Category: Enterprise Content

How To Install macOS Big Sur Beta on VMware Fusion & Parallels Desktop

MrMacintosh.com - Install macOS Big Sur 11 on VMware Fusion & Parallels Desktop
Install macOS Big Sur 11 on VMware Fusion & Parallels Desktop

How To Install macOS Big Sur on VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop.

Like clockwork, Apple delivers a new macOS every year. MacAdmins need to start testing the new OS right way. Running the new os in a virtualized environment is the way to go. The only problem is, sometimes the new OS will not install on the current version of VMware Fusion or Parallels Desktop.

Many MacAdmins have already jumped in to find out if macOS Big Sur will install on Fusion or Parallels. The initial report is that a straight install will NOT work. The macOS Big Sur installer presents this error to you.

The operation couldn't be completed. (BIErrorDomain error 3.)

Table of Contents

  • 1. Updates
  • 2. Notes
  • 3. Creating a bootable macOS Big Sur ISO
  • 4. Creating a bootable macOS Big Sur dmg
  • 5. How To Install Big Sur 11 on VMware Fusion
  • 6. How To Install Big Sur 11 on Parallels Desktop
  • 7. How To Install Big Sur 11 on ESXi

Updates – 7/08/20

VMware Fusion Tech Preview 20H2 is now available!!

blogs.vmware.com/teamfusion/2020/07/fusion-big-sur-tech-preview.html

Direct link to the download – https://bit.ly/get-fusion-tp

Be sure to check out the workarounds section. Below is one example.

Big Sur guests may log out unexpectedly and/or display a black screen when clicking an invisible icon in the upper right corner of the display.

  • Workaround: There is no workaround at this time, we are continuing to investigate

VMware just posted this update.

Tech Preview of Fusion is coming in early July.

2. Notes

  • VM Tools – Even though Big Sur to works on Parallels and Fusion, do not install VM tools yet. Some reports say that after installing VM tools the system boots fine YMMV.
  • Parallels Tools – VM can get stuck on a black screen after the reboot. Would recommend not installing the tools.
  • Parallels – VRAM seems suck at 3mb, causing slow response.
  • Keyboard & Login Issues – Getting reports that VM’s are not accepting certain keys. 1, 2, t and y keys. You need to hold FN key to make them work.

3. Creating a bootable Big Sur ISO

The instructions below will create a bootable Big Sur ISO.

hdiutil create -size 12G -fs hfs+ -volname macOSInstaller -type SPARSEBUNDLE /Users/Shared/macOSInstaller

hdiutil attach /Users/Shared/macOSInstaller.sparsebundle
"[path to]/createinstallmedia" --volume /Volumes/macOSInstaller --nointeraction

hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Beta

hdiutil makehybrid -o /Users/Shared/macOSInstaller /Users/Shared/macOSInstaller.sparsebundle

# Now create a macOS 10.15 VM with a 50 GB disk i Fusion

# Connect the virtual optical drive to /Users/Shared/macOSInstaller.iso

# Boot and install (you may need to "adjust" the disk Disk Utility to recognize the full capacity)

4. Creating a bootable Big Sur .dmg

Below is a script that Nathan Worster wrote to create a bootable macOS Big Sur Beta dmg.

#!/bin/bash

####################
# Notes            #                 
####################
#
# Created 20200625 by Nathan Worster
#
# This script assumes that the macOS Beta installer is already staged in the Applications folder, and will convert that .app installer into a bootable .dmg.
# To download the latest macOS beta, go to https://developer.apple.com/download/ or, if applicable, https://appleseed.apple.com/.
# The .dmg file will be placed in ~/Downloads.
# This script must be run with sudo using "sudo bash <filename>" if run outside of an MDM.
# 
####################
# Variables        #
####################

dmgName=$"macOS11BigSurBeta"

####################
# Script           #
####################

cd ~/Downloads

# Create and mount sparse volume:
hdiutil create -o install_container -size 20G -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J -type SPARSE
hdiutil attach install_container.sparseimage -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/install_build

# Copy contents of installer .app into mounted volume:
/Applications/Install\ macOS\ Beta.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --nointeraction --volume /Volumes/install_build

# Detach the completed image:
hdiutil detach -force /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Beta

# Convert and rename the image:
hdiutil convert install_container.sparseimage -format UDZO -o $dmgName.dmg

# Cleanup

rm install_container.sparseimage

exit 0

5. How To Install Big Sur 11 on VMware Fusion

Requirements

  1. Disk Size – 50-60GB+ Virtual disk size required (40GB Standard size does not seem to work)
  2. Clean install vs Upgrade – A Big Sur Upgrade from Mojave or Catalina is the easiest path. Usually all the values that I mention below are already set, so you have a clear path.
  3. Mac Compatibility – Note if the hw.model is not supported for Big Sur the install will fail. You can fake it by setting a different hw.model and board-id. Be sure to check the compatibility list here.

Install Instructions

If you would like to use the same values from your Mac you can set this attribute. HT @lamw for the simplification!

  • smbios.reflectHost = "TRUE"

You can also manually set the the required values. The example below = 16-inch MacBook Pro.

  • hw.model = "MacBookPro16,1"
  • board-id = "Mac-E1008331FDC96864"
  • serialNumber = "serialnumberhere" (For DEP Enrollment testing)

To get the values you can run the following commands

  • sysctl hw.model = Model
  • ioreg -l | grep board-id = BoardID

VMware Fusion Links

Notes

Using Fusion 11.5.5 on Mojave 10.14.6, modifying the vmx file was unnecessary. I did a fresh install of Catalina 10.15.4 in a new VM, copied the macOS Beta installer to the VM, and ran the installer. It installed and booted fine. Note that I did not install the VMware Tools to the VM prior to installing macOS Beta. I had a prior Catalina VM with the Tools installed, and upgrading to the macOS Beta resulted in failures at the login screen after the Beta upgrade. So do the Beta upgrade on a fresh Catalina install and it should work fine (at least from 10.15.4).

Please note, if I added ‘board-id.reflectHost = “TRUE”‘ to the .vmx, the Fusion refused to boot the VM with an error that the vmx file is corrupted.

MrMacintosh Reader Corey

6. How To Install Big Sur 11 on Parallels Desktop

  • 1. Create a new VM by installing a fresh copy of 10.15 Catalina
  • 2. Do not install Parallels Tools
  • 3. The install requires at least 80gb or more
  • 4. Install beta profile
  • 5. Download Beta
  • 6. Set the following values set under Hardware > Boot Order > Advanced Settings > Boot Flags.
  • 7. Create a 2nd admin account. (this can help with login problems after the Big Sur install. Some users are saying that they can’t login with the original account. If that happens, login with the 2nd account.)
  • devices.mac_hw_model="MacBookPro16,1"
  • devices.smbios.board_id="Mac-E1008331FDC96864"

Keep in mind, both examples above are from a 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro. You can get the correct hardware values by running the following commands.

  • sysctl hw.model = Model
  • ioreg -l | grep board-id = BoardID

Try to install Big Sur. If that doesn’t work, try the instructions below.

Parallels Desktop Links

A big Hat Tip goes out to MacAdmin User @jacob for his instructions.

  • Used devices.mac_hw_model="MacBookPro14,3" and devices.smbios.serial="REAL_SERIAL" to make a 10.15 VM match my host for these values.
  • Used createinstallmedia to target an empty 12GB .dmg on the host
  • Mounted the .dmg as a disc to the 10.15 VM. 
  • Booted directly to the Installer disc (change boot order in Parallels).
  • Erased the disk as APFS in 10.16 Recovery
  • Initiated install (disconnected “disc” after first reboot)

7. How To Install Big Sur 11 on ESXi

William Lam @lamw aka virtuallyghetto.com wrote a great article on how to get macOS Big Sur working on ESXi.

virtuallyghetto.com/2020/06/macos-10-16-big-sur-beta-1-on-esxi.html

Did the listed steps work for you?

MacOS Big Sur Beta is still brand new! We will all be learning a bunch over the next few months.

If you have improvements or suggestions for the above instructions, please leave a comment or Contact-Me!

Big Sur Fusion Parallels

What’s New in macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta 1 (20A4299v)

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.0 -10.16 (20A4299v) Beta 1
macOS Big Sur 11.0 -10.16 (20A4299v) Beta 1

Today Apple released macOS Big Sur 11.0 -10.16 (20A4299v) Beta 1 to Developers.

