
6. /.attvideomeetingsopener– 1.46
7. /.bizconfopener– 1.46
8. /.huihuiopener – 1.46
9. /.umeetingopener– 1.46
10./.zhumuopener– 1.46
11./.zoomcnopener– 1.46
12./.earthlinkmeetingroomopener – 1.47
13./.videoconferenciatelmexopener – 1.47
14./.accessionmeetingopener – 1.47
2. MRTConfigData Compatible OS versions.
You can run the MRTConfigData update on the following macOS versions.
Mojave 10.14
High Sierra 10.13
Sierra 10.12
El Capitan 10.11 (Note: You can only usesoftwareupdate -ia --backgroundas the --include-config-dataoption was new in Sierra 10.12)
3. Software Update & MRT Commands
Let’s get right to it, here are the commands again if you want to remediate right now!
1. Check for config data updates:/usr/sbin/softwareupdate -l --include-config-data
2. Manual Install of MRT v1.47:/usr/sbin/softwareupdate -i MRTConfigData_10_14-1.47 --include-config-data
3. Verify Version of MRT:/usr/bin/defaults read /System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app/Contents/Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionString
4. Force Run MRT.app in Agent mode:/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app/Contents/MacOS/MRT -a
If MRT finds Zoom the manual scan will look like this.
A manual MRT -a agent scan found ZoomOpener and deleted it.
4. Malware Removal Tool Documentation
Apple has not documented how the MRT Scan works. The MRT Tool is called out with just a few lines in the macOS Security Overview for IT.
macOS Security Overview for IT 2018
Apple refers to MRT updates as “Silent or Quiet Update” when referenced in the media. The MRT Binary doesn’t have a MAN page or a -help section. Targeted malware variants are not documented. Sounds like a job for #MacAdmins!!!
5. Caveats of installing MRTConfigData and how the MRT scan works differently in 10.14 vs 10.13
You need to know about a few caveats with this process. I have tested the installation and scan multiple times and found differences in each OS! Let’s start with Mojave 10.14 then move to High Sierra 10.13.
MRT in Mojave 10.14.5
When you manually install the MRTConfigData update the MRT.app will automatically run a MRT Scan!
You only have to worry about other users who may have installed any of the opener variants as the MRT Scan only runs for the logged in user only.
A restart and Logout/Login will kick off a manual MRT Scan.
You can run a script that Rich wrote that will remove zoom from all logged in users.
When you manually install the MRTConfigData update the MRT Scan will NOT run automatically!!!
You will need to run the MRT.app agent scan manually to remove any zoom variants.
TLDR: Installing MRTConfigData in 10.14 automatically kicks off the MRT.app scan, while in 10.13 the MRT scan does NOT run automatically.
H/T to @howardnoakley and @alvarnell for pointing out that after installing MRTConfigData the MRT Scan kicks off automatically. I did not know it at the time but they were testing in 10.14. All my testing was on 10.13, so thats why I was getting different results!
6. Other ways to install MRT updates
If you are on Mojave 10.14.5 you will automatically get the MRTConfigData update as long as you have the following SoftwareUpdate Settings set to ON.
Software Update – Required settings to get “System Data Files and Security Updates”
As long as you have these settings set to ON your Mac should automatically check in for new updates and install them every 24 hours.
For the com.appleSoftwareUpdate.plist file you need the following settings set to ON.
If you want to install all background updates now without waiting you can issue the following command.
sudo softwareupdate --background --include-config – Only background updates
or
sudo softwareupdate -ia --include-config-data – Background updates AND OS level Updates
NOTE! The -ia option will install ALLavailable software updates including Combo, Safari and Security Updates.
The above commands will only install Xprotect updates if you have all the automatic software update settings set to ON.
7. Digging into the MRT Binary
Apple does not list the targeted malware variants anywhere, so the only way to find them is to dig into the MRT Binary Code. You cant just open the code inside MRT as it has thousands of lines of code. You have to first compare the current version to the old one. This will give you the first clues, as each piece of malware is given a code. In this case it was MACOS.354c063.
