Hackintosh | Xps 13 9370
Dell XPS 13 9370 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Early 2018) remains one of the most popular laptops for "Hackintoshing" due to its 8th-generation Intel processor and MacBook-like aesthetic. While modern macOS versions like Ventura (13.x) are stable, the upcoming end of Intel support in macOS (likely by 2026) makes this a project for users who prioritize current utility over long-term software updates. 🖥️ Hardware Compatibility
The 9370 is highly compatible but has a few critical "roadblocks" you must address:
CPU/GPU: The Intel Core i7-8550U and UHD Graphics 620 work natively with full hardware acceleration using the MacBookPro14,1 SMBIOS.
Storage: Some units ship with Samsung PM961 or Intel 600p NVMe SSDs, which are notoriously incompatible with macOS and can cause kernel panics. Replacing them with a WD Blue SN570 or SN750 is recommended.
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: The stock Killer 1435 card is soldered on some 9370 sub-models. If yours is soldered, you must use the AirportItlwm kext to make it work; if it's a standard M.2 slot, replacing it with a Broadcom card is the traditional path.
RAM: The memory is soldered and cannot be upgraded; ensure your model has at least 8GB (ideally 16GB) for a smooth experience. ✅ What Works vs. ❌ What Doesn't xps 13 9370 hackintosh
Most core functions are achievable with a properly configured OpenCore EFI. Memory - XPS 13 9370 Setup and Specifications | Dell US
NOTE: : The memory is integrated on the system board from the factory and it cannot be upgraded later. My finally perfect XPS 13 Hackintosh :D (everything works!
The Silicon Alchemist: The Art and Complexity of the XPS 13 9370 Hackintosh
The "Hackintosh"—the act of installing Apple’s macOS on non-Apple hardware—has long been a cornerstone of enthusiast computing. Among the myriad of laptops targeted for this transformation, the Dell XPS 13 9370 stands out as a definitive case study. To transform this flagship Windows machine into a functional "MacBook Pro alternative" is more than a simple software installation; it is an exercise in silicon alchemy, requiring a deep understanding of ACPI patching, kernel extensions, and the delicate balance of hardware-software synergy. The Allure of the 9370 Framework
The Dell XPS 13 9370 is often cited as the "perfect" Hackintosh candidate due to its physical parity with Apple’s design philosophy. With its vibrant 4K InfinityEdge display, compact aluminum chassis, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, it mirrors the aesthetic and functional goals of the MacBook Pro line. For users, the motivation is clear: to combine Dell’s superior industrial design and port selection with the fluidity of the macOS ecosystem, all while avoiding the "Apple Tax." Technical Hurdles and Kernel Mastery Dell XPS 13 9370 Go to product viewer dialog for this item
The path to a stable 9370 Hackintosh is defined by the transition from the older Clover bootloader to the modern OpenCore framework. The technical challenge lies in the "Blackbox" nature of Apple’s drivers. To make macOS "believe" it is running on native hardware, developers must create complex SSDT (System Secondary Description Table) patches.
The most significant hurdle for the 9370 specifically involves the Killer Wi-Fi card. Because macOS lacks drivers for many Atheros-based chips, users are often forced to choose between complex software workarounds or physically replacing the wireless card—a task made difficult by the 9370’s soldered components in some configurations. Furthermore, achieving "sleep/wake" stability and Thunderbolt hot-plugging functionality requires precise mapping of USB ports and power management profiles, transforming the user from a mere consumer into a systems debugger. The Community as a Catalyst
What makes the XPS 13 9370 Hackintosh viable is not a single genius, but a global collaborative effort. Platforms like GitHub and various enthusiast forums host "Golden Builds"—repository-based configurations that provide the necessary EFI folders and config.plist files. This open-source spirit allows a novice to stand on the shoulders of experts who have spent hundreds of hours troubleshooting I2C trackpad drivers or audio codecs. It is a rare example of "crowdsourced engineering" aimed at breaking down proprietary digital walls. Conclusion: A Lesson in Digital Sovereignty
Ultimately, the Dell XPS 13 9370 Hackintosh is a testament to user agency. It represents a refusal to be locked into a specific hardware-software vertical. While Apple continues to move toward its proprietary "Apple Silicon" (M-series chips), which effectively signals the eventual end of the Intel-based Hackintosh era, the 9370 remains a high-water mark for the movement. It proves that with enough community resolve and technical ingenuity, the boundaries of what a machine "should" do are limited only by the user’s willingness to tinker.
The Dell XPS 13 9370 is the best 13-inch Intel macOS laptop Apple never built. It offers better ports, a better display ratio, and a better keyboard (Dell’s MagLev is underrated) than the 2018 MacBook Air, for half the used price. iGPU: Intel UHD 620
Buy a used 9370 ($300–$400), spend $50 on a Broadcom WiFi card and a non-Hynix SSD, and you have a machine that beats the 2019 Intel MacBook Pro in thermals and value.
Just don’t try to use the webcam.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Deducted 0.5 for the SSD lottery and sleep tinkering).
The combo audio jack works, but you may hear a slight "pop" when audio starts/stops. AppleALC.kext fixes this mostly, but it’s never 100% Apple smooth.
Start with a Kaby Lake R sample config. Required kexts:
ACPI patches needed (.aml files in EFI/OC/ACPI):
config.plist quirks for XPS 9370 (key ones):