UPDATE 6/23/20 – Keep an eye on my Big Sur Need to Know changes article. I will be constantly updating it as new info comes in. mrmacintosh.com/macos-big-sur-11-0-updated-index-of-need-to-know-changes-links/

MacOS Big Sur 11.0 -10.16 (20A4299v) Beta 1 was released today on June 22nd, 2020 at 2:00 CST right after the keynote.

macOS Big Sur 11.0 Patch Notes

Just like last year, the 11.0 beta 1 patch notes list is huge! The amount of detail is just what MacAdmins are looking for! Let me give you some stats from the 11.0 Beta 1 Patch notes document.

  • 1 Important Known Issue
  • 4 Deprecations
  • 11 New Features
  • 1 Resolved issues
  • 60 Known Issues – Core OS, Apps, Xcode & SwiftUI

Public Link (non developer) = developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11-beta-release-notes

MacAdmin Patch Notes of Interest

  • Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)
  • If macOS Big Sur 11 beta is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)
  • Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. During kernel extension development, every time a kernel extension is changed, it must be signed and notarized. In both cases, your Mac must be restarted to load the extension. (55068348)
  • If you updated to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from a previous version of macOS, Software Update might show “Unable to check for updates – Failed to download the documentation for the minor update. Please try again later”. (63158434)Workaround Below
  • Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs no longer load. Refer to the support page. While macOS Big Sur remains in development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated extensions to load. (55068348)
  • macOS Big Sur 11 beta improves system security by requiring an administrator password when a certificate trust settings change is made in the admin trust domain. Running as the root user alone is no longer sufficient to modify certificate trust. User trust domain settings continue to require confirmation by entering the password for the user’s account.

macOS Big Sur 11.0 Installer Info

Full Installer.app

Link – developer.apple.com

Size = 9.57GB

Product ID = 001-18401-003

Requirements – ?

T2 BridgeOS Update

T2 BridgeOS was updated along with the 11.0 upgrade

Size = 440.1 MB

Product ID = 001-18400

BridgeOS Update Version = 18.16.10310.5.15

New Software Update Catalog URL

https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-10.16seed-10.16-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog

Report bugs NOW!

Now that macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta is live, start testing as soon as you can! You will want to submit any bugs that you find into Apple ASAP. If you get bugs in quickly, they could be fixed in the current beta cycle instead of waiting until after the public release. If not, you could be waiting months before the fix is put into a dot release combo update.

macOS Big Sur 11.0 (20A4299v) Beta 1 Release Notes

I always post the full patch notes to this page to document them for you. The reason behind that is that Apple will usually just replace over the old patch notes so you are then unable to see what was fixed in the previous release.

Overview

The macOS 11 SDK provides support to develop apps for Macs running macOS Big Sur 11. The SDK comes bundled with Xcode 12 beta. For information on the compatibility requirements for Xcode 12 beta, see Xcode 12 Beta Release Notes.

General

Known Issues

Important

Updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from previous versions of macOS might take significantly longer than expected. Data loss could occur if the update is interrupted. (59101197)

Third-Party Apps

Known Issues

  • CMake might not run, install, or might generate invalid outputs. (62905973)Workaround: Update to CMake 3.18rc1.

Accessibility

Known Issues

  • VoiceOver might be unavailable at certain times while installing macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (63025357)

App Store

New Features

AppKit

Auto Unlock

Known Issues

  • You might be unable to set up Auto Unlock. (64120075)

Calendar

Known Issues

  • If you click the Directions button on a calendar notification, Maps might not launch as expected. (63697152)
  • It isn’t possible to edit Calendar widgets. (63984003)
  • Accounts might not be visible in Preferences. (64117985)

Continuity

Known Issues

  • Continuity Handoff isn’t currently available in macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (64140413)

Core ML

Known Issues

Deprecations

  • The default initializer on the auto-generated model interface has been deprecated in favor of init(configuration:). Please use init(configuration:) or the newly introduced .load() method and handle model load errors as appropriate. (64432588)

Desktop Picture

Known Issues

  • If the desktop picture was never changed from the default macOS Catalina 10.15 image, it will persist after updating to macOS Big Sur 11 beta, even though the new default desktop picture is displayed in Desktop and Screen Saver preferences. (64390185)

Installer and Software Update

Known Issues

  • If you updated to macOS Big Sur 11 beta from a previous version of macOS, Software Update might show “Unable to check for updates – Failed to download the documentation for the minor update. Please try again later”. (63158434)Workaround:
    1. Start up from macOS Recovery.
    2. If your data volume is encrypted, use Disk Utility to mount it.
    3. In Terminal type rm -rf "/Volumes/Macintosh HD - Data/private/var/folders/zz/zyxvpxvq6csfxvn_n00000y800007k".
    4. Restart your Mac.
  • You might need to adjust Energy Saver settings so your Mac doesn’t go to sleep while preparing to install macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (63166401)
  • APFS containers with non-default allocation block sizes aren’t currently supported for installation. (64312561)
  • Update iMac Pro to macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or later before installing macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (64314272)
  • Installation might pause on Macs that don’t have input devices connected. (64348347)Workaround: Connect an input device and dismiss the alerts to continue installation.
  • You might be unable to install macOS Big Sur 11 beta onto additional volumes. (63677460, 64445236)Workaround: Create a bootable installer using the createinstallmedia command.
  • Software Update might unexpectedly indicate updates for your Mac are being managed by swscan.apple.com, instead of indicating your Mac is enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program. This doesn’t impact your ability to update macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (64407436)
  • If macOS Big Sur 11 beta is installed into the same APFS container as previous versions of macOS, system software updates can no longer be installed on the previous versions of macOS. (64411484)
  • Installation on Core Storage Fusion volumes with FileVault encryption enabled isn’t currently supported. (64472080)

Kernel

New Features

  • The kern.argmax limit has been increased, allowing programs to receive longer argument lists. (48661669)
  • Darwin kevent now allows non-parent processes to register for NOTE_EXITSTATUS, which delivers the same values as the wait() family of functions in the event data. Refer to the wait4() man page for more information. This event is subject to the following security checks:
    • The requesting process is allowed to send signals by sandbox restrictions.
    • The requesting process and the target process are running as the same user or the requesting process has root privileges. (58134463)

Known Issues

  • Installing a new kernel extension requires signing in as an Admin user. During kernel extension development, every time a kernel extension is changed, it must be signed and notarized. In both cases, your Mac must be restarted to load the extension. (55068348)
  • Remote panic dumps aren’t currently available. (57915324)
  • New in macOS Big Sur 11 beta, the system ships with a built-in dynamic linker cache of all system-provided libraries. As part of this change, copies of dynamic libraries are no longer present on the filesystem. Code that attempts to check for dynamic library presence by looking for a file at a path or enumerating a directory will fail. Instead, check for library presence by attempting to dlopen() the path, which will correctly check for the library in the cache. (62986286)
  • kmutil install might fail to build a development kextcache. (63772702)Workaround: Copy the release .elides to the locations of the development .elides:sudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.development.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.kasan.elides sudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/BootKernelExtensions.kc.debug.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.development.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.kasan.elidessudo cp /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.elides /path/to/livemount/System/Library/KernelCollections/SystemKernelExtensions.kc.debug.elides
  • Use only absolute paths with the --volume-root option of kmutil, and don’t use a trailing /. (63773848)
  • After removing a DriverKit extension, restart your Mac to complete uninstallation. (63995046)
  • Adhoc signed kernel extensions are displayed with a developer name of unknown in update dialogs and in Security preferences. (64215260)
  • Symbols exported by both xnu and Apple kernel extensions will change. Recompile your kernel extension with each update to macOS Big Sur 11 beta to ensure compatibility. (64262563)
  • Moving a kernel extension bundle out of /Library/Extensions might not completely uninstall it. (64331929)Workaround:
    1. Remove the extension from /Library/Extensions.
    2. Boot to macOS Recovery.
    3. Run Terminal.
    4. Enter the command kmutil invoke-panic-medic.
    5. Restart your Mac.
    6. Follow the prompt to open System Preferences and navigate to Security & Privacy.
    7. Follow the prompt to restart.
  • An unexpected System Extension Updated alert for third-party kernel extensions which are included in macOS might appear. These include: Accusys, Inc., ATTO Technology, Inc., Areca Technology Corporation, CalDigit, Inc., HighPoint Technologies, Inc., Promise Technology Mobile Apps, and Other World Computing. (64337113)

Deprecations

  • Kernel extensions using certain deprecated KPIs no longer load. Refer to the support page. While macOS Big Sur remains in development, you can temporarily disable System Integrity Protection to allow these deprecated extensions to load. (55068348)

