Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Before you update your Mac in 2026, there are a few things worth checking first to protect your files and avoid compatibility problems.

In this guide, I walk through my pre-update process including compatibility, backups, storage cleanup, app support and recovery preparation.

I also take a look at macOS Tahoe on unsupported Macs with OpenCore Legacy Patcher and what macOS 27 Golden Gate means for older Intel Macs.

Thanks to MacPaw for sponsoring this video.

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📋 Table of Contents:

Intro: 00:00
Check Compatibility: 00:43
Update Apps & macOS: 02:05
Back Up Your Mac: 03:19
Download iCloud Files: 03:48
Clean Up Your Mac: 04:44
Find Large Files: 05:34
Finder & Smart Folders: 06:06
App Compatibility: 07:49
Recovery Prep: 09:07
Test macOS Externally: 09:52
Unsupported Macs & Tahoe: 10:19
Golden Gate & Intel Macs: 12:30

🍎 macOS Resources

EveryMac Lookup:
everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup

macOS 27 Golden Gate:
apple.com/os/macos

Bootable macOS Installer:
support.apple.com/en-us/101578

Rosetta & Intel Apps:
support.apple.com/en-us/102527

🧩 OpenCore Resources

Latest OpenCore Release:
github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/releases/latest

OpenCore Nightly Builds:
github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/blob/main/SOURCE.md

Tahoe Support Tracker:
github.com/dortania/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/issues/1167

2013 MacBook Pro Tahoe Report:
forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-tahoe-26-on-unsupported-macs-discussion.2458481/page-51

2013 iMac Tahoe Report:
forums.macrumors.com/threads/macos-tahoe-26-on-unsupported-macs-discussion.2458481/page-15

🎥 Related Tutorials

Smart Folders:
youtube.com/watch?v=fP3vQZugVjQ

Advanced Finder & Spotlight:
youtube.com/watch?v=11pshFTIUNo

Install Sequoia on Unsupported Macs:
youtube.com/watch?v=in5-3EjKFqA

Install Sonoma on Unsupported Macs:
youtube.com/watch?v=D8djeFJ1czU

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☎️ Get in Contact with Me
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#macOS #Mac #OpenCoreLegacyPatcher #CleanMyMac