Now that we have the Malware Family ID we can then search the MRT Binary using a disassembler application. A disassembler like Hopper is used to view the actual code of the new MRT binary.
BINGO!!! The actual code calling out /.zoomus/ZoomOpener.app
8. More questions, Problems and Errors
We still have questions about how the MRT works especially the MRT -d or daemon mode. I have even reached out to Apple for an answer on this.
Howard Oakley wrote a great article looking into this.
The Zoom Client before 4.4.53932.0709 on macOS allows RCE remote code execution – CVE-2019-13567
Apple.com – About background updates in macOS Mojave Your Mac automatically installs background updates for the security configuration and data files used by macOS. – support.apple.com/en-us/HT207005
Howard Oakley – twitter.com/howardnoakley – eclecticlight.co – Howard really dug into this when it first came out writing multiple articles on the zoom exploit. He also has multiple applications that he wrote that will help you, including one called SilentKnight that will tell you if all your XProtect definitions are up to date.
Rich Trouton – twitter.com/rtrouton – derflounder.wordpress.com – Rich has written the best script yet to remediate the Zoom venerability on all user accounts.
Macadmins.slack.com – You can also talk about the Zoom Vulnerability and join the #zoom channel or #security in MacAdmins Slack.
10. Disclaimer
I tried to test and research as much as possible to save you time. I hope this Index of MRT Links & Info helps you, but since this issue revolves around security please double check and test before you deploy. After deployment check again that the files inside the opener are in fact deleted.
Yup, the Zoom Vulnerability has been THE talk of the MacAdmins community for the past 2 days. This stuff moves very fast and you have to keep an eye out! We will be The vulnerability was first released by Jonathan Leitschuh. This is not just Zoom but also Ringcentral and possibly BlueJeans. A statement Link from BlueJeans is below.
Tuesday, July 9 Zoom issued an update to our Mac app with the following: Removed the local web server via a prompted update Allowed users to manually uninstall Zoom. This new option to the Zoom menu bar allowed users to manually uninstall the Zoom client, including the local web server. A new menu option says, “Uninstall Zoom.” By clicking that button, Zoom’s app and web server are removed from the user’s device along with the user’s saved settings
Wednesday, July 10 Apple issued an update to ensure that the Zoom web server is removed from all Macs, even if the user did not update their Zoom app or deleted it before we issued our July 9 patch. Zoom worked with Apple to test this update, which requires no user interaction.
Weekend of July 13 We have a planned release for the weekend of July 13 that will address video on by default. With this release, first-time users who select “Always turn off my video” will automatically have their video preference saved. The selection will automatically be applied to the user’s Zoom client settings and their video will be OFF by default for all future meetings. (Returning users can update their video preferences and make video OFF by default at any time through the Zoom client settings.)
Option #2 Apple MRT – Malware Removal Tool
Apple in a very quick move released MRTConfigDat 1.45 at 5PM CST yesterday. According to TechCrunch
The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant told TechCrunch that the update — now released — removes the hidden web server, which Zoom quietly installed on users’ Macs when they installed the app. Apple said the update does not require any user interaction and is deployed automatically.
TechCrunch
MRTConfigData v1.45
Apple’s Malware Removal Tool will update on all 10.11, 10.12, 10.13 & 10.14 within 24 Hours
As long as you have sofwareupdate set to Automatically Check for Updates, Download New updates in the background & Install System Data Files and Security Updates. NOTE: 10.11 does not have the include-config-data option so you have to run sudo softwareupdate -ia -background
I need the update now!
Got you covered! You can use softwareupdate to manually install MRTConfigData 1.45. You can run this to list all available Xprotect Updates.
