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Apple releases an upgrade to macOS yearly in the Fall. Learn how LITS plans for and supports these changes.
About macOS upgrades and updates
Apple refers to changes within one named version of the operating system as "updates." The minor release to patch Sonoma from 14.5 to 14.6.1 is an example of an update. Updates mainly provide security patches, though they can at times bring smaller changes to new or existing features.
Moving from one named version to another is an "upgrade." Running Software Updates to go from macOS 12.6.7 (Monterey) to macOS 14.6.1 (Sonoma) is an upgrade.
This terminology is not standard across the IT industry, but it helps to understand the difference in the context of Apple devices.
Our Mac management system allows us to control when updates and upgrades are "seen" by computers. Because major upgrades require planning and testing, we defer major releases by the maximum allowed 90 days from the time Apple releases it.
Apple officially supports only the current OS version. As of 16 September 2024, this will be macOS Sequoia (15). Important vendors such as Microsoft only support the current version plus the previous two versions (commonly referred to as N, N-1, and N-2). This means that every fall, the 3rd oldest version of macOS falls out of support for software such as MS Word and Excel. Because we rely on patches to Microsoft applications, as a campus we can't support OSes older than N-2. Historically, Apple has been releasing the last security update for a given operating system in July of the third year since it was released (the N-2 release), so that gives each OS an active lifespan of about 2 years and 10 months.
Upgrades may introduce compatibility issues with 3rd party applications. LITS enforces an upgrade deferral period of 90 days from the release date to allow for testing.
Apple officially supports only the current OS version. As of September 16, 2024, this is macOS Sequoia (15). Still receiving updates are macOS Sonoma (14) and Ventura (13).
macOS upgrade testing and lifecycle
LITS's goal is to make the transition to new versions of macOS as easy as possible. We test new operating systems to make sure they are compatible with our management tools and essential applications.
Test Stage (Summer/early Fall)
Apple announces the upcoming major release of macOS every June at the World Wide Developers' Conference. CTS staff participate in beta testing and identify potential challenges or changes that will need process changes or documentation.
New OS announced/beta testing
- CTS staff participate in beta testing program AppleSeed for IT
- Test new beta releases against deployment and maintenance processes
- Provide feedback to Apple
- Annotate processes for changes
Release preparation/Beta period
- Prepare a Software Restriction in Jamf (Mac management system) to block the coming OS installer app from running
- Check all configuration profiles that include a Restrictions payload to ensure that profiles set a 90 day delay for upgrades on production systems
- Draft documents on changes
- Reiterate process changes
Expiring OS expecting last updates in July
- Begin messaging about updates to the currently supported version
- Provide Self Service action item to facilitate updates to currently supported version before the new fall release confuses the issue
Release Day (early-mid Fall)
On release day we may hear questions about the availability of the upgrade. We let people know that the new version will be available generally after 90 days. Folks can join Early Adopters for earlier access (once internal testing is complete and the campus is not in a busy point of the semester).
New OS on release day
- Enable Software Restriction with the confirmed release name
- Finalize user documentation about the upgrade release
- Plan for Early Adopters testing (Early Adopters opt-in)
Expired OS on release day
- Continue messaging about upgrades to a supported OS version (preferably the new N-1)
Early Roll-out (mid-semester through late Nov)
Once we're ready to support the first users, we can allow Early Adopters to upgrade. They can let us know about any changes they find significant, as well as any compatibility issues with less common software and hardware.
- Early Adopters testing (after internal LITS testing is complete)
- Update user-facing information
- Disable Software Restriction for Early Adopters
- Track adoption percentage
- Reminder about upgrading from the older, newly retired OS
Main Adoption Stage (J-term/spring break)
Once the 90 day deferral period is up, we can promote and encourage folks to upgrade when ready. We encourage readiness with documentation, news updates, drop-in support.
- Recommended Upgrade Period
- Advertise desirability of upgrade to faculty and staff
- Communicate helper information (backups, new feature information)
- Announce recommended deadline
- Reminders of Helpdesk appointment availability for upgrade assistance
- Self Service upgrade action
- Reminders about the retirement of the older OS
Wind-down (mid spring/early summer)
We'd love to see everyone on the new operating system by mid-spring!
- Communicate upgrade deadline; provide helper information
- Request for assistance with upgrade via Helpdesk
- Self Service upgrade action
- Planning academic labs based on the new OS
- Track adoption percentage
The cycle begins again . . .
In June, Apple announces the next version of macOS at the World Wide Developers' Conference . . . .
Supported macOS versions and last release dates
These are the macOS operating systems of the last 10 years, along with the date that the last patch was released for that version.
- macOS Sequoia (15) - initial release date 16 SEP 2024
- macOS Sonoma (14) - currently patching
- macOS Ventura (13) - currently patching
- macOS Monterey (12) - 29 JUL 2024
- macOS Big Sur (11) - 11 SEP 2023
- macOS Catalina (10.15) - 20 JUL 2022
- macOS Mojave (10.14) - 21 JUL 2021
- macOS High Sierra (10.13) - 12 NOV 2020
- macOS Sierra (10.12) - 22 JUL 2019
- macOS El Capitan (10.11) - 9 JUL 2018
- macOS Yosemite (10.10) - 19 JUL 2017
- macOS Mavericks (10.9) - 18 Jul 2016