How to install Mavericks on a Macmini that shipped with Yosemite.

That’s not possible.

(120423)

You can't install a lower version of OS X than the version that it shipped with.

Sorry.

I think it has to do with Apple's tight hardware/software integration. When they introduce a newer model Mac, Apple always makes sure that the new OS always works the best with brand new hardware they developed to optimally run their newly developed OS and so they write firmware code that locks in their current software innovations with their latest computer hardware innovations.

It has always been this way for the 20+ years I have been using Macs. I do not expect Apple to change its procedures on this matter any time soon.

You can't install a lower version of OS X than the version that it shipped with.

I've successfully done this. I purchased a new Mac Pro with OS 10.7 we had several programs that require Rosetta and no updates were available. I put in my Apple OS 10.6 install disk and it installed perfectly.

There are times where it is possible. There were a few models at the transition to Lion's release where the hardware hadn't changed one bit. So if you could find the same model that shipped with Snow Leopard, you could use those disks. But normally, older versions of OS X don't work because they don't have the necessary hardware drivers for newer models, so won't allow you to install them.

Other times, it's been found that the hardware itself hasn't changed (system board, graphics, etc.), only the firmware. But the updated firmware blocks the use of an older OS that would otherwise work and confines you to the OS it shipped with or newer. Sometimes you can get around that by finding a Mac that is the exact same hardware (other than the firmware) that came with the previous OS and clone the drive from one to the other.

You could try & get a 'new-old-stock' model, at times recently there had been a few

on the Apple Store (US) refurbished and clearance web pages, in online store only.

They come and go. There were none day before yesterday in Mini, in either page.

If there aren't any listed in the Clearance section, where the original kit would still

have the included version of software (10.9.0 w/ Mini 2.3GHz quad-core server)...

You could see if this product, new stock, from another vendor could work. This

is a Server version quad-core from Late 2012, and so did not ship with Yosemite:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/897214-REG/Apple_md389ll_a_Mac_mini_Deskto p_Computer.html

They had the regular Mini for sale (Late 2012) some time ago; these both are the ones you

can add RAM & upgrade to 16GB, unlike the newest Oct 2014 model where you can't.

After Oct 2014, the MINI in the Apple Store online was the newest, with Yosemite...

A few real stores may have had a clearance, on say, black friday sale, etc.

{The Late 2012 MINI originally shipped with Mt Lion 10.8, in Oct 2012; the ones you

may see now were built in 2014, and shipped with Mavericks 10.9.0. There is a slim

chance these may work with 10.8.5, though they had 10.9 installed. But maybe not.}

I'd considered one there, and looked into RAM upgrade, plus AppleCare at the same time.

At a fair discount, when available. The quad-core server had 4GB RAM, two 1-TB HDDs,

was 2.3GHz per core, and shipped with display adapter, power cord, in little box w/ Mini.

So maybe you could get a different computer, as you have up to 14 days to change your

mind; & if you do, contract Apple directly (main 800#) to get return authorization set so they

know you've considered a return. -- Even if you change your mind, this works to advantage.

In the US, you get 14 days after you get a return authorization if you contact Apple main.

Be sure you clarify details with Apple main/online store, not a local one in this matter.

That may be the only way you could still get a New computer that would run Mavericks.

Not sure if you could count on any official Refurbished model to ship with less than 10.10.

On that matter, you'd have to call Apple Store (800#) and maybe they can't tell you either.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Sometimes if you find the downlevel OS on an external hd, the system will boot the OS on the external hd.

You could install a virtual machine like Virtual Box. Install the older OS in virtual box and use that.

Robert

Apple's explanation.

Install OSX Restrictions

Thanks, Eric! I'd never seen that page before. That's a good one to remember.

Thanks for finding this too, Eric!

I have bookmarked this link for future reference and use

Be well...stay well!

😉

Kurt and Michel, you are welcome.