macOS Installers

macOS Installer Downloads

IPSW PKG

IPSW files are for Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and newer)
PKG files are Universal Mac Apps that work on all Macs

macOS Version	Version	Build	Format	Size	Download

Installation Resources

Create Bootable Installer

Official guide for creating macOS installation media

IPSW Database

Complete archive of Apple Silicon restore images

Legacy Mac Support

Run newer macOS on unsupported Macs

Installation Methods

IPSW Files (Apple Silicon)

IPSW files are firmware restore images designed for Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, and newer). These files:

• Can be used with Apple Configurator 2 for restoration
• Support DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode recovery
• Include the complete macOS system and recovery partition
• Are approximately 13-15 GB in size

PKG Files (Universal)

PKG installer packages work on all Mac models and contain the full macOS installer application. These files:

• Can be deployed via MDM solutions
• Support command-line installation with installer
• Create a bootable installer when extracted
• Work on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs

Creating Bootable Media

Using Terminal

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sequoia.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia \
  --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

Requirements

• USB drive with at least 16 GB capacity
• Administrator privileges
• Full macOS installer application

Deployment Best Practices

Enterprise Deployment

1. Test thoroughly before mass deployment
2. Stage rollouts to pilot groups first
3. Maintain backups before major upgrades
4. Document compatibility issues with critical software

MDM Integration

Most MDM solutions support:

• Caching content locally
• Scheduling installation windows
• Enforcing minimum OS versions
• Deferring updates as needed

Useful Resources

• Apple Support - Create bootable installer
• Apple Developer - Installation
• Mr. Macintosh - IPSW Database

Compatibility Notes

System Requirements

Always verify hardware compatibility before upgrading:

• Check minimum RAM requirements (typically 8 GB)
• Ensure adequate storage space (35-45 GB free)
• Verify Mac model compatibility on Apple's website

Known Issues

Consult release notes and community forums for:

• Third-party software compatibility
• Driver updates for peripherals
• Network configuration changes
• Security software updates