Updating macOS Ventura to Sonoma on a ThinkPad X280 Hackintosh

Your issue with updating your Hackintosh from macOS Ventura to Sonoma on a ThinkPad X280 could be related to several factors, primarily compatibility issues or configuration problems in your current setup. Here's how you can troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Ensure Compatibility

• Hardware Check: Verify that your hardware is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma. The Intel Core i5-8350U and Intel HD Graphics 620 should be supported, but you need to make sure your specific configurations in the EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) are appropriate for Sonoma.
• Update OpenCore or Clover: Make sure you are using the latest version of your bootloader (OpenCore or Clover). Newer macOS versions often require updates to the bootloader to ensure compatibility.

2. Update EFI Folder

• Kexts: Ensure that all your kexts (kernel extensions) are up-to-date. This includes Lilu.kext, WhateverGreen.kext, AppleALC.kext, and others that are necessary for your hardware.
• Config.plist: Your config.plist needs to be properly configured for macOS Sonoma. Check for any new settings or properties that might be required for the update. Use tools like ProperTree or OpenCore Configurator to edit your config.plist.

3. Try Safe Mode Installation

• Boot into macOS with the -v flag (verbose mode) to see where the installation hangs.
• Additionally, try safe mode (-x flag) to see if the installer can get past the point where it typically fails.

4. Check Secure Boot Model

• Make sure that your SecureBootModel in the config.plist is set correctly. Sometimes setting this to Disabled can help in scenarios where the macOS installer fails to boot.

5. Direct Installation on Separate Volume

• Since updating through the usual methods is failing, you might want to try installing Sonoma on a separate volume. Use Disk Utility to create a new volume and attempt to install Sonoma directly onto that volume, leaving your existing Ventura installation untouched.

6. BIOS Settings

• Double-check your BIOS settings. Ensure that VT-d, CFG Lock, and Secure Boot are disabled. These settings can sometimes interfere with the installation process.

7. Use a USB Installer

• Create a bootable USB installer for macOS Sonoma. Sometimes, the update process can be more reliable through a fresh installation rather than an in-place upgrade.

8. Post-Installation Tweaks

• After successfully installing Sonoma, you might need to perform post-installation steps such as reapplying certain patches, configuring audio, and ensuring that all peripherals work correctly.

9. Fixing AirDrop

• AirDrop with Intel Wireless: For AirDrop, your Intel 8756ac might not natively support this feature. You can try using the itlwm kext along with HeliPort to get basic Wi-Fi functionality, but AirDrop might still be challenging. A solution could be to replace the Wi-Fi card with a Broadcom one that's natively supported by macOS (e.g., BCM94360CS2).

10. Consult Hackintosh Communities

• If you're still having trouble, consider reaching out to Hackintosh communities like InsanelyMac, TonyMacx86, or the Hackintosh subreddit. Often, others with the same hardware have encountered and solved similar issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issues preventing your macOS Ventura from updating to Sonoma on your ThinkPad X280.