A “Hackintosh” refers to a custom-built PC configured to run Apple’s macOS (or OS X), a practice that thrived when Apple utilized Intel processors in their devices. As Apple transitioned to its proprietary Arm architecture, the enthusiasm for Hackintosh setups has waned. However, one determined individual is reviving this trend by successfully running the latest macOS Sequoia build on a Steam Deck, a device primarily designed for gaming.
This leads to the intriguing question: why would someone go through the extensive effort to boot an operating system that’s decidedly not optimized for gaming on a device built specifically for that purpose? The motivation behind such endeavors often eludes traditional reasoning; enthusiasts are typically driven by their love for technology and the thrill of experimentation rather than practicality.
According to a tweet spotted by Tom’s Hardware, software engineer @whatdahopper and their collaborators have managed to get the recovery mode of macOS Sequoia operational, although their achievements have so far been limited. Notably, macOS Sequoia is still being developed for select last-generation Mac models equipped with Intel processors, marking this as a classic Hackintosh scenario that requires only a few adjustments to work with the Steam Deck’s AMD hardware.
At this stage, the setup displays content in portrait mode, which likely complicates usability without external peripherals. Additionally, there’s a humorous twist: macOS incorrectly identifies the Steam Deck’s controller input as a modem, which could lead to further usability issues. Nonetheless, this endeavor showcases the enduring spirit of the Hackintosh community, continuing to push boundaries even in a gaming context.