Once downloaded, the installer (e.g., "Install macOS Sequoia") will appear in your folder. Step 2: Create the ISO via Terminal
The process involves two main steps: downloading the installer and converting it using Terminal commands. Apple provides a built-in tool called createinstallmedia which is designed to create bootable USB drives. However, with a few additional Terminal commands involving hdiutil , users can convert the contents of the USB drive (or the installer itself) into a valid ISO file. This method ensures that the operating system has not been tampered with and is free from malware or corruption. It preserves the integrity of the code-signing certificates, which is crucial for a stable installation.
Apple does not provide direct official downloads for macOS. Instead, they provide macOS as a .app installer or a .dmg file. mac os download iso
Unlike Windows, Apple does not officially distribute macOS in ISO format. Instead, macOS installers are distributed through the Mac App Store as .app bundles. However, for use in virtual machines (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox, UTM) or for creating bootable media on non-Mac systems, many users need an ISO file.
Alternatively, some older versions are available from Apple’s support website. Once downloaded, the installer (e
Once you have the "Install macOS [Version].app" in your Applications folder, follow these Terminal steps to convert it into a bootable ISO: How to download and install macOS - Apple Support (IN)
: If you just need a bootable USB for a physical Mac, you do not need an ISO. Use the Apple Support Guide for the createinstallmedia command directly on a USB drive. However, with a few additional Terminal commands involving
hdiutil attach ~/Desktop/macOS.iso.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/install_build
: hdiutil create -o /tmp/macOS -size 16384m -volname macOS -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J