The act of retrieving and installing previous iterations of Apple’s operating system, macOS, allows users to access software environments that may be better suited to specific hardware or application requirements. This process often involves obtaining a disk image file from either Apple’s servers or trusted third-party sources and then creating a bootable installer on external media, such as a USB drive.
Accessing legacy macOS releases provides numerous advantages. It enables the continued use of older hardware that may no longer be compatible with the latest operating system updates. Moreover, it allows users to run legacy applications designed for specific macOS versions, which might not function correctly or at all on newer systems. Historically, this capability has been vital for professionals in fields like graphic design and video editing, where compatibility with specific software versions is paramount for ongoing projects. The practice also allows users to test software compatibility across different operating system environments.