hackintosh

Hackintosh refers to a personal computer that runs Apple's macOS on non-Apple hardware. The term blends "hack" and "Macintosh" and describes systems built from standard PC components such as Intel or AMD CPUs, dedicated GPUs, and off-the-shelf motherboards, with macOS installed through community tools rather than Apple hardware.

In practice, creating a Hackintosh involves selecting hardware known to be compatible with macOS and using a bootloader and post-install patches to enable macOS to boot and run. Historically Clover was common; modern builds typically rely on OpenCore, which provides a more strict and widely supported framework for patching and drivers (kexts). Software support relies on kernel extensions and drivers; updates often require updating the bootloader configuration.

Hardware compatibility: The process depends on choosing components with macOS-compatible drivers, including CPU, GPU, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapters, and storage controllers. Compatibility lists and install guides from community sites (for example Dortania and tonymacx86) guide users. Apple Silicon devices are not supported by standard Hackintosh methods; most successful Hackintosh builds target Intel-based PCs.

Legality and licensing: The macOS end-user license agreement typically restricts installation to Apple hardware, and Apple does not provide official support for Hackintoshes. Use and distribution of macOS on non-Apple hardware may be restricted by law or license terms, and individuals should consult applicable regulations.

Risks and maintenance: Hackintosh systems can require ongoing manual maintenance, slow or inconsistent software updates, and potential instability or data loss. Automatic updates can break bootloaders or kexts; backups and careful guidance are essential. Many users pursue Hackintosh projects for flexibility or learning, but Apple’s supported hardware remains the recommended option for reliability and official support.