Mist is a helpful tool when repairing older Macs or setting up virtual ones.
When it comes to restoring macOS on a non-booting device or setting up a virtual machine, there are times when you need a specific version of macOS. Unfortunately, downloading older macOS versions directly from Apple isn’t always straightforward. Fortunately, Mist, a free app developed by [Nindi Gill](Nindi Gill), makes it easy to download any macOS version, including as far back as macOS Lion (released in 2010). It also lets you choose the format for the download, adding a layer of flexibility.
Mist Provides Multiple Formats for Downloading macOS
Once you launch Mist, you’ll see a list of macOS versions available for download. You can easily filter out incompatible versions by checking the “Only show compatible versions” box. If you need beta versions, you can enable that option as well.
Mist supports various formats for downloading macOS:
- Application Bundle (.app)
- Disk Image (.dmg)
- Bootable Disk Image (.iso)
For versions newer than macOS Big Sur (2020), both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs are supported. Older versions, however, are compatible only with Intel-based Macs.
Another helpful feature is Mist’s ability to download Firmware Restore files (.ipsw), which are designed exclusively for Apple Silicon devices. Additionally, Mist can turn a USB drive into a recovery disk.
Mist: A Powerful and Versatile Tool
Mist may seem overwhelming at first due to its wide range of features. There are two main sections to navigate:
- Firmwares – For downloading .ipsw files specific to Apple Silicon devices.
- Installers – For downloading .app, .dmg, .iso files, and creating USB recovery disks.
Downloading a firmware is as simple as clicking the download button, and Mist will automatically give you the necessary file to restore your device. If you want to download an installer, you can select your preferred format after clicking the download button.
Create a USB Recovery Disk with Ease
One of the standout features of Mist is its ability to create a USB recovery disk. To do this, just click the hard drive button within the app. Keep in mind that this feature only supports macOS Big Sur and later, and it will erase everything currently on your USB drive.
Mist will take care of downloading the operating system and reformatting the drive, making it incredibly convenient. In the past, this process would require multiple tools, but Mist simplifies it all in one step.
Conclusion
Mist may not be essential for every Mac user, but it’s an invaluable tool for those who frequently repair Macs, work with virtual machines, or need to download specific macOS versions. If you’re someone who deals with macOS installations and troubleshooting regularly, Mist is an app worth keeping in your toolkit!