Manually download MRTConfigData using softwareupdate
I am not sure yet if just installing the new update actually activates and runs MRT or not. This command works great because it ONLY installs the called out update. If you use softwareupdate -l --include-config-data it will install ALL softwareupdates including combo and Safari ETC.
NOTE: If you are trying to run MRT.app remotely over ssh or by using an MDM, it needs to run as the logged in user at least in 10.14. In 10.12 and 10.13 MRT seems to run fine no matter the user. You can use the 2 lines of code below to get the logged in user then run the command as the user. The error you will get in 10.14 will say failedToReceiveProfileList.
How you could run a quick small script as the logged in user.
Manual Command that you can run if you are logged in as the user.
/System/Library/CoreServices/MRT.app/Contents/MacOS/MRT -a
Manually updating MRT on the fly!
Hat Tip to AndyInCali on MacAdmins Slack for the MRT -a !!!
Option #3 Manual Removal + Scripts and Links
Rich Trouton wrote a great script to manually remove zoom’s WebServer.
NOTE: Keep in mind trashing the app will NOT remove the ~/.zoomus Web Server. You will either need to kill the process and then overwrite the file like in Rich’s Script below or wait for MRT or install the new version which removes the Web Server.
Security researchers have found a new series of vulnerabilities in Intel chips dating back to 2011.
We now know why Apple released the 10.14.5 Combo update and the 2013-003 security updates early. Keeping with Apple’s normal release schedule, Combo and Security updates should have been released 2-3 weeks from now. The updates were released one day before news of the ZombieLoad New Intel Chip Vulnerability hit. This is great news, especially if you remember Apple’s response to the Meltdown & Spectre vulnerabilities. We had to push Apple to release fixes for 10.12 and 10.11 after the news hit.
NOTE: clarifying the situation.
The Mojave 10.14.5 update does the following
1. Updates Safari to version 12.1.1. “This update prevents exploitation of these vulnerabilities via JavaScript or as a result of navigating to a malicious website in Safari.“
2. Enables the ability for you to enable full mitigation by Disabling Hyper-Threading (instructions listed below)
The 10.12 and 10.13 (2019-003) security update only does the following.
Enables the ability for you to enable full mitigation by Disabling Hyper-Threading (instructions listed below)
Safari 12.1.1 is a separate install for both 10.12 and 10.13. I can’t find any documentation that confirms Apple patched this for 10.13 & 10.12 Safari. This will be the page to watch to see if Apple adds more information later. support.apple.com/en-us/HT210123
All Macs from 2011 & forward are vulnerable to this new attack.
You can read about this from multiple news sites below. We have to worry about both Speculative Execution Vulnerabilities and Microarchitectural Data Sampling (MDS) vulnerabilities.
Do I need disable Hyper-Threading as mentioned in the above documents?
Almost all PC Vendors say YES, but Intel says NO. According to Apple “There are no known exploits affecting customers at the time”. The 10.14.5 combo update only covers updates to Safari (12.1.1) only. We will have to wait to see if this was addressed in the High Sierra and Sierra versions of 12.1.1. If you need full mitigation for the Mac you will need to disable Hyper-Threading.
Disabling Hyper-Threading
Let’s take a look at the instructions Apple gave us.
Step 1
Turn on or restart your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘)-R or one of the other macOS Recovery key combinations on your keyboard.
oh no… If you are a MacAdmin you just realized this solution is not deployable by any means.
Step 2
From the Utilities menu in the menu bar, choose Terminal.
If you have a deployed T2 Mac with only one FV2 enabled standard user you will be out of luck. You can’t open terminal without a SecureToken Admin.
Step 3
Type the following two commands, one at a time, at the Terminal prompt. Press Return after each one.
nvram boot-args="cwae=2"
nvram SMTDisable=%01
Note #1 According to Apple you need to be on 10.14.5 or have 2019-003 installed on a 10.13 or 10.12 Mac for this to work.
