Apple macOS 13 Ventura

Apple Ventura (macOS 13.0)

University Systems has a responsibility to provide secure and reliable technology to our community and as such keeps up with the ever-changing technology environment. This includes the deployment of additional technologies and supporting our community to work and learn remotely, while also adapting to changes such as the introduction of new technologies that are not immediately compatible with our environment.

Apple introduced a new operating system (Ventura/macOS 13) on October 24. Ventura is the latest release of the Apple operating system for Macintosh computers such as iMacs, MacBooks and Mac Pros. For more details on Ventura see https://www.apple.com/macos/ventura/.

University Systems started testing as soon as it was available so we could ensure that the new macOS would work with the software our community relies on for teaching and research.

A thorough test and review of the current version of Ventura has been performed.

If you are buying a new Macintosh it may come with Ventura pre-installed. We recommend that you run Software Update to ensure you have any updates both for macOS but also for any Apple applications that may require an update to run under Ventura.

While most core software used at UVic has or will have versions available that are compatible with Ventura, other software may not yet be compatible and either won’t install or run, or is not officially supported by the vendor. Each software vendor has offered different timelines for compatibility, and we are testing new versions as they are released. All of this information is documented in this bulletin, which we published in October 2022 and will keep updated.

You may rely on software that is not compatible with Ventura. This will include any 32bit-only applications, which will be reliant on updates from vendors to 64-bit. This could include hardware drivers (printers, scanners, lab equipment, etc). If you're considering purchasing a new Macintosh computer or upgrading to Ventura, please take care to ensure the software you require can run on Ventura.

The following website is a crowdsourced library of programs that reports on compatibility with Ventura, it may help inform whether a program you rely on is compatible with Ventura: https://roaringapps.com/apps?platform=osx

UVic-specific applications in the list below have been reviewed and tested for compatibility with Ventura. It is always important to update to the latest version available from the vendors for best compatibility.

This list will be updated as we test any new versions that vendors release.

Adobe CC

Adobe CC has been tested for basic functionality and no issues found. Adobe has posted an article with more info on incompatibilities here: https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/macos-ventura-compatability-common-issues.html  

Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client (VPN)

Cisco AnyConnect has been tested and no issues found.

Echo360 Universal Capture

Echo360 UC has been tested and no issues found.

IBM Spectrum Protect (Backup)

IBM Spectrum Protect (TSM) has been tested and no issues found.

iClicker (In-class polling)

iClicker has been tested and no issues found.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MSDE)

MSDE has been tested and no issues found. Note: after upgrade, MSDE may display "fix" message. To resolve, in Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access toggle "Microsoft Defender" to off and remove "Microsoft Defender Endpoint Security Extension", close MSDE and toggle both back on. For assistance contact the Computer Help Desk helpdesk@uvic.ca. 

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office 2019/M365 has been tested and no issues found.

Printing

Ricoh print drivers have been tested and no issues found.

Kyocera print drivers has been tested and no issues found. In the past Kyocera has not supported new macOSes for many months after the release date.

In general, very old printers will usually be incompatible or have reduced functionality on the newest operating systems.

Safari and Chrome

These UVic services have been tested in the newest version of Safari that comes with Ventura as well as the latest version of Google Chrome and no issues have been found:

  • Banner
  • Connect
  • Online tools
  • Brightspace
  • CourseSpaces
  • OAC
  • Cascade
  • FAST

Teams

Microsoft Teams has been tested and no issues found.

Zoom

Zoom has has been tested and no issues found.

 *Please note that the Optimized Storage feature in Ventura may transfer sensitive or confidential materials from your hard drive to iCloud. University Systems strongly recommends that any faculty and staff upgrading to Ventura disable Optimized Storage and refrain from using iCloud to store any university data as the data may not be stored in compliance with privacy legislation and university policy. OneDrive, home.uvic.ca or UVic network shares are the preferred places to store data.

External Hardware

There is always a chance of incompatibility with certain external hardware such as docks.

You may want to search online or ask the vendor if Ventura is fully supported on their devices before upgrading your Mac or purchasing a new Mac with Ventura pre-installed.

This is especially important for older devices that require drivers to be installed.

Updating your Mac

If you have technical support through Desktop Support Services (DSS), in your department, or through the Computer Help Desk, please contact them to arrange your upgrade.

If you are planning to update your existing Mac to Ventura, you should follow Apple’s recommended process: https://www.apple.com/macos/how-to-upgrade/

It is especially important that you back up your Mac prior to upgrading to avoid data loss in case the upgrade fails.

Questions about Ventura?

If you have any questions about Ventura, please contact the Computer Help Desk or your Desktop Support Services contact for additional information. We will continue to update this bulletin as we test additional features and compatibility with Ventura.