Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.5 v2.0

Changelog

2025-04-23: Addressing high iGPU utilization and BT issues

• CONFIG
  • DeviceProperties/PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x2,0x0)
    • Deleted rps-control property → reduces overall system temperature (thanks to amane1234)
    • Deleted other unused/disabled iGPU properties
  • NVRAM
    • Re-enabled bluetoothInternalControllerInfo and bluetoothExternalDongleFailed entries in Add and Delete section so that Bluetooth works

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • Advancedmap → Original source is older
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.5 v1.0

Changelog

2025-04-11: Addressing performance issues (bye, bye YogaSMC)

It has almost been 3 years since the last YogaSMC update – and it just doesn't work properly in macOS Sonoma+ any more (check the reported issue for details). So in order to not make the Laptop perform worse than it is actually capable of, I decided to disable YogaSMC and everything related to it (CPUFriend, ACPI files) and let macOS handle CPU Power Management instead. This actually makes a difference: the system runs faster and smoother overall. Setback: only the important keyboard shortcuts are currently implemented: Volume up/down, Speaker Mute and Brightness Controls.

You can still use YogaSMC if you want to, but don't ask me for help if your system performs sub-optimal!

Changes

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.5 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS 14.7.5 (23H527) and macOS 15.5 Beta (24F5042g)
• CONFIG
  • ACPI/Add
    • Disabled SSDT-ECRW.aml → only req. for YogaSMC to work
    • Disabled SSDT-THINK.aml → only req. for YogaSMC to work
    • Added SSDT-T490-KBRD.aml
  • ACPI/Patch
    • Added Patches for Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Kernel/Add
    • Disabled YogaSMC.kext
    • Disabled CPUFriend.kext
    • Disabled CPUFriendDataProvider.kext

Deployment

• Delete YogaSMC Prefpane (if installed)
• Delete YogaSMC App and disable the Login Item as well (if installed)
• Install EFI
• Add Serial, SMB, etc.
• Reboot
• Reset NVRAM
• Apply Root Patch for modern WiFi (Sequoia only)
• For more detailed instructions check my repo!

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • Advancedmap → Original source is older
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.4 v4.0

Changelog

2025-01-17: SDCard Reader in Sonoma and Sequoia… sorta…

In order for the SD Card Reader to work in macOS Sonoma and Sequoia, the Micro SD Card has to be inserted into it before booting macOS – otherwise it won't be mounted. And once an SD card is ejected, it won't mount again, after re-inserting it. These kexts haven't been updated in years, so that's why they don't work as expected no more, I guess.

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.4 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 3
• CONFIG
  • DeviceProperties
    • Changed AAPL,slot-name to build-in, where appropriate.
  • Kernel/Add
    • RealtekCardReader and RealtekCardReaderFriend kexts → Deleted MaxKernel settings, so they are loaded in macOS Sequoia
    • Updated YogaSMC.kext to v 2.0.0 (compiled it myself). I still have to figure out how to compile the corresponding prefpane – it wasn't in the "build" folder…

For deployment, follow the instructions on my repo!

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • Advancedmap → Original source is older
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.4 v3.0

Changelog

2025-01-14: Fixed screen wake issue and AppleVTD

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.4 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 3
• CONFIG
  • DeviceProperties
    • Fixed an issue where the external screen would not wake after exiting sleep
  • Kernel/Quirks
    • Changed DisableIoMapper to false and DisableIoMapperMapping to true → enables AppleVTD
• For deployment, follow the instructions on my repo

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • Advancedmap → Original source is older
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.4 v2.0

Changelog

2025-01-09: Config Refinements

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.4 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 3
• CONFIG
  • DeviceProperties:
    • Deleted unused/leftover framebuffer patches
    • Modified BRCM WiFi sppof → Only IOName property is required to trigger "Modern WiFi" root patches in OCLP – and it can stay enabled.

How to enable AirportItlwm in macOS Sequoia

1. Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher (.pkg).
2. Remove HeliPort from Login-Items (if present) – you won't need it any more.
3. Download my EFI folder and extract it.
4. Place it in your EFI partition.
5. Reboot into macOS Sequoia
6. At this stage, WiFi won't work!
7. Install OpenCore legacy patcher and run it
8. Click on "Root Patches"
9. Next, click on "Start Root Patching" to install the required frameworks for "Modern Wi-Fi"
10. Once that's done, reboot
11. Reset NVRAM and start macOS Sequoia.
12. Connect to a WiFi AP via Airport-Utility

More details about this patch can be found here

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.4 v1.0

Changelog

2025-01-06: AirportItlwm in macOS Sequoia! 🎉

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.4 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.3 beta 3
• I've managed to re-enable AirportItlwm functionaliy in macOS Sequoia by utilizin OCLP's "Modern WiFi" root patching capabilities!
• CONFIG:
  • DeviceProperties:
    • Added Properties for #PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x14,0x3) → spoofs Intel WiFi card as Broadcom BCM4360 in order to trigger "Modern WiFi" root patches in OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
  • Kernel/Add:
    • Added IOSkywalkFamily.kext
    • Added IO80211FamilyLegacy.kext
    • Disabled Itlwm → no longer needed.
  • Kernel/Block:
    • Added Blocking of com.apple.iokit.IOSkywalkFamily in macOS Sequoia so it can be downgraded to the older version injected by OpenCore

How to enable AirportItlwm in macOS Sequoia

Please read the following instructions carefully.

1. Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher (.pkg).
2. Remove HeliPort from Login-Items (if present) – you won't need it any more.
3. Download my EFI folder and extract it.
4. Place it in your EFI partition.
5. Open the config.plist.
6. In DeviceProperties, remove the leading # from this entry: #PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x14,0x3) to enable the BCM WiFi card spoof.
7. Copy over PlatfornInfo/Generic data from your existing config (MLB, Serial, ROM, etc.)
8. Save your config and reboot into macOS Sequoia
9. At this stage, WiFi won't work!
10. Install OpenCore legacy patcher and run it
11. Click on "Root Patches"
12. Next, click on "Start Root Patching" to install the required frameworks for "Modern Wi-Fi"
13. Once that's done, OCLP will ask you to reboot – but don't do it yet
14. Mount your EFI, open your config.plist and disable the WiFi card spoof again by adding a leading # to this device: PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x14,0x3) to disable it.
15. Save your config and reboot.
16. Reset NVRAM and start macOS Sequoia.
17. Connect to a WiFi AP via Airport-Utility

More details about this patch can be found here

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.3 v2.0

Changelog

2024-11-20: Sequoia 15.2 Support

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.3 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 beta 2 (24C5079e)
• Updated kexts

Previous version crashed early during 15.2 installation.

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.3 v1.0

Changelog

2024-09-18: Added new array Unload

• Updated OpenCore and Drivers to version 1.0.3 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 (23H218) and macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta 5
• CONFIG:
  • Added Array UEFI/Unload → Refer to OpenCore Documentation for details
• KEXTS:
  • Updated AppleALC to v 1.9.2
  • Updated VoodooPS2, VoodooSMBus and VoodooRMI kexts

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.2 v2.0

Changelog

2024-09-18: Attempting Hibernation Fix

Added kexts and setting to address cmos battery checksum error when using hibernation. See below for details.

• Updated OpenCore to version 1.0.2 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.7.1 (23H209) and macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta (24B5046f)
• KEXTS:
  • Compiled and added custom build of AdvancedMap (v4.0.1) based on this PR which works on both macOS Sonoma and Sequoia
  • Deleted AdvancedMap_Sonoma and AdvancedMap_Sequoia kexts → superfluous
  • Added RTCMemoryFixup and HibernationFixup to address issues with hibernation
• CONFIG:
  • Added boot-arg rtcfx_exclude=80-AB to address cmos battery checksum error when using hibernatemode 25
• RESOURCES
  • Added GoldenGate icons from OCLP → includes icons for macOS 15
  • Deleted Chardonnay and Syrah Iconsets since I never use them

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext
  • VooodooSMBus → Custom variant
  • VoodooRMI → Contains VoodooInput from a previous nightly build. If you update VoodooRMI, the mouse pointer won't work in macOS Sequoia

Lenovo T490 OpenCore 1.0.2 v1.0

Changelog

2024-08-18: OpenCore 1.0.2, housekeeping and USB flash drive

• Updated OpenCore to version 1.0.2 (nightly)
• Tested with macOS Sonoma 14.6.1 and Sequoia beta 8 (24A5331b)
• The issue with mounting FAT32 formatted disks has been resolved in Sequoia beta 6
• UEFI/Quirks
  • Re-Enabled RequestBootVarRooting → The quirk causes to show the internal EFI disk but not a connected USB flash drive with an EFI folder. If you want to boot from an external USB flash drive, use the BIOS boot menu (press F12 before OpenCore is loaded).
• Deleted boot-chime (.wav) from Resources/Audio. It contained both the .wav and the .mp3 file.

Important

• Reset NVRAM before booting!
• SecureBootModel is set to Disabled! You can re-enable it after updating to macOS 14.4 or newer. Otherwise the update fails!
• Don't update the following Kexts:
  • AirportItlwm → Slimmed kext
  • AppleALC → Slimmed kext
  • IntelBluetoothFirmware → Slimmed kext
  • Itlwm → Slimmed kext
  • VooodooSMBus → Custom variant
  • VoodooRMI → Contains VoodooInput from a previous nightly build. If you update the main kext, the mouse pointer won't work in Sequoia