Note #2 Apple mentions that disabling Hyper-Threading could “cause a 40 percent reduction in performance with tests that include multithreaded workloads and public benchmarks”.
Let’s boot to recovery and try this out.
After typing in both commands you can check to see if they are set in nvram by typing in
nvram -xp
This will print out all the variables in nvram. You will be looking for 2 entries.
<key>boot-args</key>
<string>cwae=2</string>
<key>SMTDisable</key>
<data>
AQ==
</data>
If you see these the settings should be in play. All you need to do is restart to enable the new settings.
Note: I tried this out on a system that did NOT have the 2019-003 security update on it and the commands did work. The system booted and was acting normal. It is possible that without the security update installed the system does not understand the values. When I checked for the Hyper-Threading Technology field in System Information it did not exist. I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU DO THIS! I just tested this out so you know what happens.
Confirm the settings worked and Hyper-Threading is disabled.
Click the Apple menu click “About this Mac” then System Information. Under hardware you should see this.
Hyper-Threading Technology: Disabled
How to revert back and enable HT again.
If you would like to revert the mitigation and reenable Hyper-Threading, reset NVRAM and restart your Mac. To reset the NVRAM remember you need to disable Firmware Password Protection.
GeekBench 4 Benchmark test
Figured it would be fun to run one test to see the performance hit when Hyper-Threading is disabled.
Again this is only one testbut sure seems far away from the 40% number.
Apple also notes the following
“If you previously set custom boot-args, you will need to add those boot-args to the nvram command.“
Note: The full mitigation is not enabled while using Boot Camp to run Windows on a Mac.
Disclaimer
As always when it comes to security, please be sure to test test test and follow Apple’s direct linked documentation if you need to enable security settings in a secure production environment.
Contact Me if you have anything to add to this Speculative Execution & ZombieLoad MDS Intel Chip Vulnerability article.
When sending the InstalledApplicationList MDM command to macOS clients, apps that had been installed via VPP would fail to report when an app update was available.
When using the Time Server payload on earlier version of macOS 10.14, the time zone was not getting set properly.
The Accessibility Events switch was removed, because related aspects of the W3C AOM effort are no longer applicable.
10.14.5 Standard Update Notes
Adds AirPlay 2 support for sharing videos, photos, music and more from your Mac directly to your AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV
[C and US English only] Adds the ability to follow a magazine from the Apple News+ catalog browsing view
[J only] Includes support for the Reiwa (令和) era of the Japanese calendar
Improves audio latency on MacBook Pro models introduced in 2018
Fixes an issue that prevented certain very large OmniOutliner and OmniPlan documents from rendering properly
Other New Updates Released
iTunes Device Support Update – 108.3mb – MobileDeviceSU- 041-62886
Gatekeeper Config Data – v166 – 3.5mb – 041-56834
10.13 High Sierra
10.13.6 High Sierra Security Update 2019-003 – New BuildVersion – (17G7024) Size 1.9gb
Do you need to download a full macOS installer? I’ll show you 7 different ways!
How to download macOS Sonoma 14,Ventura 13, Monterey 12, Big Sur 11, Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13, Sierra 10.12, El Capitan 10.11, 10.10 Yosemite 10.10, Mavericks 10.9, Mountain Lion 10.8 & 10.7 Lion
UPDATED 2/27/24
If you are wondering how to download macOS full installers direct from Apple’s servers, you’ve found the right place. If you are a macOS user or just starting in Apple IT, you will find out pretty quickly this can get complicated.
8 Different ways to download macOS Full Installers
Need a full macOS installer to rebuild a Mac or create a USB Installer stick? I will show you 8 different ways to download macOS.
1. App Store = High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura & Sonoma
2. System Preferences = 10.14, 10.15, 11, 12, 13 & 14 – NEW INFO!
The Mac App Store will be your main way to download macOS. You can download the following versions – 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 11, 12 & 13. Each link below will open up that version in the Mac App Store. All you need to do is, click the Download Button. When the download is finished, the installer will be in /Applications.
