How to install macOS Sequoia on parallel desktop?

Installing macOS Sequoia as a second macOS on your MacBook using Parallels Desktop allows you to run it in a virtual machine (VM) alongside your primary macOS (e.g., Sonoma or Ventura) without affecting your main system.

This is ideal for testing new features, development, or exploring Sequoia’s updates (like Apple Intelligence or iPhone Mirroring) risk-free.

Below is a step-by-step guide tailored for both Intel-based and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) MacBooks.

Prerequisites

MacBook: Intel-based or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4).
Parallels Desktop: Version 19 or later (20 recommended for Sequoia support). Download from parallels.com (free trial available).
Host macOS: Must support Parallels (e.g., Monterey 12.6+, Ventura 13.2+, Sonoma 14.0+, or Sequoia 15.0+).
macOS Sequoia Installer:
Intel: Install macOS Sequoia.app or recovery partition.
Apple Silicon: .ipsw restore image (Sequoia 15.x).
Space: 20GB free minimum (64GB+ recommended for VM).
Internet: Required for downloads.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Install Parallels Desktop

Download:
Visit parallels.com, download Parallels Desktop (e.g., version 20).
Install:
Open the .dmg, double-click Install Parallels Desktop, and follow prompts.
If Gatekeeper blocks it:
- Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway.
- Or Terminal: sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /path/to/ParallelsDesktop.dmg.
Launch: Open Parallels from /Applications.

Step 2: Obtain macOS Sequoia Installer

Intel-Based MacBooks:
Option 1: App Store (if Available):
- If your host macOS is older (e.g., Ventura), download Install macOS Sequoia.app from the App Store if still listed (unlikely post-release—check softwareupdate --fetch-full-installer in Terminal).
- Size: ~12-14GB, saved to /Applications.
Option 2: gibMacOS:
- Open Terminal:
  git clone https://github.com/corpnewt/gibMacOS.git cd gibMacOS python3 gibMacOS.command
- Select “macOS Sequoia” (15.x), download, extract to /Applications/Install macOS Sequoia.app.
Apple Silicon MacBooks:
Download .ipsw:
- Visit developer.apple.com/download (Apple ID with Developer Program needed for betas; public release may be available via mrmacintosh.com).
- Example: UniversalMac_15.0_24A335_Restore.ipsw (~12GB).
- Save to ~/Downloads.
Associate with Parallels:
- Right-click the .ipsw > Get Info > Open with > Select Parallels Desktop > Change All.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

Open Parallels:
Launch Parallels Desktop > Go to Control Center (or File > New).
Choose Installation Method:
Intel MacBooks:
- Option 1: Download Sequoia:
- Click + > Download macOS (under “Free Systems”) > Select Sequoia if listed > Download.
- Parallels fetches the latest public version (may match host if Sequoia isn’t separate yet).
- Option 2: Use Installer App:
- Select Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an Image File.
- Drag /Applications/Install macOS Sequoia.app into the window > Continue.
- Option 3: Recovery Partition:
- Choose Install macOS [Version] Using the Recovery Partition > Continue.
Apple Silicon MacBooks:
- Option 1: Download Sequoia:
- Click + > Download macOS > Parallels downloads the host’s version (e.g., Sonoma if on Sonoma).
- To get Sequoia specifically, use .ipsw (Option 2).
- Option 2: Use .ipsw:
- Double-click the downloaded .ipsw (e.g., ~/Downloads/UniversalMac_15.0_24A335_Restore.ipsw).
- Or: + > Install Windows, Linux, or macOS from an Image File > Select the .ipsw > Continue.

Step 4: Configure the VM

Basic Settings:
Name: “macOS Sequoia VM” (or similar).
Location: Default (~/Parallels) is fine.
Customize (Optional):
Click Customize Settings Before Installation:
- CPU & Memory: 4 CPUs, 8GB RAM (adjust to half your Mac’s total max).
- Hard Disk: 64GB default—resize to 128GB+ if needed.
- Graphics: Set to “Best for Retina” (Intel) or default (Apple Silicon).
Click Create or Continue.

Step 5: Install macOS Sequoia

Start Installation:
The VM boots to the Sequoia installer.
Select language > Continue.
Choose Install macOS Sequoia > Continue > Agree to terms.
Select the virtual disk (e.g., “Macintosh HD”) > Install.
Duration: 20-40 minutes with restarts—be patient.
Setup: After install, configure Sequoia (language, user account, etc.) to reach the desktop.

Step 6: Enhance Integration (Optional)

Install Parallels Tools:
In the VM: Parallels menu > Actions > Install Parallels Tools.
Mounts a virtual CD—double-click Install > Follow prompts > Restart VM.
Benefits: Clipboard sharing, dynamic resolution (Intel has more features like Coherence).
Note: On Apple Silicon, some features (e.g., Snapshots, Coherence) are unsupported.

Step 7: Run as Second macOS

Launch Alongside Host:
Open Parallels Control Center > Double-click “macOS Sequoia VM” to start.
Your primary macOS (e.g., Sonoma) remains active—switch between them seamlessly.
Share Resources:
Drag files between host and VM, or copy/paste text (post-Parallels Tools).