macOS as a virtual machine: Apple removes annoying iCloud restriction
Until now, macOS virtual machines have lacked iCloud access. This is set to change with macOS 15 Sequoia but there is still a catch.
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Apple has announced a significantly improved virtualization of macOS: In the future, Mac users will be able to log in to iCloud in a virtual macOS machine. Previously, this was impossible. As a result, numerous iCloud functions and data synchronization via iCloud will be available in virtual machines (VMs) for the first time. This development is not only relevant for developers to test their software but also for end users who want to continue using the iCloud services integrated into the operating system with the VM.
Prerequisite is macOS 15 – on host and VM
As of macOS 15 Sequoia, the virtualization framework supports "access to iCloud accounts and resources", as Apple notes in the updated developer documentation. One catch is that both the host system and the virtual machine must run under macOS 15. This means that developers cannot test the interaction of their programs with iCloud in VMs with older macOS versions; access to iCloud is still denied there.
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To be able to log in with the Apple ID – in future simply called "Apple Account" – the virtual machine must also be freshly set up with macOS 15. Upgrading an older macOS VM to macOS 15 is generally possible, but will not unlock iCloud, as Apple notes.
Each macOS 15 VM with its identity
The reason for this annoying restriction was obviously security concerns. The new system is designed to prevent a virtual machine from being moved to another Mac host and simply restarted there with the logged-in Apple or iCloud account – thus potentially providing access to sensitive data.
With macOS 15, each macOS VM is given a unique identity based on information in the Secure Enclave of the host Mac, Apple explains. It can thus identify itself to iCloud in the same way as a physical Mac. If the VM is transferred to another host or duplicated, the framework should automatically create a new identity for the virtual machine, which then requires a new login to iCloud. macOS 15 Sequoia is currently only available in an initial beta intended for developers. The final version of the operating system will be released in the fall.
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