VirtualBuddy runs macOS 12 and later in virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.
FreeOpen source
24 alternativesDocker OSX
Docker-OSX runs macOS virtual machines in Docker, with X11 forwarding and CI/CD use described by its repository.
About Docker OSX
Docker-OSX is an open source repository for running macOS virtual machines inside Docker containers. The README describes near-native performance, X11 forwarding, and iMessage and iPhone USB use, and says it can be used for security research on macOS from both Linux and Windows. Setup is done with docker run commands that pass through /dev/kvm, and example commands are given for Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura and Sonoma. The project is maintained by Sick.Codes and built on top of OSX-KVM.
The example commands require access to the /dev/kvm device. The performance is described as near-native, not identical to a physical Mac. Pricing is not stated in the source.
Key features
- Runs macOS virtual machines inside Docker containers
- X11 forwarding to display the macOS desktop
- Example run commands for Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura and Sonoma
- Lists iPhone USB connectivity as working in the README
- Documents iMessage security research as a use case
- Built on OSX-KVM and uses the OpenCore bootloader
Best for: Developers and security researchers who want to run macOS environments in Docker on Linux or Windows hosts.
Good for
- Open source, with a LICENSE file in the repository
- Community contact available through a Discord server and a Telegram group
- Includes a video setup tutorial and a list of contributors
Watch out for
- Example commands require access to the /dev/kvm device
- Performance is described as near-native, not identical to native macOS
Docker OSX at a glance
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Mac Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- macOS
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Docker OSX FAQ
Which macOS releases have example run commands?
The repository includes example docker run commands for Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11), Monterey (12), Ventura (13) and Sonoma (14).
What does the setup require at the host level?
The example commands pass the --device /dev/kvm option to docker run, so the host must provide that KVM device.
Who maintains the project?
The README states that the project is maintained by Sick.Codes and that it is built on top of the OSX-KVM project.
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