FB13876361: Provide IPSW downloads for older versions of macOS

[matthewruzzi]

• Date: 2024-06-12
• Resolution: Open
• Area: Developer Downloads
• OS: macOS
• Type: Suggestion
• Keywords: Virtualization, Virtual Machine

Description

I would like to be able to download IPSW files for older versions of macOS like macOS 13 for use with a VM app like Parallels or UTM. This would allow me to test my apps on versions of macOS older than the one I currently have installed, similar to how I could test my apps on older versions of iOS with the iOS simulator.

[matthewruzzi]

Relevant forum threads:
https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/756874
https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/746340

[jakeyounglol]

https://ipsw.me/VirtualMac2,1

[matthewruzzi]

UTM warns against using third party sites such as ipsw.me.

Warning

We do not attest to the safety, validity, or compatibility of IPSWs downloaded from third party sites such as ipsw.me. We recommend using UTM’s automatic download of the most compatible IPSW.

[jakeyounglol]

that website links to apple’s servers. if you hold on the link on an ios device you can see the site downloads from apple’s update cdn server