Is there a "hackintosh" method to enable installing new versions of Accordance into forbidden computers?

[Enoch]

It is an annoyance that new versions of Accordance demand new MacOS, which in turn can mean that you need to buy a new computer, since your old computer will not receive the new MacOS.  My 2011 MacBook Pro will only upgrade as far as High Sierra OS.  My 2015 will go only as high as Monterey.  My 2014 late iMac will only go as high as Big Sur.

So the question occurs in my mind, why won't the old computer receive the new MacOS???  I came across this article on PCs, but I am thinking that there may be analogous unnecessary problems hindering installation of New MacOS on old computers.  So what do you think, O Ye Accordance Tech gurus:  is there a way to modify or hack your existing computer, so you don't gotta go buy a new one for Accordance?

 

Q: If you've tried installing Windows 11 Insider Preview or using the Microsoft PC Health Check app and were greeted with an error message reading, "This PC can't run Windows 11," your system might not have two essential security settings turned on: Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. ...

What are TPM and Secure Boot? 

TPM microchips are small devices known as secure cryptoprocessors. Some TPMs are virtual or firmware varieties but, as a chip, a TPM is attached to your motherboard during the build and designed to enhance hardware security during computer startup. A TPM has been a mandatory piece of tech on Windows machines since 2016, so machines older than this may not have the necessary hardware or firmware. Previously, Microsoft required original equipment manufacturers of all models built to run Windows 10 to ensure that the machines were TPM 1.2-capable. TPM 2.0 is the most recent version required.

TPMs are controversial among security specialists and governments. An updated and enabled TPM is a strong preventative against firmware attacks, which have risen steadily and drawn Microsoft's attention. However, it also allows remote attestation (authorized parties can see when you make certain changes to your computer) and may restrict the kinds of software your machine is allowed to run. TPM-equipped machines generally aren't shipped in countries where western encryption is banned. China uses its state-regulated alternative, TCM. In Russia, TPM use is only allowed with permission from the government. 

Secure Boot is a feature in your computer's software that controls which operating systems are allowed to be active on the machine. It's both a good and bad thing for a Windows machine. On the one hand, it can prevent certain classes of invasive malware from taking over your machine and is a core defense against ransomware. 

On the other hand, it can prevent you from being able to install a second operating system on your machine, giving you two to choose from when you first start up your computer. So, if you wanted to experiment with Linux operating systems, for instance, Secure Boot could stop you. Secure Boot also plays a part in preventing Windows pirating. /Q

 

[Dr. Nathan Parker]

I managed to get Windows 11 in a virtual machine once bypassing the TPM check, but I didn’t really use it for daily use it was on weak hardware (more of a proof of concept).

 

Accordance 13 (our minimum supported version of Accordance) will run all the way back to Sierra. I installed it on my old High Sierra iMac a while back, and it ran well. It was one of the apps on there that actually ran at a good speed (since that Mac was slow in general).

 

MacLife Magazine published some articles about running recent versions of macOS on unsupported hardware. You might be able to access those from Scribd, Apple News+, or your local library. Macworld or another Apple-related news site might have them as well. I’ve never attempted it (even though I’m a tinkerer).

[Enoch]

Thanks Nathan.  I searched & quickly came up with an article on how to install even Ventura on a forbidden Mac.  I think it would require me to devote a day to studying it & horsing around with it. 

https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/how-to-keep-older-macs-secure-a-geeky-approach/

[Dr. Nathan Parker]

I’ve read that article in the past as well. Forgot about that one. From what I’ve read, it doesn’t look too hard, but I’ve never taken the time to do it. My other job requires that I stay on supported hardware, so I’ve generally had to bite the bullet and buy a new Mac before Apple has phased out macOS support on my current machine. In the past that was setting me back a good chunk of cash, but now with Apple Silicon, I can actually consider lower-cost Macs. Stuff that I used to think would be impossible to do on those machines I can actually do now.