The new M4 Macs, revealed in late October and launched earlier this month, face a significant limitation when it comes to running virtual machines (VMs) with versions of macOS prior to Ventura 13.4, as noted reported several users and developers.
A major problem for some users
An in-depth analysis carried out by Howard Oakleyin collaboration with security researcher Csaba Fitzl, reveals that attempting to boot an older version of macOS on an M4 Mac results in a black screen, with the VM unable to skip the startup step. This issue, documented in Apple Feedback (FB15774587), affects virtualization tools like UTM.
The problem appears to stem from the initial stages of the kernel boot process, where the virtual machine only boots a single virtual core, as observed in Activity Monitor, suggesting a failure in the multi-core allocation necessary for the kernel boot process. completion of startup.
This virtualization constraint does not affect earlier Apple chip models like the M1, M2 and M3, which can operate virtual machines with versions of macOS from Monterey (12.0.1), although with some limitations. Let us also remember that macOS Big Sur has never been virtualizable on the Apple Silicon architecture.
This limitation could be a deciding factor at the time of purchase for some customers who need to test or run older macOS environments for compatibility or development purposes.
Compatible macOS versions for virtualization on M4 chips currently include:
- macOS Ventura 13.4 and later updates
- macOS Sonoma 14
- macOS Sequoia 15
To fix this bug, Apple could offer updates to older operating systems, but this is very unlikely.
This adds to the list of virtualization limitations on Apple’s chip, including the inability to use App Store apps in virtual machines. However, with macOS Sequoia, Apple has improved the virtualization framework, making it possible to connect to iCloud from macOS virtual machines.
What to remember
- Currently, M4 Macs can only run virtual machines from macOS Ventura 13.4 and later, Sonoma 14, and Sequoia 15.
- M1, M2, and M3 Macs can run virtual machines from macOS Monterey 12.0.1 and later.
- macOS Big Sur 11 cannot be virtualized on Apple Silicon.
The new M4 Macs
Apple introduced the M4 chip in new iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro models in October. For a more in-depth look at this virtualization issue, see Oakley’s detailed article.
