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Last active August 15, 2023 05:50
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🍏 Guide to disabling SIP & editing an applications plist file to allow it to execute even if Apple said no. For MacOS Catalina 10.15.7, but may work on other versions.
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MACOS_BYPASS_APPLOCK.md

MACOS BYPASS SOFT-LOCKING APPS

Such as Xcode, which is pretty important I've heard...

🟨 DISCLAIMER ⬛️

PERFORM THESE STEPS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

THIS GUIDE MAY INSTRUCT YOU TO VIOLATE APPLE'S OFFICIAL TERMS OF USE.
I IN NO WAY ENDORSE YOU DOING SO.
THIS GUIDE IS PRESENTED EXCLUSIVELY AS A PROOF OF CONCEPT
INTENDED ONLY FOR EDUCATIONAL / RESEARCH USE


This guide is entirely generated by ChatGPT-4 + Plugins.
August 15th, 2023

As an example, Xcode 12.4 is used here, but this process is applicable to any application showing this (awful) error message

image

It seems like you're facing an issue with macOS Catalina where certain applications, like Xcode 12.4, are being soft-locked by Apple, even though they are compatible with your operating system. This is a complex task that involves modifying system behavior, and it should be approached with caution. Please make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bypass this restriction:

Step 1: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

Disabling SIP is necessary to make changes to certain system files. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command + R keys until you see the Apple logo.
  2. Open Terminal from the Utilities menu.
  3. Enter the following command and press Enter: 
    csrutil disable
  4. Restart your Mac again.

Step 2: Modify the Application's Info.plist File

You'll need to modify the Info.plist file of the application that's being soft-locked. In this case, it's Xcode 12.4.

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Navigate to the application's directory. For Xcode, it's usually in the Applications folder: 
    cd /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents
  3. Open the Info.plist file using a text editor like nano: 
    sudo nano Info.plist
  4. Look for the key LSMinimumSystemVersion and modify its value to your macOS version (e.g., "10.15.0" for Catalina).
  5. Save the file and exit the text editor.

Step 3: Re-enable System Integrity Protection (SIP)

It's a good practice to re-enable SIP after making the necessary changes.

  1. Restart your Mac and hold down the Command + R keys until you see the Apple logo.
  2. Open Terminal from the Utilities menu.
  3. Enter the following command and press Enter: 
    csrutil enable
  4. Restart your Mac again.

Now, you should be able to run the application without the version restriction message.

Note: These steps involve modifying system files and disabling security features. It's recommended to proceed with caution and consult with a professional if you're unsure about any of the steps. Disabling SIP and modifying system files can lead to potential security risks and system instability.

Disclaimer: This method is provided for informational purposes only and may violate Apple's terms of service. Proceed at your own risk.

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