Localization

Known Issues

  • Certain languages might exhibit clipped or misaligned layout. (63105445)
  • Certain languages might display unlocalized text. (63105674, 64040564, 64045718)
  • Some keyboard shortcuts might not work when running macOS Big Sur 11 beta in a language other than English. (63834383)

Location

Known Issues

Logging

New Features

  • New APIs are available for using os_log from Swift as part of the os framework:
    • A new type Logger can be instantiated using a subsystem and category and provides methods for logging at different levels (debug(_:), error(_:), fault(_:)).
    • The Logger APIs support specifying most formatting and privacy options supported by legacy os_log APIs.
    • The new APIs provide significant performance improvements over the legacy APIs.
    • You can now pass Swift string interpolation to the os_log function.
    Note: The new APIs can’t be back deployed; however, the existing os_log API remains available for back deployment. (22539144)

Mac Catalyst

Known Issues

  • Content Extensions require a temporary workaround. (57442394)Workaround: Add the following key/value pair to the NSExtension dictionary in the Info.plist: "NSExtensionContainingViewControllerClass" = "_UNNotificationContentExtensionViewController".
  • The new PHPickerViewController API currently produces unexpected results. (63631906)

Messages

Known Issues

  • If Messages is launched immediately after logging into iCloud, a login window might be displayed unexpectedly. (56309057)Workaround: Relaunch Messages after a few minutes or try restarting your Mac.
  • You might be unable to type in the photo picker search field when attaching a photo. (60011306)Workaround: Click the search field, press the tab key, then click the search field again.
  • You might receive an alert that indicates the maximum number of pinned conversations has been reached. (62919406)Workaround: Pin the conversation using drag and drop instead of using a swipe action or quick action with Haptic Touch.
  • Keyboard navigation to move focus between controls isn’t currently available. (63987810)
  • Messages Preferences are inaccessible until at least one message has been sent or received. (64122975)
  • Autocomplete fields and conversation titles aren’t visible while Messages is in full-screen mode. (64134303)
  • Message outlines might be missing when printing or exporting a conversation as a PDF. (64181169)
  • The first and last name fields in Messages Preferences might be misaligned. (64346872)Workaround: Set up your name in Messages Preferences by following the placeholder text then close and reopen Messages Preferences.

Metal

Known Issues

  • The logs property isn’t currently available from Swift while using Shader Validation. (64055248)

Migration Assistant

Known Issues

  • You might need to reset the password for a Standard account after migration, if the previous password doesn’t work. (63878129)Workaround: Log into an Admin account and change the Standard account’s password in the Users & Groups system preference.

Motion

Known Issues

  • Many elements of the user interface are currently missing when running Motion on macOS Big Sur 11 beta. (62531765)

Music

Known Issues

  • Music might quit unexpectedly while using the search field. (64183834)

Networking

New Features

  • Experimental HTTP/3 support can be enabled in Safari via Experimental Features in the Developer menu, and enabled system-wide using the Terminal command defaults write -g CFNetworkHTTP3Override -int 3. (62969220)

Known Issues

  • HTTP/3 Draft 29 isn’t yet supported. (63524866)

Phone and FaceTime

Known Issues

  • Regular and emergency Wi-Fi calling using iPadOS 14 beta, macOS Big Sur 11 beta, and watchOS 7 beta isn’t currently available for T-Mobile USA customers. (63078572)

Quartz

Known Issues

  • Importing Quartz or PDFKit frameworks in the macOS SDK might result in an errors such as “Umbrella for module ‘Quartz.PDFKit’ already covers this directory”. (63886438)

Safari and Webkit

New Features

  • Support for Web Extensions is now available. Existing Chrome and Firefox extensions can be converted for Safari using xcrun safari-web-extension-converter and distributed through the App Store for use in Safari 14. (55707949)
  • Webpage Translation is now available in the U.S. and Canada. Supported languages include English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese. Safari will automatically detect if translation is available based on your Preferred Languages list. (64437861)

Known Issues

  • Safari might quit unexpectedly when opening the Start Page if Frequently Visited Sites are visible as thumbnails. (63945984)Workaround: Make the window wider, hide the sidebar, or Control-click on Frequently Visited Sites and choose View as Icons.

Security

New Features

  • macOS Big Sur 11 beta improves system security by requiring an administrator password when a certificate trust settings change is made in the admin trust domain. Running as the root user alone is no longer sufficient to modify certificate trust. User trust domain settings continue to require confirmation by entering the password for the user’s account. This change may affect you if one of the following is true:
    • You have written scripts which call /usr/bin/security add-trusted-cert -d ... as root.
    • Your process runs as root and calls the SecTrustSettingsSetTrustSettings function to trust a certificate.
  • Workflows that add trust settings in the admin trust domain, such as for an enterprise root certificate, may require modification if the user can’t authenticate as an administrator at the time settings are changed. (21855995)Workaround: Use Apple Configurator 2 to create and install a configuration profile containing your root certificate.

Spotlight

Known Issues

  • When quickly typing a search query in Spotlight, the result from a previous search might appear, then pressing return may create a wrong launch shortcut for subsequent queries. (64428836)Workaround: Type your query and click the desired result from the list that appears.
  • If you can’t find an application using Spotlight, launch the application at least once using Finder. (64463806)

SwiftUI

Known Issues

  • Disclosure groups in Forms might produce unexpected results. (64079102)
  • Nested disclosure groups generated by OutlineGroup might produce unexpected results. (64097731)
  • The SceneStorage property wrapper isn’t yet supported. (64414712)
  • A label used with a symbol image might appear misaligned. (60193698)

SystemExtensions

Known Issues

  • Driver extensions might not launch on-demand after installation. (51229724)Workaround: Disable System Integrity Protection, then launch Terminal and execute the following command before approving the newly installed driver: sudo touch /Library/DriverExtensions.

Touch ID

Known Issues

  • Touch ID might become unexpectedly disabled on Macs with a T2 Security Chip after installing multiple operating systems. (62608379)Workaround: Reset the SMC of your Mac.

Virtualization

New Features

Deprecations

Vision

Known Issues

Deprecations

Xcode Previews

Resolved Issues

  • Rebuilding against the iOS 14, macOS 11, watchOS 7, and tvOS 14 SDKs changes uses of GeometryReader to reliably top-leading align the views inside the GeometryReader. This was the previous behavior, except when it wasn’t possible to detect a single static view inside the GeometryReader. (59722992) (FB7597816)

Big Sur 11.0 Beta 1


Questions or issues ? Contact Me

MacOS Big Sur 11 – Index of Need to Know Changes & Links UPDATED!

MrMacintosh.com - MacOS Big Sur 10.16 - Updated Index of Need to Know Changes & Links
MacOS Big Sur 11.0 – Updated Index of Need to Know Changes & Links

WWDC 2020 – macOS Big Sur 11.0

WWDC is here again! For the first time ever, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference will be 100% Virtual. MacAdmins everywhere are wondering what changes macOS Big Sur will bring and how deployment workflows will be affected. I hope to help you answer multiple question with this article. This year I will follow the same format as my previous MacOS 10.15 Catalina – Updated Index of Need to Know Changes & Links post. Be sure to check back frequently, I will keep you up to date with the latest macOS Big Sur 11.0 changes!

Updates

Follow Me on Twitter @ClassicII_MrMac

#macOSBigSurChanges – will be the hashtag to follow for updates to this article.

Table of Contents – UPDATED 10/08/20

  • 1. MacOS Big Sur Release Date
  • 2. MacOS Big Sur Compatible Devices
  • 3. MacOS Big Sur Compatibility Requirements
  • 4. How To Download macOS Big Sur Beta
  • 5. How To Block macOS Big Sur 11.0
  • 6. Changes of Interest for MacAdmins
  • 7. 3rd Party Vendor Software Issues on Big Sur
  • 8. Previous macOS Big Sur Beta Releases
  • 9. OS Level Changes
  • 10. Security & Privacy Changes
  • 11. Apple Silicon (ARM Processor)
  • 12. Rosetta 2 Intel app Emulator
  • 13. Kexts, System Extensions & Drivers
  • 14. macOS Big Sur Virtualization
  • 15. Apple Links
  • 16. WWDC20 Video Links
  • 17. Big Sur 11.0 Beta 1 Patch Notes
  • 18. MacAdmin Blog Links
  • 19. Vendor Links
  • 20. Miscellaneous Links
  • 21. New Software Update Catalog URL
  • 22. MacAdmins Big Sur Community Feedback Form
  • 23. Big Sur Wallpaper

1. MacOS Big Sur 11 Release Date

The release date for macOS Big Sur 11 is “Coming this fall” – apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/

2. macOS Big Sur 11.0 Compatible Devices

Below is the list of compatible Macs / Supported Devices that can run 11.0.

