What is Happening?

macOS Monterey (12.x) and older versions are all discontinued and no longer supported by Apple, which also ended security updates and maintenance.  This means these older macOS versions 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 Monterey (12.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 (VPN is required to view the link if not on UCSF's network)
  • 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 service 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.

Expect macOS Ventura support to end in late 2025

With Apple's recent release of macOS Sequoia, macOS Ventura is now the third oldest macOS version and will cease to be supported later this year.  When this occurs, UCSF IT will stop providing standard software support for all computers running macOS Ventura on November 1, 2025.