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Apple does not list 2003 iMac on non-OS 9 booting list
Apple has published Knowledge Base article #86209, which documents that some Macs only start up only in Mac OS X. These computers can run Classic, but they do not start up in Mac OS 9.
Interestingly, Apple does not list its new 2003 flat-panel iMac as one of the models that is restricted to Mac OS X-only booting. The only models listed are:
- PowerBook (12-inch)
- PowerBook (17-inch)
- Power Mac G4 (FW 800)
So while the new iMacs do not come with Mac OS 9 installed, it appears that they may have OS 9 booting capabilities. It also entirely possible that Apple simply left the new iMac models out of the Knowledge Base article (updated February 6th) because of their recent release.
The new iMacs lack FireWire 800, which is apparently one of the components for which Apple decided not to provide Mac OS 9 drivers.
Feedback on this issue? Drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.Resources
It's also always possible that Apple has revised the Mac OS ROM or System file in the OS 9 folders on the iMacs to specifically not boot other than into classic, so it may be a case of the 15" iMac being able to boot OS 9 but not from the provided system folder if it's found the new 15" iMac can't boot OS 9.
Given that the 17" iMac, Powerbook G4 Aluminum, and the Power Mac (FW 800) all have new revisions of the logic board for new technologies, though, I'd say that getting them to boot OS 9 would be impossible.