  • 1. iMac 2014+
  • 2. iMac Pro 2017
  • 3. Mac Pro 2013+
  • 4. MacMini 2014+
  • 5. MacBook 2015+
  • 6. MacBook Air 2013+
  • 7. MacBook Pro 2013+
  • RIP
  • Mac mini (Late 2012)
  • iMac (Late 2012-2013)
  • MacBook Air (Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 & Retina)
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur 11.0 System Requirements
macOS Big Sur 11.0 – 10.16 System Requirements

3. MacOS Big Sur 11 Compatibility Requirements

macOS Big Sur 11 Minimum System Requirements

Minimum OS & Available Storage Space are still unknown as of now.

  • 4GB Ram
  • Intel Core M Processor 1.1GHz
  • Minimum OS = 10.10? (Catalina minimum upgrade OS)
  • 50.33GB looks to be the minimum Fresh Install Space Requirement?
  • 12.5GB of Available storage Space = Fresh Install? (Catalina Requirement)
  • 18.5GB of Available storage space = For Upgrade? (Catalina Requirement)

4. How To Download macOS Big Sur 11 Beta

How to download macOS Big Sur 11 from Apple

sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Seeding.framework/Versions/A/Resources/seedutil enroll DeveloperSeed

softwareupdate -la

sudo softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer --full-installer-version 10.16

From Apple via open source scripts & free app tools.

5. How to Block macOS Big Sur 11.0 / 10.16

Jamf Pro – Use Application Restrictions to block the two apps below.

Dev Beta profile enrollment install application

macOSDeveloperBetaAccessUtility.pkg

The installer for the Big Sur Beta is

Install macOS Beta.app

HT to Jamfnation.com forum user TPG33k

NOTE: I have included articles for 10.15 until we have more information on if the solutions will work on 11.0 or not.

6. Changes of Interest for MacAdmins

3rd Party Kernel Extension loading on Big Sur – Apple says that Kernel Extensions can be manually loaded but the process can NOT be automated.

MrMacintosh.com - Changes to Kext-Loading in macOS Big Sur 11
Changes to Kext-Loading in macOS Big Sur 11

Automated Device Enrollment Auto Advance for Mac

  • 1. Plug in Power and Ethernet
  • 2. Boot Mac
  • 3. DEP starts automatically
  • 4. Land at login window
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Automated Device Enrollment Auto Advance for Mac
macOS Big Sur Automated Device Enrollment Auto Advance for Mac

Downloaded Profiles for Mac

  • 1. Downloaded Profile Protections
  • 2. You need to approve the profile in the Profiles Pane. The approval requires an admin password.
  • 3. The profile only remains in the profiles pane for 8 min
  • 4. Profile install with the Profiles binary can no longer be automated. The 2nd step needs user input in the profiles pane to finish the install.
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Downloaded Profiles for Mac
macOS Big Sur Downloaded Profiles for Mac

Content Caching Improvements

  • 1. Content Cashing now supports Internet Recovery!
  • 2. Initial Boot image is not included
  • 3. Full 6GB Recovery Image is cached.
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Content Caching Improvements
macOS Big Sur Content Caching Improvements

Bootstrap Tokens

  • 1. Bootstrap expanded to include Local Accounts!
  • 2. Ability to authorize software Updates?
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Bootstrap Token now works for local accounts!
macOS Big Sur Bootstrap Token now works for local accounts!

Managed Software Update

  • 1. iOS Style Software Updates > Mac
  • 2. New MDM Commands for Software Update
  • 3. Forcing Client Macs to Accept Software Updates & Restart
  • 4. Defer major OS Updates for 90 Days
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Managed Software Update changes
macOS Big Sur Managed Software Update changes

Networksetup limitations for standard users

  • 1. Admins and Standard users had the same abilities to view and modify network settings from CLI
  • 2. Standard = Only Read Network settings, turn wifi on/off & change access point
  • 3. Admins can still use sudo
MrMacintosh.com - Networksetup limitations for standard users
macOS Big Sur Networksetup limitations for standard users

Mac Serial Number Format Change

  • 1. Serial Numbers contained info on when and where the devices was built
  • 2. Change was made to address identifiable info being used maliciously
  • 3. New completely random 10 character serial numbers across all product lines
MrMacintosh.com - macOS Big Sur Mac Serial Number Format Change
macOS Big Sur Mac Serial Number Format Change

Supervision for User Approved MDM

  • 1. Previously, User Approved MDM didn’t have the same capabilities as Supervised Macs / Automated Device Enrolled Macs (DEP).
  • 2. User approved MDM (UAMDM) now = Supervision!!!
MrMacintosh.com - Supervision for User Approved MDM
macOS Big Sur – Supervision for User Approved MDM

MDM Updates

MrMacintosh - macOS Big Sur MDM Changes
macOS Big Sur MDM Changes

7. 3rd Party Vendor Software Issues on Big Sur Beta

8. Previous macOS Big Sur 11.0 Releases

  • 9. Big Sur 11 Beta 9 (20A5384c) – 09/29/20 – Current Release
  • 8. Big Sur 11 Beta 8 (20A5374i) – 09/22/20 – My Release Notes
  • 7. Big Sur 11 Beta 7 (20A5374g) – 09/17/20 – My Release Notes
  • 6. Big Sur 11 Beta 6 (20A5364e) – 09/03/20 – My Release Notes
  • 5. Big Sur 11 Beta 5 (20A5354i) – 08/19/20 – My Release Notes
  • 4. Big Sur 11 Beta 4 (20A5343i) – 08/04/20
  • 3. Big Sur 11 Beta 3 (20A5323l) – 07/22/20
  • 2. Big Sur 11 Beta 2 (20A4300b) – 07/07/20 – My Release Notes
  • 1. Big Sur 11 Beta 1 (20A4299v) – 06/22/20 – My Release Notes

For reference, the macOS Catalina 10.15 Beta release schedule is listed below.

9. OS Level Changes

macOS Big Sur brings a refined new design, powerful controls, and intuitive customization options to the most advanced desktop operating system in the world.

  • Faster updates – Once macOS Big Sur is installed, software updates begin in the background and complete faster than before — so it’s easier than ever to keep your Mac up to date and secure.
  • Updated menu bar – The menu bar is now taller and more translucent, allowing your desktop picture to extend from edge to edge. Words lighten or darken based on the color of your desktop picture. And pull-down menus are larger, with more space between the lines to make everything easier to read.
  • Floating Dock – The redesigned Dock is lifted from the bottom of your display and is more translucent, allowing your desktop wallpaper to shine through. And app icons are all-new and even easier to recognize.
  • Updated Notification Center – A redesigned Notification Center puts all your notifications and widgets into a single, dedicated column. Notifications are automatically sorted by most recent, and redesigned Today widgets deliver information at a glance.
  • New icons for apps – App icons have been redesigned to feel both familiar and fresh. Icons have a uniform shape but retain the stylistic touches and details that give Mac its character.
  • New and updated sounds – System sounds are all-new and even more pleasing to the ear. The new system alerts were created using snippets of the originals, so they sound familiar.
  • New Control Center – Designed just for Mac, the new Control Center consolidates your favorite menu bar items into a single place to give you instant access to the controls you use most. Just click the Control Center icon in the menu bar and adjust Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop, and other settings — without opening System Preferences.

10. Security & Privacy Changes

  • Installing a Custom Kernel Extension – Install kernel extensions using a custom installer package, and help users understand the installation process.– developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_silicon/installing_a_custom_kernel_extension
  • Signed system volume – macOS Big Sur introduces a cryptographically signed system volume that protects against malicious tampering. It also means that your Mac knows the exact layout of your system volume, allowing it to begin software updates in the background while you work.
  • Safari extensions on the App Store – An all-new extensions category on the App Store showcases Safari extensions with editorial spotlights and top charts, making it easier to discover great extensions from developers. All extensions are reviewed, signed, and hosted by Apple for your security.
  • Privacy information on the App Store – A new section on each app’s page on the App Store will help you understand the privacy practices of the app before you download it.9 It’s similar to the way nutrition labels help you understand what’s in food before you buy it.
  • Self-reported privacy practices – Developers self-report their app privacy practices on the App Store.9 See the types of data their app might collect — like usage data, contact information, or location — and whether that data is shared with third parties.
  • App Privacy is Displayed in a simple format – Just as nutrition labels are convenient and easy to read, an app’s privacy information on the App Store is displayed in a consistent, simple format.9 This lets you quickly and easily understand the app’s privacy practices.

