The retrieval of a system image for Apple’s macOS Monterey, specifically in ISO format, enables its utilization within Oracle’s VirtualBox virtualization software. This process facilitates the creation of a virtual machine environment capable of running macOS Monterey on non-Apple hardware or alongside other operating systems. The ISO file acts as a digital disk image, containing all the installation files necessary for the operating system.
Access to and utilization of such an image allows users to experience macOS Monterey in a sandbox environment, experiment with its features, test software compatibility, or develop applications for the Apple ecosystem without requiring a dedicated Apple device. Historically, acquiring these images involved methods that were often complex, legally ambiguous, and dependent on specific Apple hardware configurations. The ability to readily create or obtain a suitable image streamlines this process, reducing the barrier to entry for developers, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in the macOS platform.
