You don't have to change the source or compile with `clang` -- switching the LD command to: ld -arch x86_64 -o hello hello.o -macosx_version_min 10.8 -static

You don't have to change the source or compile with `clang` -- switching the LD command to: ld -arch x86_64 -o hello hello.o -macosx_version_min 10.8 -static -e _main is sufficient if you're determined to violate the OS vendor's compatibility requirements.