11. Apple Silicon (New Mac ARM Processor)

12. Rosetta 2 Intel app Emulator

13. Kernel Extensions (Kexts), System Extensions & Drivers

14. macOS Big Sur Virtualization

VMWare Fusion 11.5.5

Parallels Desktop 15 & Pro Edition

ESXi Version 7

I wrote an article on how to install macOS Big Sur 11 on VMware Fusion 11.5 and Parallels Desktop 15.

mrmacintosh.com/how-to-install-macos-big-sur-beta-on-vmware-fusion-parallels-desktop/

15. Apple Links

WWDC20 Keynote – apple.com/apple-events/june-2020/

2. macOS 11.0 Big Sur – apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/

3. macOS 11.0 Big Sur Features – https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/features/

4. macOS 11.0 Big Sur Design Video – apple.com/105/media/us/macos/big-sur-preview/2020/f14b0c7e-9f7e-4b9f-bd0c-b4b86ee46c92/films/design/macos-design-tpl-cc-us-2020_1280x720h.m3u8

5. 11.0 Public Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-big-sur-11-beta-release-notes

6. Apple Developer Forums – All new for 2020 – developer.apple.com/forums/

7. Xcode 12 Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-12-beta-release-notes

8. Xcode 12 for macOS Universal Apps Beta Release Notes – developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-12-for-macos-universal-apps-beta-release-notes

9. FeedBack Assistant. developer.apple.com/bug-reporting/ – feedbackassistant.apple.com/welcome

10. What’s New for Enterprise and Education WWDC 2020 June 2020 (v1.0) (AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com

11. AppleSeed – macOS 11.0 Big Sur Beta 1 (20A4299v) Release Notes (AppleSeed Account Required) – appleseed.apple.com

16. WWDC20 Video Links

  • Platforms State of the Union – iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS Join the worldwide developer community for an in-depth look at the future of Apple platforms, directly from Apple Park. – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/102/
  • Adopt the new look of macOS – Make over your Mac apps: Discover how you can embrace the new design of macOS Big Sur and adopt its visual hierarchy, design patterns, and behaviors. We’ll explore the latest updates to AppKit around structural items and common controls, and show you how you can adapt more customized interfaces. – /developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10104/
  • Create great enterprise apps. A chat with Box’s Aaron Levie iOS, macOS Discover how organizations like Box are adapting to changing conditions in the business world and remote work. Listen to Apple’s Vice President of Cloud Services Mike Abbott and Box CEO and co-founder Aaron Levie chat about the modern working environment, how cloud-based apps are helping people. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10204/
  • Port your Mac app to Apple Silicon – Your porting questions, answered: Learn how to recompile your macOS app for Apple Silicon Macs and build universal apps that launch faster, have better performance, and support the future of the platform. We’ll show you how Xcode makes it simple to build a universal macOS binary. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10214/
  • What’s new in managing Apple devices. – iOS, macOS, tvOS We’ve made significant strides in bringing crucial device management features to macOS. Discover how these features can help you manage your all your devices using the same tools and technologies. Get details on changes coming this year and how they will impact your deployment workflows– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10639/

Part 2

  • iPad and iPhone apps on Apple Silicon Macs. – Apple Silicon Macs can run many iPad and iPhone apps as-is, and these apps will be made available to users on the Mac through the Mac App Store. Discover how iPad and iPhone apps run on Apple Silicon Macs, and the factors that make your apps come across better.– developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10114/
  • Build an Endpoint Security app – System Extensions improve the reliability and security of macOS. Learn about the modern replacement for Kernel Authorization KPIs and discover tips for making a great security product with the Endpoint Security framework. – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10159/
  • Custom app distribution with Apple Business Manager – Apple Business Manager is the best way to manage and deploy business apps to your employees and customers. Whether you’re a developer, business owner, or IT administrator, we’ll showcase the benefits of Custom apps for each role and provide guidance on each step in the process. – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10667/
  • Explore the new system architecture of Apple Silicon Macs – Discover how Macs with Apple Silicon will deliver modern advantages using Apple’s System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture. Leveraging a unified memory architecture for CPU and GPU tasks, Mac apps will see amazing performance benefits. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10686/
  • Leverage enterprise identity and authentication – Empower your organization with the right tools while protecting privacy and security. Discover Apple’s identity management tools for enterprise, and how they can help you create a smoother experience for users when signing in to devices, apps and websites. – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10139/
  • Introducing StoreKit Testing in Xcode – Discover StoreKit Testing in Xcode — a local environment for testing your in-app purchases without needing to connect to App Store servers. We’ll show you how to set up a test environment, create a StoreKit configuration file, and prepare to validate receipts locally. – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10659/

Part 3

  • Discover AppleSeed for IT and Managed Software Updates – With AppleSeed for IT, you can help your school or business test pre-release versions of Apple software and provide valuable feedback directly to Apple. We’ll guide you through getting started in AppleSeed for IT and provide insight on how to file great feedback collaboratively. developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10138/
  • Boost performance and security with modern networking – Speed up your app and make it more nimble, private and secure with modern networking APIs. Learn about networking protocols like IPv6, HTTP/2, TLS 1.3 and Encrypted DNS, and how incorporating these within your app and server can provide faster performance and reduce both your power consumption – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10111/
  • What’s new in Education. – For over 40 years, Apple has been working with educators to create technologies for students, teachers, and school administrators and help them share in a rich and meaningful learning experience. Explore the breadth of Apple’s education technologies, including classroom management apps and tools. – developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10658/
  • What’s new in Mac Catalyst – Discover the latest updates to Mac Catalyst and find out how you can bring your iPadOS app to the Mac. Explore enhancements to the application lifecycle, integrate new extensions into your apps, and learn how the new look and feel of macOS impacts Mac Catalyst apps. –developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10143/
  • Build trust through better privacy – Privacy is a more important issue than ever. Learn about Apple’s privacy pillars, our approach to privacy, and how to adopt the latest features on our platforms that can help you earn customer trust, create more personal experiences, and improve engagement. –developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2020/10676/

17. macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta 1 & 2 Release Notes

18. MacAdmin Blog Links

This list is specifically for MacAdmins. This will be an ongoing list of articles and posts that will help you learn the latest 11.0 changes.

Rich Trouton – WWDC20 Notes – derflounder.wordpress.com/2020/06/23/wwdc-2020-notes/

Howard Oakley – electiclight.co

Scripting OS X

MrMacintosh.com

19. Vendor Links

SimpleMDM – New MDM Features Coming in macOS 11 Big Sur & iOS 14 – simplemdm.com/mdm-ios-14-macos-11-big-sur/

MicroMDM – Victor Vrantchan – WWDC20: What’s new in managing Apple devices – micromdm.io/blog/wwdc20-what-s-new-in-managing/

20. Miscellaneous 11.0 Links

21. New Software Update Catalog URL

installinstallmacos.py was updated yesterday to support macOS Big Sur. Be sure that you are using the latest version!

If you would like to download macOS Big Sur via installinstallmacos.py, run this command

/Users/Shared/installinstallmacos.py --seedprogram DeveloperSeed

The new Big Sur 11 Beta URL is listed in full below

https://swscan.apple.com/content/catalogs/others/index-10.16seed-10.16-10.15-10.14-10.13-10.12-10.11-10.10-10.9-mountainlion-lion-snowleopard-leopard.merged-1.sucatalog

22. MacAdmins Big Sur Community Feedback Form

MacAdmin @bp created a Google Form to track community feedback for macOS Big Sur. Use this form to include your FeedBack Assistant feedback request #.

Big Sur 11.0 changes

23. Big Sur Wallpaper

Big-Sur-GraphicDownload

New AMD 5600M 16″ MBPro 10.15.5 Supplemental Update + Forked Build

MrMacintosh.com - Apple has a released a 2nd Supplemental Update for macOS Catalina 10.15.5 (19F2200). This update is ONLY for the new AMD 5600 GPU equipped 16" MacBook Pro.
New Supplemental Update released ONLY for the new AMD Radeon Pro 5600M 16″ MacBook Pro.

Apple has a released a new Supplemental Update for macOS Catalina 10.15.5 (19F2200). This update is ONLY for the new AMD Radeon Pro 5600M equipped 16″ MacBook Pro.

