Since the dawn of personal computing, the paths of PC and Apple platforms have diverged in fascinating ways. IBM-compatible systems captured a substantial chunk of the market, thriving on their versatility and widespread compatibility. Meanwhile, Apple cultivated a protective bubble around the Macintosh, keeping would-be imitators at bay from its distinctive hardware and software.
However, everything shifted in 2005 when Apple announced its move to the x86 architecture. This pivotal change opened the door for the creation of the Hackintosh — a complex yet intriguing way to run macOS on custom-built PCs using selected components. For many tech enthusiasts, this was a game changer—an exciting challenge that allowed them to marry powerful PC hardware with a beloved operating system.
But now, it seems the Hackintosh era is drawing to a close. With Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon nearly complete, macOS is poised to once again sever ties with the Intel ecosystem, leaving Hackintosh users searching for alternatives.
In June 2025, the 36th Worldwide Developers Conference introduced macOS Tahoe. This latest iteration of Apple’s robust operating system showcases improved customization options, enhanced search features, and a beautifully sleek ‘Liquid Glass’ design. More significantly, Tahoe is set to be the last modern macOS version supporting aging x86-based systems.
If you own a Mac equipped with an M1 chip or later, you’ll be among the fortunate few. However, if you’re still on an Intel machine, you might feel like you’re being left behind. The latest operating system will support only select older Macs: for example, the 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2019 and the 2020 version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro that features four Thunderbolt 3 ports. It also supports iMacs and Mac Minis, but only from 2020 onward. For the Mac Pro, you’ll need a model from 2019 or later; the Mac Studio needs to be from 2022 or beyond.
In essence, with the arrival of Tahoe, Apple will stop developing macOS for x86 systems, focusing exclusively on ARM-based Apple Silicon devices moving forward.
To truly appreciate the significance of this shift, it’s important to recognize that Apple never designed macOS to work on random PC components. Even as the end of x86 versions looms, Apple had already taken deliberate steps to prevent macOS from running on unauthorized hardware. Hackintosh enthusiasts were drawn by the allure of building a powerful computer without bleeding their wallets dry on Apple’s premium hardware prices for extras like storage and RAM. But achieving that required navigating a maze of technical challenges to fool macOS into running on non-Apple machines.
Setting up a Hackintosh generally involved sourcing specialized patches crafted by a community of passionate developers. After Apple’s shift to x86 machines, these tech-savvy folks sprang into action, finding ways to bypass security measures to get the then-called Mac OS X running on non-Apple devices. The first patches surfaced shortly after the launch of Apple’s initial x86 Macs. Each subsequent OS update tightened security, which led the community to rapidly produce new patches to keep the system operational. This often involved emulating the EFI subsystem typical of contemporary Macs instead of the standard PC BIOS or modifying the kernel to maintain older SSE2 instructions when Apple made the switch to SS3 instructions, preventing the OS from booting on older hardware.
Each Hackintosh build came with its own set of limitations. Apple’s operating system wasn’t built with random hardware in mind, leading to frustrations. Users often found themselves constrained by specific GPU or Wi-Fi card models, as compatibility with various PC components wasn’t guaranteed. Some motherboards could be incompatible or might require tricky adjustments to accommodate Apple’s software in a non-standard setup.
While there are still guides available today for installing and running macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) or even macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) on a Hackintosh, that community effort may shift focus to earlier versions after macOS Tahoe is released. Yet, the overall narrative is winding down as Apple boldly strides toward an ARM-dominated future.
Ultimately, the Hackintosh represented a kind of rebellion and freedom of choice. While it wasn’t the easiest route, it gave dedicated macOS fans a way to skirt Apple’s limitations. Users could avoid hefty price tags and tailor their device specs to their liking, gaining access to vital apps like Photoshop without the premium costs typically associated with Apple hardware. Now, as this chapter comes to a close, those who value a unique keyboard experience and Apple’s polished operating system must prepare for a return to higher spending on authentic Apple devices. The Hackintosh era may be ending, but with it, we look ahead to new adventures with Apple Silicon.