If you are looking for Apple.com direct download links for macOS 10.12 Sierra, 10.11 El Capitan, 10.10 Yosemite, 10.9 Mavericks, 10.8 Mountain Lion & 10.7 Lion skip to section Section 5 & 6
2. macOS Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur & Monterey Software Update pane = Sonoma – WARNING!
Apple added a new system preference pane in 10.14+, it’s called Software Update. This new section will show you available macOS software updates, but it will also show you upgrades! In this case we can use this pane to download and install macOS Ventura.
This is what the new Ventura “Delta upgrade” looks like, notice how small it is, you will NOT get the full installer.app, it will install immediately after download.
WARNING! macOS Sonoma changes the upgrade system. The upgrade is now an “Update” and will not download the full installer app if you are on Monterey 12.3 or newer. If you are on Monterey 12.2.1 or below, you will get the full installer app from System Preferences.
After hitting the “Upgrade Now” button, macOS Ventura will start to download and then it will install on your main system immediately if the size of the update is under 12GB
If you are on Monterey 12.2.1 and below, Big Sur, Catalina or Mojave this is what you will see in Software Update:
You will get the full installer app if you are on Monterey 12.2.1 and below, Big Sur Catalina or Mojave. NOTICE the full 12.5GB size.
3. Download Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, or Mojave with softwareupdate –fetch-full-installer
With the release macOS 11 Big Sur & 10.15 Catalina we got a much needed new option added to the softwareupdate binary. We can now download full installers!
To get more information you can just run the softwareupdate command from terminal.app and it will give you a quick overview of all the options.
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer – this command will download the newest version of Monterey.
softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version – This sub option will allow you to download specific versions. An example of this would be 11.6.8. An example of this command is
When the download is complete the macOS Installer app will be in /Applications
4. Download macOS Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey or Big Sur Full installer via Apple SUS & InstallAssistant.pkg
You can download the full installer of macOS Big Sur from Apple’s own software update servers. The InstallAssistant.pkg includes the entire Install macOS Big Sur.app. Run the pkg and it will put the entire install app into your Applications folder!
installinstallmacos.py is a script that was written by Greg Neagle. The description reads – A tool to download the parts for an Install macOS app from Apple's softwareupdate servers and install a functioning Install macOS app onto an empty disk image
This script reaches out directly to Apple and downloads all the pieces that form the macOS install app. At the end it will install to a blank dmg image. In the end you have a fresh macOS Install app in a .dmg!
Opening the link above shows you the raw script. Download it by Right Clicking anywhere on the page and then select Save As. Now that you have the script, let’s run it.
Open up terminal.app. Below is an example how the script would look on your command line.
After running installinstallmacos.py, this is what you should see.
Notice that you have 8 versions of full macOS installers available! As of April 9th 2020, the latest version of Catalina is 10.15.4 (19E287). Select 2 (or 6 it’s doubled up for some reason) then hit enter.
The download will start and look like this
installminstallmacos.py is downloading all the parts of the installer.
All of the download pieces are downloaded to /Users/yourhome/content/downloads
Making empty sparseimage...
installer: Package name is macOS Catalina
installer: Installing at base path /private/tmp/dmg.IJe432
installer: The install was successful.
When the download is complete the .dmg will be located at the root of your home folder.