In a surprise one week before WWDC, Apple has released a new version of the 16″ MacBook Pro. The new option is a new AMD Radeon Pro 5600M graphics card with 8GB of HBM2 memory. The new A new Supplemental Update build of macOS Catalina 10.15.5 was also released today. This update is only for the new 5600M equipped 16″ MacBook Pro that was released today. The New Supplemental update patch notes say “macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update provides important security updates and is recommended for all users“. This says “All Users” even though it’s only for the new model. The Supplemental Update is now also available for download as a pkg update and updated full installer.app.

New (16-inch, AMD Radeon Pro 5600M)

The new Machine model name = (16-inch, AMD Radeon Pro 5600M). The shipping BuildVersion of this new model is macOS Catalina 10.15.5 (19F2096). The new supplemental update will show up in softwareupdate for the new AMD 5600M 16″ MacBook Pro only. After the Supplemental Update is installed the BuildVersion will be (19F2200).

New BoardID

I keep an index of all Mac BoardID’s on this page.

mrmacintosh.com/list-of-mac-boardids-model-identifiers-machine-models-updated/

The new BoardID for (16-inch, AMD Radeon Pro 5600M) is

Mac-A61BADE1FDAD7B05

10.15.5 Supplemental Update #2 Patch Notes Summary

  • Announcements
  • New Features
  • ? Resolved Issues
  • Enterprise Fixes
  • ? Security Fixes

Apple’s Public Patch Notes / Release Notes Documentation

NOTE: Apple Documentation takes a little while to show up online after release. I will update when the new articles are made available.

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos_release_notes

For more detailed information about this update and previous updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT210642

For Detailed Security information visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222

Previous 10.15 Releases + Previous Patch Notes

Catalina 10.15.5 (19F2200) Info & Links

Supplemental Update

The 10.15.5 Supplemental Update #2 is only for the new 2020 AMD 5600 GPU Equipped 16″ MBPro

Download Link – support.apple.com/kb/DL2044

Size = 3.13GB

Product ID = 061-78582

Requirements = 10.15.5 (19F2096) – (16-inch, AMD Radeon Pro 5600M)

Full Installer.app (19F2200) NEW Updated Version

Link – Only available via installinstallmacos.py or MDS3 until 10.15.6

Size = 8.74 GB

Product ID = 001-115219

Requirements – 2020 16″ AMD 5600 MacBook Pro

Full Installer.app (19F2096) OLD Shipping Version

Link – No longer available = Deprecated

Size = 8.74 GB

Product ID = 001-15219

Requirements – 2020 16″ AMD 5600 MacBook Pro

T2 BridgeOS Update NEW Updated Version

The Supplemental Update updates the T2 BridgeOS Software.

Note: this is a forked BridgeOS version

Size = 412.5 MB

Product ID = 001-15220

BridgeOS Update Version = 17.16.15580

T2 BridgeOS Update OLD Shipping Version

Note: this is a forked BridgeOS version that shipped with the 2020 16″ MacBook Pro equipped with the new AMD 5600 GPU

Note: this is a forked BridgeOS version

Size = 412.5 MB

Product ID = 061-78586

BridgeOS Update Version = 17.16.15566

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update Security Info

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222

10.15.5 Supplemental Update (19F2200)

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update (19F101) CVE-2020-9859

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update 19F101 addresses CVE-2020-9859
macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update 19F101 addresses CVE-2020-9859

Apple has a released a new Supplemental Update for macOS Catalina 10.15.5. The update patches CVE-2020-9859, a Kernel Exploit from uncOver.

The original version of Catalina 10.15.5 was only released 6 days ago on May 26th. The New Supplemental update patch notes remain unchanged. The update patches CVE-2020-9859, a Kernel Exploit. “An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privilege“. The Supplemental Update is now available for download as a full installer.app, delta and combo update.

10.15.5 Supplemental Update Patch Notes Summary

  • Announcements
  • New Features
  • Resolved Issues
  • Enterprise Fixes
  • 1 Security Fixes

Apple’s Public Patch Notes / Release Notes Documentation

NOTE: Apple Documentation takes a little while to show up online after release. I will update when the new articles are made available.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210642

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos_release_notes

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos_release_notes/macos_catalina_10_15_5_release_notes

For more detailed information about this update and previous updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT210642

Previous 10.15 Releases + Previous Patch Notes

Catalina 10.15.5 Info & Download Links

Supplemental Update

The Supplemental Update is only for Macs that already have the origional version of 10.15.5 installed.

Download Link – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2043

Size = 1.02 GB

Product ID = 001-12339

Requirements = 10.15.5

Delta Update

The “Delta” update is smaller in size because it only includes fixes for the previous point release only.

Download Link – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2039

Size = 2.98 GB

Product ID = 001-12341

Requirements = 10.15.4

Combo Update

The “Combo” update is for all previous versions of Catalina.

Download Link – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2040

Size = 4.76 GB

Product ID = 001-12343

Requirements = 10.15.0, 10.15.1, 10.15.2, 10.15.3 or 10.15.4

Full Installer.app

Link – Catalina 10.15.5 Mac App Store

Size = 8.73 GB

Product ID = 001-12336

Requirements – 10.15 Catalina Requirements

T2 BridgeOS Update

The Supplemental Update updates the T2 BridgeOS Software.

Size = 392.8 MB

Product ID = 001-12349

BridgeOS Update Version = 17.16.15300

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Supplemental Update, Security Update 2020-003 High Sierra

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211215

Released June 1, 2020

Kernel

Available for: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, macOS Catalina 10.15.5

Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges

Description: A memory consumption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.

CVE-2020-9859: unc0ver

MacOS Mojave & High Sierra 2020-003 Security Updates Released!

MrMacintosh.com - MacOS Security Updates 2020-003 for Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13 and Safari released!
MacOS Security Updates for Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13 and Safari released!

Security Updates 2020-003 for macOS 10.14 Mojave (18G5033) & 10.13 High Sierra (17G13033) are now Available.

Today, Apple released macOS Mojave Security Update 2020-003 and High Sierra Security Update 2020-003. This update also includes a fix for the Intel GPU Freezing Issue! Below you will find Build Versions, Download Links, Update Sizes and previous Security Update Links. MacOS Sierra is no longer supported by Apple for Security Updates.

UPDATE 6/02/20 – Apple has re-released the 2020-003 Security Update! The new update has a fix for CVE-2020-9859, a Kernel Exploit. “An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privilege“

The new ProductID = 001-12354

New 10.13.6 Build Version of 2020-003 = 17G13035

The Apple download page now shows a June 1st date instead of May 26th.

WARNING!!! – If you use softwareupdate –ignore to block macOS Catalina.

If you use softwareupdate --ignore "macOS Catalina to ignore Catalina, you will need a different plan. I mentioned this in my Catalina 10.15.5 Update Article.

After installing the 2020-003 Security update on Mojave, you will no longer be able to ignore macOS Catalina from showing up in System Preferences > Software Update.

UPDATE: 5/27/20 – I just wrote an article explaining this a little better below.

mrmacintosh.com/10-15-5-2020-003-updates-changes-to-softwareupdate-ignore/

You can read up more on this in the article below.

babodee.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/apple-plans-on-removing-enterprise-options-for-macos-software-update/

How do I keep track of all the macOS Build Versions?

I document all of the macOS Build Versions like the latest Mojave 2020-003 High Sierra 2020-003 along with most Apple Applications, XProtect, Gatekeeper and MRT updates in one database. You can check out the link below.

mrmacintosh.com/macos-system-status-version-info-for-macadmins/

MacOS Mojave Security Update 2020-003 (18G5033)

Information on the Security fixes included in the 2020-003 Mojave Security Update

MacOS High Sierra Security Update 2020-003 (17G13033)

Information on the Security fixes included in the 2020-003 High Sierra Security Update

Safari Update

Safari was updated to version 13.1.1 (13609.2.9.1.3)

Download Size for High Sierra = 66.2mb

Downloads Size for Mojave = 70.6mb

T2 BridgeOS Update

Both the 2020-003 and 2020-003 Security Updates upgrade BridgeOS to version – 17.16.15290

Security Content for Safari 13.1.1

Previous Releases

Security Related Content for 2020-003

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211170

What’s New in the macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Update 19F96?

MrMacintosh.com - macOS Catalina 10.15.5 (19F96) Update
macOS Catalina 10.15.5 (19F96) Update

The macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Update 19F96 is now Available.

The much anticipated macOS Catalina 10.15.5 update is live! The update is now available for download as a full installer.app, delta and combo update. This update looks like it includes a fix for the MacBook Pro 16″ wake from sleep Kernel Panic Issue! Let’s take a look at the Catalina 10.15.5 Update 19F96 to find out what’s new. The update also includes a fix for the GPU Freezing issue with some Macs with an Intel Only Graphics Chip.

