The Future of Hackintoshes: Unveiling the 4 Undeniable Pros and 3 Surprising Cons in 2023

Apple Clones Are Almost as Old as Apple Itself

Since the advent of Apple computers, individuals have strived to replicate the coveted Apple experience at a more affordable price by crafting their own “Hackintosh” systems. However, the question remains: does the endeavor truly live up to its potential?

Hackintoshes, which are computers that run macOS on hardware that isn't made by Apple, have been around for a long time. In fact, they existed before the original Macintosh. In the 1980s, there were many "clones" of the Apple II, which was the second computer produced by Apple. Cloning was quite common back then, with machines imitating the original IBM PC, which played a major role in the development of personal computers as we know them today.

During a challenging period, Apple actually licensed Mac OS 7 to other manufacturers. These computers used the same PowerPC processors that Apple used at the time. However, this licensing program was short-lived, lasting only from 1995 to 1997.

However, when Apple made the switch from PowerPC to Intel CPUs, which were already widely used in most computers, a new opportunity arose. Just a little over a month after the announcement of the first Intel-compatible Mac OS X (10.4.4), it had already been successfully hacked to work with unauthorized hardware.

Ever since then, it has been a continuous battle between Apple and hackers. With each software update, Apple introduced new measures, and sometimes even hardware solutions, to prevent the installation of its operating system on non-Mac computers. However, with every new security measure, enthusiasts and tinkers tirelessly came up with new ways to bypass them—until the introduction of Apple Silicon, but we'll discuss that later.

Over time, Apple aimed to make creating a Hackintosh a difficult task rather than impossible, leading most individuals to prefer purchasing an original Mac instead. And, for the most part, they succeeded in their objective.

Nevertheless, many individuals found the methods overly complicated and the community too arrogant (with most forums providing immediate responses of "read the guides and list your hardware" to any question asked), prompting them to take action. Consequently, making a Hackintosh is now much simpler compared to a few years ago. Depending on your computer, it could be as effortless as booting a USB drive with a few files copied onto it, followed by following on-screen instructions.

That takes us to our next point.

Is It Possible to Make a Hackintosh in 2023?

Getting a completely honest answer requires considering different factors. It is indeed possible to run macOS on a computer, but not all computers are compatible with it, and even those that are may not deliver seamless performance.

Historically, AMD products, including CPUs and GPUs, have faced significant issues with macOS compatibility, while Intel processors have typically been the preferred choice in the Hackintosh community. Thus, it is crucial to first assess the brand of your processor when exploring compatibility.

Recently, there has been a noteworthy change. Thanks to patches and workarounds, it is now possible to utilize the latest AMD hardware in conjunction with the most up-to-date macOS. However, it is important to note that if you possess an Intel CPU, support is limited to the 10th generation for laptops and the 11th generation for desktops. In both scenarios, it is necessary to have a dedicated GPU. It is also worth mentioning that any NVidia GPU from the 1600 series onwards is not compatible.

Are Hackintoshes Worth the Hassle?

Again, it depends. For daily tasks, even an "entry"-level MacBook Air with an M1 CPU blows away most of the competition (and lasts twice as much on battery).

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If you simply want to run macOS without any complications, even devoted Hackintosh enthusiasts nowadays recommend purchasing an Apple computer. If you're considering buying a new machine, the cost difference isn't significant compared to a decent midrange Windows laptop, so why not go for it?

However, there are still circumstances where having a Hackintosh can be advantageous. While the era of "the fastest Mac in the world isn't made by Apple" is almost over, it hasn't completely vanished yet. Additionally, if you already own a compatible computer, the installation process can be relatively easy.

If you happen to run an independent music studio and wish to avoid spending a significant amount on Apple hardware, Hackintoshes can prove to be even more effective than the authentic alternative, provided you have the appropriate hardware. In this particular scenario, determining whether the extra hours of work required to set it up and get it running smoothly are justified by the amount of money you will save becomes crucial.

