Maxxuss, the OSx86 hacking god, has finally cracked the OS X 10.4.4 encryption scheme, opening it up for installation on “beige boxes”. While every version of OS X has been difficult to crack, 10.4.4 raised the bar. With new security mechanisms such as EFI implemented into 10.4.4, several OSx86ers, including myself, were really wondering if it could be done. Maxxuss has proved us all wrong, showing that no matter how tough the security is, it will be cracked.

It should be mentioned that Maxxuss’ 10.4.4 patches are extremely preliminary. They have a long way to go until they reach the stability of the other cracked versions. If you’re trying to use OS X for any productive environment, it is highly recommended you wait awhile. Better patches will come over time, just like the previous hacked versions of OSx86.

Updated: Let the battle begin! Apple has just released 10.4.5, which of course breaks all the hard works Maxxuss has put into 10.4.4. It’s almost as if Apple was waiting for 10.4.4 to be cracked before releasing this update. Things sure are getting interesting.