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Apple Mac user? Wait before upgrading your Operating System - updated

03 Oct 2023

What you need to know about the latest Operating System release

Apple Mac Computer

Update (5 January 2024)

IT Services have confirmed that our core applications work as expected, and we're now happy for Mac users to upgrade their Operating Systems to macOS 14.

Note for IBM SPSS Statistics users:

IBM SPSS Statistics v29 requires an 'interim fix' be applied to permit successful launch on macOS 14 Sonoma.  Apple Macs managed by the University will have this fix applied automatically as a Software Centre update following upgrade if SPSS is already installed or during install if SPSS is added via the Software Centre.  Users of self-managed devices should refer to IBM's bulletin: SPSS Statistics Doesn't Run on Sonoma (macOS 14.0).

We would like to remind staff to check that the versions of the applications they use regularly are compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma, and to ensure that their important data is backed up before upgrading.

Original message (3 October 2023)

As you may be aware, Apple have announced the latest release of their macOS Operating System (14.0 – known as “Sonoma”) for their Mac computers, however IT Services are advising Mac users not to upgrade yet.

We always advise against updating any Operating System immediately after release. This ensures that any potential bugs or incompatibility issues can be identified.

Apple Macs managed by the University will be temporarily blocked from upgrading to macOS 14.0 until we’re happy that any compatibility issues have been resolved. Our stance on macOS upgrades has always been to advise those using Macs for University business to wait until at least the third update following release, to allow the system to mature and bugs to be corrected.

While we are asking you not to upgrade your operating system just yet, you should continue to apply any security or stability updates for your existing operating system promptly.