UPDATE 06/02/20 – Apple just released a 10.15.5 Supplemental Update. I have the info here – https://mrmacintosh.com/macos-catalina-10-15-5-supplemental-update-19f101-cve-2020-9859/

UPDATE 05/27/20 – I wrote an article on the changes to the softwareupdate --ignoreflag and what it means for MacAdmins. mrmacintosh.com/10-15-5-2020-003-updates-changes-to-softwareupdate-ignore/

10.15.5 Patch Notes Summary

  • 2 Announcements
  • 3 New Features
  • 8 Resolved Issues
  • 5 Enterprise Fixes
  • 41 Security Fixes

Apple’s Public Patch Notes / Release Notes Documentation

NOTE: Apple Documentation takes a little while to show up online after release. I will update when the new articles are made available.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210642

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos_release_notes

developer.apple.com/documentation/macos_release_notes/macos_catalina_10_15_5_release_notes

For more detailed information about this update and previous updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT210642

Previous 10.15 Releases + Previous Patch Notes

Catalina 10.15.5 Info & Download Links

Delta Update

The “Delta” update is smaller in size because it only includes fixes for the previous point release only.

Download Link – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2039

Size = 2.98 GB

Product ID = 061-78581

Requirements = 10.15.4

Combo Update

The “Combo” update is for all previous versions of Catalina.

Download Link – https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2040

Size = 4.76 GB

Product ID = 061-78580

Requirements = 10.15.0, 10.15.1, 10.15.2, 10.15.3 or 10.15.4

Full Installer.app

Link – Catalina 10.15.5 Mac App Store

Size = 8.73 GB

Product ID = 061-78580

Requirements – 10.15 Catalina Requirements

T2 BridgeOS Update

T2 BridgeOS was updated along with the 10.15.5 update.

Size = 392.8 MB

Product ID = 061-70034

BridgeOS Update Version = 17.16.15290

Security Content for Safari 13.1.1

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211177

New Apple Support Documents

Adapters for the Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro

If the cable from your external device doesn’t connect to the Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port on your Mac or iPad Pro, you might need an adapter.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207443

About Mac notebook batteries

Learn how to optimize the life of the battery in your Mac notebook, fix battery issues, and get service.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204054

Catalina 10.15.5 Update 19F96 Overview

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210642

macOS Catalina 10.15.5 introduces battery health management in the Energy Saver settings for notebooks, an option to control automatic prominence of video tiles on Group FaceTime calls, and controls to fine-tune the built-in calibration of your Pro Display XDR. The update also improves the stability, reliability, and security of your Mac.

Battery Health Management

  • Battery health management to help maximize battery lifespan for Mac notebooks
  • Energy Saver preference pane now displays battery condition and recommends if the battery needs to be serviced
  • Option to disable battery health management

For more information, please visit https://support.apple.com/kb/HT211094

FaceTime Prominence Preference

  • Option to control automatic prominence on Group FaceTime calls so video tiles do not change size when a participant speaks

Calibration Fine-Tuning for Pro Display XDR

  • Controls to fine-tune the built-in calibration of your Pro Display XDR by adjusting the white point and luminance for a precise match to your own display calibration target

This update also includes bug fixes and other improvements.

  • Fixes an issue that may prevent Reminders from sending notifications for recurring reminders
  • Addresses an issue that may prevent password entry on the login screen
  • Fixes an issue where System Preferences would continue to show a notification badge even after installing an update
  • Resolves an issue where the built-in camera may not be detected when trying to use it after using a video conferencing app
  • Addresses an issue for Mac computers with the Apple T2 Security Chip where internal speakers may not appear as a sound output device in Sound preferences
  • Fixes a stability issue with uploading and downloading media files from iCloud Photo Library while your Mac is asleep
  • Resolves a stability issue when transferring large amounts of data to RAID volumes
  • Fixes an issue where the Reduce Motion Accessibility preference did not reduce the speed of animations in a FaceTime group call

Enterprise Fixes

  • Improves performance on certain Mac models when enabling hardware acceleration in GPU-intensive apps such as those used for video conferencing.
  • Addresses an issue where Microsoft Exchange accounts were unable to sign in during account setup when using Conditional Access.
  • Resolves an issue that prevented some displays connected to MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) from waking from sleep when the Mac wakes
  • Single sign-on (SSO) works immediately after installing an app that contains a third party SSO extension.
  • Apple Push Notification Service traffic now uses a web proxy when specified in a PAC file via the Proxies payload

Announcements

Software Update
For increased security, major releases of macOS are not hidden when using the --ignore flag and the softwareupdate command starting with macOS 10.15.5. A major release is defined as one which receives a name, such as macOS Catalina.
Starting with macOS 10.15.4, major releases of macOS can be deferred for up to 90 days using MDM.

More on this here – mrmacintosh.com/10-15-5-2020-003-updates-changes-to-softwareupdate-ignore/


networksetup Command
Starting with macOS 10.15.5, the networksetup command behaves differently when run as a standard user versus an admin user. Standard users can do the following:
• 1. Read various network settings
• 2. Turn Wi-Fi power on or off (networksetup -setairportpower en0 on)
• 3. Change the Wi-Fi access point (networksetup -setairportnetwork en0
ExampleWiFiAP)
Other network settings can no longer be modified by standard users via networksetup.
For admin users, networksetup will continue to behave as it has in previous releases of macOS, provided System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Advanced… > “Require an administrator password to access system-wide preferences” is unchecked (which is the default state). If it is checked, admins will be bound by the same constraints as standard users when
using networksetup.

Security Content for 10.15.5

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211170

How To Regenerate a New FileVault 2 Personal Recovery Key (PRK)

MrMacintosh.com - How To regenerate a FileVault 2 Personal Recovery Key.
How To reissue a FileVault 2 Personal Recovery Key

It’s good practice to have a backup of important things in your life. You wouldn’t only keep one set of keys to your house or car. The same goes for your FV2 Encrypted Mac. The FileVault Personal Recovery Key is your backup key to your Mac. If your account password is not working or if you can’t remember the password, the Recovery Key will be the only way to get to your data.

Two Different Types of FileVault 2 Recovery Keys

When encrypting your Mac, you have two different types recovery key options.

  • (PRK) Personal Recovery Key – Every Mac has a unique Recovery Key.
  • (IRK) Institutional Recovery Key – One Recovery Key for every Mac

While it may be convenient to have one key for every Mac, having a Institutional Recovery Key is like having a Master Key to an Apartment Complex. If that key is stolen or lost, the bad guy has a key to every single apartment unit. The same thing goes for the (IRK) if one user has the key, it’s known for every single Mac.

The PRK is the way to go, as each Mac has a unique key.

I previously wrote about how to use the PRK to recover data from a Mac using Target Disk Mode.

https://mrmacintosh.com/filevault-2-target-disk-mode-unlock-using-the-personal-recovery-key/

Why Would Would I Need to Change my Personal Recovery Key?

Here are a few reasons why you might need to reissue or generate a new FileVault 2 Personal Recovery Key.

  • 1. The Computer Record was deleted from your MDM.
  • 2. The MDM Recovery Key Entry is corrupted.
  • 3. The Recovery Key is not working.
  • 4. The PRK is given to a user and you want to cycle and protect it.
  • 5. The PRK user is missing, or the ? mark is not showing at FV2 login.
  • 6. If you need to reenroll a Mac into a different MDM.

A good example of #2 is when Jamf Pro 10.7.1 screwed up the recovery key display in every computer record. This defect was fixed in Jamf Pro 10.10.

https://www.jamf.com/jamf-nation/discussions/31910/filevault-2-personal-recovery-key-issue

Reissue the FileVault 2 Recovery Key with FV2 Enabled Username and Password

To generate a new FileVault 2 Personal Recovery Key we will be using the fdesetup binary.

First you can check to see if your Mac is using a PRK or IRK.

sudo fdesetup haspersonalrecoverykey = true or false

sudo fdesetup hasinstitutionalrecoverykey= true or false

Now we can change the recovery key using username and password.

sudo fdesetup changerecovery -personal

Enter the user name:mrmacintosh 

Enter the password for user 'mrmacintosh':

New personal recovery key = 'Z5V7-K464-PEVT-09OX-Q2EW-8FO8'

This works for 10.13 – 10.15

Reissue the FileVault 2 Recovery Key using the Current Personal Recovery Key (PRK)

Staring in 10.14, you can now use the current Personal Recovery Key to generate a new PRK.

You will be using the UUID of the Personal Recovery User and the current PRK as the password.

