Apple macOS Sequoia (macOS 15.0)

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 (Sequoia/macOS 15) on September 16, 2024. Sequoia is the latest release of the Apple operating system for Macintosh computers such as iMacs, MacBooks and Mac Pros. For more details on Sequoia see https://www.apple.com/macos/sequoia/.

A thorough test and review of the release version of Sequoia is currently underway to ensure that the new macOS is compatible with the software and system sour community relies on for teaching and research. This includes UVic specific applications and services.

Until testing is complete, University Systems does not recommend upgrading to Sequoia.

If you are buying a new Macintosh it may come with Sequoia pre-installed. If you are not able to downgrade to macOS 14 (Sonoma), we recommend that you run Software Update to ensure all updates are installed, both for macOS and Apple applications that may require an update to run under Sequoia.

While most core software used at UVic has or will have versions available that are compatible with Sequoia, 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 this information is documented in this bulletin, which we published in September 2024 and will continue  update as we work through detailed testing.

You may rely on software that is not compatible with Sequoia. 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 Apple Computer or upgrading to Sequoia, please do research to ensure the software you require is compatible on Sequoia.

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

UVic-specific applications in the list below will be reviewed and tested for compatibility with Sequoia. This list will be updated as we test any new versions that vendors release.

It is always important to update to the latest version available from the vendors for best compatibility.

 

Adobe CC

Adobe CC has not been tested yet.

Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client (VPN)

Cisco AnyConnect has not been tested yet.

Echo360 Universal Capture

Echo360 UC has not been tested yet.

IBM Spectrum Protect (Backup)

IBM Spectrum Protect (TSM) has not been tested yet.

iClicker (In-class polling)

iClicker has been has not been tested yet.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office 2019/M365 has not been tested yet.

Printing

Ricoh print drivers have not been tested yet.

Kyocera print drivers have not been tested yet. 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 15

These UVic services have not been tested yet in the newest version of Safari that comes with Sequoia:

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

Teams

Microsoft Teams has not been tested yet.

Zoom

Zoom has not been tested yet.

 *Please note that the Optimized Storage feature in Sequoia may transfer sensitive or confidential materials from your hard drive to iCloud. University Systems strongly recommends that any faculty and staff upgrading to Sequoia 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 research online or ask the vendor if Sequoia is fully supported on their devices before upgrading your Mac or purchasing a new Mac with Sequoia pre-installed.

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

Replacement external hardware may need to be purchased in order for it to be compatible with Sequoia.

 

Upgrading your Mac to Sequoia

Note: we do not recommend updating to Sequoia until we have tested all UVic-specific applications. Upgrading may cause incompatibilities that could affect the work you do on your Mac. Backdating the macOS requires a full backup, wipe of your hard drive and reinstall of the macOS.

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 upgrade your existing Mac to Sequoia, 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 Sequoia?

If you have any questions about Sequoia, 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 Sequoia.