What is Happening?

macOS Catalina 10.15.x and older versions are all discontinued and no longer supported by Apple that includes ending security updates and maintenance.  UCSF IT Field Services (ITFS) ended support of macOS Catalina 10.14.x since November 30, 2022.  All versions of macOS Catalina (10.15.x) and older no longer meet UCSF's minimum security standards.

It is a minimum security standard of UCSF that all computers used for UCSF business must run vendor-supported versions of operating systems to avoid security risks.  Computers that no longer meet this security requirement will eventually be blocked from UCSF's network.

What do I need to do?

If your Mac is running macOS Catalina 10.15.x or any older versions, we suggest upgrading it to the latest supported version of macOS as soon as possible.  Your action is required to achieve this.

To ensure our ability to continue to support your computer with application software upgrades to current versions on the market, please consider one of the following options to upgrade macOS a newer version to ensure continued support:

• If you have an ITFS-supported computer still running a discontinued version of macOS, please open a IT ticket to request to upgrade: https://ucsf.service-now.com/ess/get_it_help.do.
  • For "Type of Help", select the option Computer, Software, Mobile Devices and Printers
• If you have a computer that is not supported by or subscribed with ITFS, or unsure, please consult one of the following options:
  • If your computer is running UCSF IT Security Suite, please visit this web page for special instructions to follow before upgrading macOS: https://wiki.library.ucsf.edu/x/nSnPHQ (MyAccess login required)
  • To request technical assistant on ensuring your macOS upgrade is successful, you may open an IT ticket on our website at https://ucsf.service-now.com/ess/get_it_help.do.
    • For "Type of Help", select the option Computer, Software, Mobile Devices and Printers
  • If your computer is unusable and requires immediate service, you may call our IT Service Desk at (415) 514-4100 to request an IT field technician to help you on site at UCSF.
• Please note that ITFS may charge an hourly rate to assist users that are not subscribed to any desktop support services from ITFS.

What other impacts do I need to be aware of besides security risk?

UCSF IT cannot assist with future upgrades to application software if your macOS version isn't current, such as Microsoft Office and various productivity applications, when their respective vendors no longer maintain official compatibility of their software products with older OS versions.  Additionally, OS versions that reached end of life are no longer maintained by their manufacturers, such as end of enhancements and security updates, which will render them no longer meeting UCSF's minimum security standards.

Please also be aware that macOS Mojave was the final version that supported older 32-bit applications as described on Apple's website at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436 and UCSF IT cannot provide direct assistance with modifying any such applications to run on newer macOS versions without direct support from those applications' vendors.

Older 32-bit applications for Macs are listed in this website at https://roaringapps.com/collections/list-of-32-bit-macos-apps.

Note: RoaringApps is not affiliated with UCSF.

Expect macOS Big Sur support to end in late 2023

With Apple's recent release of macOS Ventura, macOS Big Sur is now the third oldest macOS version and will cease to be supported later this year.  When this occurs, ITFS will stop providing standard software support for all computers running macOS Big Sur on November 1, 2023.