If you own a laptop that is known to have good compatibility with macOS, such as the Acer Nitro 5 with a 9th-generation Intel CPU, it is possible to turn it into a Hackintosh. However, it is important to note that this requires relying solely on the integrated graphics card, as the GTX 1650 dGPU that comes with these models is not supported by Apple. I can personally attest to the feasibility of this, as I own this laptop myself. Using AirPlay and a USB-to-HDMI adapter (since the Nitro 5's HDMI port is connected to the NVidia GPU), it is even possible to set up a triple-monitor configuration, including the internal screen, without any issues with the UHD Graphics 630.

3 Pros of Making a Hackintosh in 2023

To determine if your computer is compatible with macOS, the Hackintosh subreddit is the most convenient place to visit. Simply search for the model number of your computer on the subreddit, and if there is anyone who has successfully installed macOS on a similar setup, you will find their experience readily available.

Considering all of the above, you might be tempted to give hackintoshing a go. Here's why it could prove a good idea.

1. It’s Still the Least Expensive Way to Get a macOS Computer

If you're a developer looking to create apps for Apple devices, having macOS is essential. While options like renting remote Mac computers exist, having a Mac or a Hackintosh is necessary for local development.

While second-hand Macs can be affordable, it is worth noting that Apple devices generally have higher resale value compared to competitors. However, if you already have a fully compatible computer, converting it into a Hackintosh can be a cost-effective option. Apart from investing your time and perhaps a bit of sanity, there's hardly a better way to save on expenses for your project.

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If you're an enthusiast or if you've previously owned a Mac and found it difficult to adjust to other operating systems, you might consider using macOS. This is my situation: even though I have a strong affection for Ubuntu (and have spent countless hours customizing it), I must admit that Apple excels in providing a user-friendly experience. However, since I don't have enough funds for my next MacBook for a few more months, I transformed my Acer laptop into a Hackintosh.

2. You’ll Be Able to Multi-Boot Easily

However, it is important to note that I haven't completely abandoned Ubuntu (or Windows). Although I primarily use Microsoft's operating system for gaming purposes, there are instances where my workflow is more efficient on Linux compared to MacOS. Moreover, Ubuntu's efficient utilization of CPU and RAM greatly benefits certain titles I have on Steam, rather than on Game Pass.

3. Hackintoshing Is Easier Than Ever

Making a Hackintosh used to be a complex and time-consuming task, causing a lot of stress. Dealing with kernel extensions and hexadecimal codes often resulted in random error messages and unhelpful forums, even when following guides meticulously.

Although some difficulties still exist, especially for those with custom-built computers, the overall concept has become easier. This article does not provide a step-by-step guide on creating a Hackintosh but focuses on understanding the necessary files, organizing them into a folder, transferring them to a USB drive, and booting the computer from that drive. For a detailed walkthrough of the process, Dortania offers a comprehensive guide, and Chef Kiss, Inc. has a guide specifically for AMD-powered computers, explaining the purpose of each step along the way.

Also, individuals who possess prebuilt computers often have the path already established: numerous users who successfully completed the process share their EFI folders on GitHub, allowing you to conveniently obtain it from there. In such situations, the most challenging aspect typically involves determining whether the network functions immediately or if you should download a macOS image in advance.

3 Reasons Not to Make a Hackintosh Nowadays

However, things aren't always that easy. Because of that, there are also good reasons to steer clear of the Hackintosh way.

1. It’s Not Exactly Legal

The debate surrounding the potential infringement of copyright laws by employing a Hackintosh is a perpetual one. However, it is undeniably evident that this practice violates Apple's license terms, putting your Apple ID in constant jeopardy of being permanently banned.

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Rest assured that Apple will not send cease-and-desist letters to your mailbox or subject you to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit for attempting to run macOS on a non-official computer. However, if you own an iPhone or iPad, you may encounter device restrictions until you create a new account, and there is a possibility of losing your purchased apps and files in your iCloud drive. Hence, it is not entirely without risk.