3. What happens if you have an old version of installer.app on your system and want the latest version?
4. How do I check the macOS version number of Install macOS installer.app?
5. Downloading the latest version after finding an old version.
6. The Mac you are using has to be compatible with the macOS version you are trying to download.
7. If Mojave is not compatible with my system, how do I download High Sierra 10.13?
8. The dreaded 22mb”Stub” installer.
9. The Mac App Store was redesigned for Mojave 10.14!
10. Can I download High Sierra in the new Mojave App Store?
11. The new Mac App Store has solved the dreaded 22mb “Stub” installer problem.
12. Let’s review which macOS versions you can download on Mojave & High Sierra
12. Mac App Store Errors
13. Review of which macOS versions you can download on Mojave & High Sierra depending on your Mac Version.
14. Download full macOS installers using installinstallmacos.py
15. How to download macOS Catalina 10.15 Beta – Apple Beta Software Program.
16. Apple App Store Download links for 10.15, 10.14, 10.13 + direct download links for 10.12, 10.11 & 10.10.
1. Support.Apple.com/Downloads
Let’s say you want to download the full macOS installer.app from Apple so you can deploy in-place upgrades or build a USB Installer. Let’s first check Support.Apple.com/Downloads.
Searching for macOS 10.14 MojaveSearching for macOS 10.13 High Sierra
Hmmm… Searching for Mojave and High Sierra installers only show combo and security updates.
2. High Sierra Mac App Store
No big deal, let’s go to the High Sierra App Store and search for Mojave and High Sierra installers.
I found MojaveHigh Sierra not found 404
Ok, well we are getting a little closer it seems. Searching for macOS Mojave comes up, yet High Sierra is nowhere to be found.
3. What happens if you have an old version of installer.app on your system and want the latest version?
The button under the Mojave Circle says OPEN instead of download ???
You now see Mojave is there in the Mac App Store, but instead of Download it says Open. Let’s find out what that means.
Seems like I already have the installer. Let’s click “Show Application” to find out more info.
After clicking Open I am presented with this message above. As you can see the App Store first searched my system and found that I already have macOS Mojave installer.app. Notice that it searches all locations, not just the Applications folder where the installer app normally is stored. It found the macOS Mojave Installer.app in a folder called test.
App Store found the installer!
Great, we are ready to go right? Not really because I have no clue what version this is. Looking at the creation date gives us a pretty good clue. MacOS Mojave was released on September 24th 2018. This Mojave installer download was created 23 days after release so it’s most likely 10.14.0.
4. How do I check the macOS version number of Install macOS installer.app?
We have multiple ways of checking the version number and build number. The easiest way is to simply look at the version number info from Get Info.
ah.. 14.0.22 = 10.14.0!
After checking the version number, I now know the macOS version is 10.14.0. We can find the build number inside the actual installer.app but knowing the version number is usually good enough unless you need a specific hardware build.
5. Downloading the latest version after finding an old version.
I have macOS Mojave Installer.app on my system but it’s outdated. I need the latest version. We now need to get the app store to show the Download button instead of Open. Simply close the App Store, delete the old version of macOS Installer then re-open.
NOT THIS AGAIN!
I deleted the installer.app but the App Store still thinks that I have the installer. The button SHOULD switch to Download but didn’t. If this happens again just restart your Mac.
Great! Lets start the download.
Perfect, after restarting the Mac App Store can’t find any version of the Mojave installer on your Mac so it now shows you the download button.
6. The Mac you are using has to be compatible with the macOS version you are trying to download.
The Mac App Store will not let you download a version of macOS that is not compatible.
We could not complete your purchase. This version of macOS 10.14 cannot be installed on this computer.
I STILL can’t download Mojave because the Mac I’m trying to download it on is not compatible. All I want to do is download macOS Mojave! I do understand why Apple did this, they don’t want a user to think they could install Mojave on a system that can’t run it. Apple should take this one step further and not show it as available in the App Store. Or have the button say Not Supported.
7. If Mojave is not compatible with my system, how do I download High Sierra 10.13?
How do I download macOS High Serra 10.13? If searching High Sierra in the App Store comes up empty how can I download it? You have to visit the Apple Upgrading to High Sierra Support Page for the direct App Store link.
Why in the heck are you trying to install High Sierra when you can install MOJAVE?!?!? If you REALLY want to install High Sierra FINE…. we will give you the link.
We are back in the 10.13 App Store, let’s try to download again.
MacOS High Sierra 10.13 Mac App Store.