Find the UUID of the Personal Recovery Key User

sudo fdesetup list -extended

ESCROW  UUID                                                                     TYPE USER

        0A1BCDC3-49BD-4E00-B741-813E143AD1E2                OS User mrmacintosh

        EBC6C064-0000-11AA-AA11-00306543ECAC   Personal Recovery Record

Note: The UUID of the Personal Recovery User is the same very every FV2 Encrypted Mac.

Let’s change it.

sudo fdesetup changerecovery -personal

Enter the user name:EBC6C064-0000-11AA-AA11-00306543ECAC 

Enter the password for user 'EBC6C064-0000-11AA-AA11-00306543ECAC':

New personal recovery key = 'Z5V7-K464-PEVT-09OX-Q2EW-8FO8'

For the password field, all we need to do is enter in the current FV2 PRK.

NOTE: If you want to send the Recovery Key to Jamf Pro, you need to run Recon twice.

Running commands are great for 1 or 2 Macs, but what if I have to fix more than that?

The guys at HCS Technology Group wrote up an excellent article showing us how to create a policy for this. The policy will search for all Macs that do not have a valid recovery key and will remediate with a script kicked off by a Jamf Policy.

https://hcsonline.com/images/PDFs/Jamf_Recovery_key_Filevault.pdf

Credits

Hat Tip goes out to Johan McGwire aka yohan on #MacAdmins. He brought up the 2nd way to reissue the Personal Recovery Key with the current PRK. Johan the expert behind the following projects. Check them out!

Also HCS Technology Group, I can’t say enough about these guys. They have written some of the best MacAdmins guides available today!

Get the full list HCS White Papers, visit this link.

http://hcsonline.com/support/white-papers.

Follow them on Twitter! https://twitter.com/HCSTechnology

Can I Upgrade or Downgrade macOS? Every Mac From 2006-2020

MrMacintosh.com - Can I upgrade or downgrade macOS? What is the minimum or maximum macOS Version my Mac can run? A full index of every Mac from 2006-2020
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.

  • Most Supported Mac =

MacBookPro9,1 (15-inch Mid 2012) – 10.7.3 – 10.15 = 9 OS Versions

  • Least Supported Mac =

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

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10.15.5 & 10.15.4 Supplemental Update Resets ComputerName to Default

MrMacintosh.com - The Catalina 10.15.5 & 10.15.4 Supplemental Update is resetting the ComputerName, HostName & LocalHostName values back to default on some Macs.
10.15.5 & 10.15.4 Supplemental Update is resetting the ComputerName, HostName & LocalHostName values back to default on some Macs.

The Catalina 10.15.5 & 10.15.4 Supplemental Update is resetting the ComputerName, HostName & LocalHostName values back to default on some Macs.

UPDATE 7/15/20 – The macOS Catalina 10.15.6 update is live! The update fixes the ComputerName issue! mrmacintosh.com/whats-new-in-the-macos-catalina-10-15-6-update-19g73/

UPDATE: 7/01/20 – I just tested on 10.15.6 Beta 3 and the issue is fixed!!!

UPDATE: 5/29/20 – This issue is still definitely a problem with 10.15.5. I have multiple in house confirmations along with a bunch of reader reports.

UPDATE: 5/26/20 – I have now received 3 different reports of this same issue happening after installing the new macOS Catalina 10.15.5 Update. This issue does NOT happen on every Mac. The problem still seems to be intermittent. Please let Apple know that we need this fixed!!!

I would like to get back into writing more How-To articles. The thing is, reporting on issues like this help more people. I would love it if I could get a heads up on an issue that could cause problems in my environment. That’s the idea behind articles like this and my macOS System Status page.

Case in point is this article. Do you use the ComputerName, HostName or LocalHostName value for one of the following functions?

  • MDM Computer Scope
  • 802.1x Authentication
  • Active Directory
  • VPN

If you depend on the ComputerName or HostName for any of these services, it could wreak havoc for the user!

Let’s jump right in, I will give you you an overview of this issue.

Table of Contents

  • 1. Affected macOS Build Version
  • 2. Affected Mac Hardware
  • 3. User Reports
  • 4. Problem
  • 5. The future of managing macOS Updates.
  • 6. Should I block the 10.15.4 Supplemental Update?
  • 7. Does Apple Know about this issue?
  • 8. Links

1. Affected Mac Models

Unlike other issues, this one covers all Macs that are compatible with macOS Catalina that are on 10.15.4 (19E266).

2. Affected OS Versions

This issue affects only one macOS update.

  • macOS Catalina 10.15.4 Supplemental Update (19E287) Released 4/8/20

NOTE: This issue does not happen with the updated 10.15.4 Combo & Delta updates.

3. User Reports

One of the very first reports was in a MacAdmins Channel. Let’s take a look at some of the reports.

Is anyone else having issues with macOS Catalina 10.15.4 Supplemental Update deleting log files form /var/log and changing the computer name to just the Mac model (eg iMac)

ckay 

On a test Mac, I experienced this, and I filed feedback. Please file feedback, so they have an idea how widespread (or not) it is, and to help them solve it.

arekdreyer

Jamf is tracking this issue as well, this is definitely a thing.

benjermanjoel

4. Problem

This one is pretty cut and dry. If you set the ComputerName to a specific value, let’s say the SerialNumber, it will be reset back to factory default. In the case of a MacBook Pro the ComputerName would now be MacBook Pro.

Example Test

Fresh 2014 MacBook Pro erase & install with 10.15.4 (19E266). I then set the ComputerName and HostName to something different (Serial Number).

I used softwareupdate -iaR to install the 10.15.4 Supplemental Update.

Once the Mac Came back up, sure enough the ComputerName was MacBook Pro.

Most home users will never have to mess with this value. If you would like to check, open System Preferences > Sharing.

MrMacintosh.com - The Mac ComputerName in the Sharing Preference Pane. This value is reset back to default after the 10.1.54 Supplemental Update.
The Mac Computer Name in the Sharing Preference Pane.

MacAdmins will set this value with one of the following ways.

  • MDM Policy
  • Script using scutil

You can check the current value with scutil.

MacBook-Air:~ mrmacintosh$ sudo scutil --get ComputerName

MacBook Air

To set all three values you can run the commands below.

  • 1. sudo scutil --set ComputerName namehere
  • 2. sudo scutil --set HostName namehere
  • 3. sudo scutil --set LocalHostName namehere

This Jamf Article gives a great overview on how to manage this value.

https://www.jamf.com/jamf-nation/articles/148/updating-the-computer-name-of-managed-computers

5. The future of managing macOS Updates

This brings into focus the changes Apple is making to Software Update.

If you are unaware of the changes coming (as soon as 10.15.5), take a look at this excellent article by by Balmes Pavlov (@BaboDee2 on Twitter).

babodee.wordpress.com/2020/04/16/apple-plans-on-removing-enterprise-options-for-macos-software-update/

6. Should I block the 10.15.4 Supplemental Update?

Maybe

The supplemental update does not include any Security Related fixes. Take a look at the fix list below.

  • Fixes an issue where Mac computers running macOS Catalina 10.15.4 could not participate in FaceTime calls with devices running iOS 9.3.6 and earlier or OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 and earlier
  • Resolves an issue where you may repeatedly receive a password prompt for an Office 365 account
  • Fixes an issue where MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020) may hang in Setup Assistant or when disconnecting and reconnecting a 4K or 5K external display
  • Resolves an issue where a USB-C port in your Mac may become unresponsive

If you need any of the above fixes, then I would say that you might need deploy it. You could also wait for a 10.15.4 Supplemental Update #2 or 10.15.5.

Deploy the update ONLY if you have a way to reset the ComputerName & HostName before the user can use the system!

You would need to deploy a LaunchDaemon that would execute a script to rename both values on load.

7. Does Apple Know about this issue?

Going by this post by Don, it’s not looking good as of last week.

Apple confirmed the /private/var/log/ issue (101063983106) but have not been able to replicate the ComputerName/HostName issue. They advised if anyone is able to replicate, open a ticket so they can look into it.

donmontalvo

8. Links

Apple Discussion Forum

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251260641

A few Jamf Customers who are having the issue.

https://www.jamf.com/jamf-nation/discussions/35389/macos-catalina-10-15-4-supplemental-update-released

MacAdmins

https://macadmins.slack.com/archives/CK7SUEH9N/p1586430026022800?thread_ts=1586430026.022800

https://macadmins.slack.com/archives/C0619KJQY/p1586436528427600

https://macadmins.slack.com/archives/CK7SUEH9N/p1586848916150400

10.15.4 supplemental update computername

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