Nevertheless, there are no reliable reports of individuals having their accounts terminated for using a Hackintosh. The general advice is to only use an Apple ID on your Hackintosh if it has previously been associated with legitimate Apple devices.

2. It Won’t “Automagically” Work

People are drawn to Apple devices because they are known to function seamlessly. Although Cupertino's "walled garden" approach, which invites scrutiny, I personally side with the critics, the advantages of producing both the hardware and software are evident. Given this, it is difficult to fathom something that deviates more from Apple's ethos than hacking into macOS. However, it is worth mentioning that Apple has recently embraced supporting right-to-repair laws and incorporating universal connectors into iPhones, suggesting that the company may be undergoing some changes.

However, the focal issue lies elsewhere. Would you ever consider deceiving your computer into believing that its Wi-Fi network is actually a wired connection just to enable internet connectivity on an Apple device? Well, that's exactly the sort of requirement one would come across when dealing with a Hackintosh.

Despite the collective efforts of brilliant minds, there are certain limitations that prevail in Hackintoshes. For instance, when it comes to my Acer laptop, I am unable to utilize its HDMI port with MacOS unless a highly innovative solution is devised, or in the unlikely event that Tim Cook decides to extend support to non-Apple hardware—a scenario that seems highly improbable.

But that's not all. A significant number of Intel iGPUs do not possess hardware DRM support on macOS, rendering the official Apple TV+ app inaccessible. Additionally, services such as iMessage or FaceTime can be hit-or-miss on Hackintoshes, functioning for some individuals but not for others. In any case, the "automagical" advantages promoted by the company for their products are often unattainable when using macOS on unofficial hardware.

3. There Are Better Ways to Multi-Boot

If budget is not a concern, opting for one of the latest Intel Macs will ensure several years of satisfactory performance and official Apple support. Any Mac released from 2018 onwards (2017 onwards for Mac Pros) can run macOS Sonoma, which is the most recent version launched just this week.

Considering that Apple typically supports 2-3 older macOS versions when they release a new one, and that there are likely several more years of support for Intel-based Macs, it's reasonably safe to assume that the last computers before Apple Silicon will receive security updates until at least 2027 or 2028. If you purchase one now, you can expect approximately five years of support, which exceeds what most manufacturers provide for Windows PCs.

This means that if you value having a multi-boot setup, an Intel Mac is a more straightforward option, albeit a more expensive one. Additionally, you can avoid the headaches and workarounds associated with creating a Hackintosh, as well as enjoy ensured compatibility with all the components of the computer.

If you're reluctant to spend money on an Intel Mac and have minimal usage requirements on macOS, you can opt to run the system within a virtual machine. It's worth noting that performance will be significantly impacted, but for basic tasks, it may suffice. Achieving hardware acceleration on macOS virtual machines is possible, but it demands a similar level of effort as setting up a complete Hackintosh.

Additionally, if you choose to go for an Apple Silicon Mac, virtualization offers the opportunity to run Windows (and various Linux distros) in a virtual machine with GPU support. Asahi Linux is another option, although it's not entirely refined (Apple permits other operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs, but provides limited assistance), but it is still highly functional and actively developed. However, it's unlikely that native Windows compatibility will be available in the near future.

Hackintosh Isn’t Dead… Yet

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Since its beginning, and despite becoming more user-friendly over time, Hackintoshes are not everyone's preferred choice. However, for those bold enough, it can be an extremely informative (and enjoyable, if you appreciate that kind of enjoyment) venture.

In the forthcoming days, it is highly probable that the practice of creating Macs from unofficial hardware will fade away. Apple appears to have resolved the last obstacle with the introduction of Apple Silicon, ensuring exclusive manufacturing of compatible hardware.

Until then, however, Hackintosh is alive and well. If your computer has the right parts, it is, and if you have the time to figure out which bits (literally) are broken in your configuration.