After clicking Download we finally get some action!
Wait a minute, that downloaded way too fast….
I have a pretty fast connection but not 5.3 gigabytes in 3 minutes fast. The download just finished let’s see what the deal is.
The dreaded macOS 22mb “Stub” installer
8. The dreaded 22mb”Stub” installer.
This is what’s known as the macOS “Stub” Installer. This is not the 5gb full installer we are looking for it’s only 22mb! All this file will do is start the installation only to download the full 5gb before beginning the install. You cant boot to this file or create a USB Installer from this pkg.
While the 10.13 App Store does not allow you to download the full High Sierra installer, it will allow you to download the full version of Mojave.
9. The Mac App Store was redesigned for Mojave 10.14!
The App Store was totally redesigned for 10.14 Mojave. The look is pretty different from 10.13’s App Store. This is what the Mojave section looks like in the new App Store.
4.5 stars nice!!!
The new design aligns the Mac App Store with the iOS App Store. The first hint is that the Download button is now GET.
The GET button starts the process.Sure you want to download a 6gb file?Need Admin creds to start the downloadProfit
We are off to the races now! The first thing you will notice is that instead of downloading macOS Mojave Installer inside the App Store it opens Software Update. Software Update will search for the Installer and ask if you are sure you want to download the 6gb Mojave Installer. After clicking download you will get a new prompt for admin credentials to start the download (not to actually install yet). After the download completes you will finally have the latest macOS installer.app.
10. Can I download High Sierra in the new Mojave App Store?
Good news, the Full High Sierra installer will now download from the new App Store.
Finally High Sierra!
11. The new Mac App Store has solved the dreaded 22mb “Stub” installer problem.
The “Stub” download problem can be reproduced using 10.13 App Store. Yet I can’t seem to reproduce this on 10.14. I have tried multiple machines. The “Stub” installer problem seems to be gone as long as you are using 10.14’s App Store.
12. Mac App Store Errors
If you get one of the following errors, follow look at the next section below.
The requested version of macOS is not available
This version cannot be installed on this computer
13. Review of which macOS versions you can download on Mojave & High Sierra depending on your Mac Version.
After all this testing, we know what can be download from the App Store. We also found out what can’t download. After performing multiple tests with each OS you can download any newer version, the current version but only 1 OS behind. You will get a mixture of “The requested version of macOS is not available” or “This version cannot be installed on this computer”
T2 Security Chip equipped Macs
The following Macs have a T2 Security Chip.
1. 2017 iMac Pro
2. 2019 Mac Pro
3. 2018 Mac Mini
4. 2018-2010 MacBook Air
5. 2019 16″ MacBook Pro
6. 2018-2019 15″ MacBook Pro with TouchBar
7. 2018-2019 13″ MacBook Pro with TouchBar
10.14.4 and up (non T2 Macs) Mac App Store
Can download 10.14 & 10.13
(Note: on 10.14.0 – 10.14.3 High Sierra 10.13 shows as “not available” further confusing people)
Can’t download 10.12 or 10.11
10.14.x (T2 Macs) Mac App Store
Can download 10.14
Can’t Download 10.13
10.13.6 Mac App Store
Can download 10.14, 10.13 & 10.12
Can’t download 10.11
14. Download full macOS installers using installinstallmacos.py
I showed you how to download the macOS installer through the Mojave Mac App store. The thing is, a better way to download the full installer exists and is called installinstallmacos.py. I was going to explain how to use installinstallmacos.py here but now realize the topic deserves a full article. I did not even get into hardware specific (Forked) builds. As you can see we have a lot to go over, so stay tuned. I will put the link here when complete.
15. How to download macOS Catalina 10.15 Beta – Apple Beta Software Program.
macOS Catalina 10.15 Beta Software Program signup
If you would like to test Apple’s Public Betas you can sign up using this link. You can then download and try macOS Catalina 10.15 Beta.
