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kOSKextReturnUnsupported
The operation is outside this implementation’s supported state
kOSKextReturnUnsupported means that an operation is no longer supported or not yet supported. It is not the same as kOSKextReturnDisabled, which says that an otherwise recognized operation is currently disabled.
For diagnosis, first identify the API and its intended deployment model. Kext interfaces are legacy technology on current macOS, and Apple recommends system extensions or DriverKit for capabilities that can run in user space. That broader platform direction may explain why a workflow is unsupported, but it does not change the exact meaning of this legacy status.
Unsupported versus disabled
| Status | Interpretation |
|---|---|
kOSKextReturnUnsupported | The operation is not supported in this implementation or lifecycle state. |
kOSKextReturnDisabled | The operation is currently disabled. |
kOSKextReturnSystemPolicy | System policy blocked the selected kext from loading. |
What to establish
- The exact API, macOS release, hardware family, and requested operation.
- Whether the product requires a kext specifically or can use the supported DriverKit, NetworkExtension, or system-extension path.
- Whether an unsupported call is being made because a tool assumes an older on-demand loading model.
References
- Apple XNU: OSKextLib.h
- Apple Platform Security: moving functionality to system extensions
- Apple Platform Deployment: system extensions in macOS
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