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Catalina will not allow the use of Overdrive app on Macbook Air

In Canada Overdrive is exclusively used to dowload audio books from Canadian libraries. This issue started when Catalina was installed. Catalina requires apps in a 64 bit format. Overdrive won't be upgrading to 64bit. I can no longer get audio books on my MacBook Air, free from our library system. I used to download into iTunes and then move the audiobooks onto my MP3 player. I was advised Libby would work (an app owned by Overdrive) but Overdrive and Libby can only be used with tablets like my iPad. I cannot imagine carrying my ipad around while I exercise. I wrote to Apple explaining the mess I am in hoping for a "fix" which I am sure would be easy enough for Apple to do. Wondering if anyone out there can help me. It is extremely upsetting that Apple expects the world to immediatley adapt. Some things need to stay the same.



MacBook Air 11", macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 11, 2020 9:51 AM

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Posted on Jan 11, 2020 10:00 AM

Libby is available for all iOS devices. iPads, iPod touch, and iPhones.


Short of reverting to the previous version of macOS you were using, those are your only options.


If you don't have and don't want an iPhone, get yourself an iPod touch.

Application developers have had years to prepare for the transition to pure 64 bit. There was no expectation that they "immediately adapt". Overdrive has chosen not to do so. Nothing Apple can do about that.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 11, 2020 10:00 AM in response to Mimi0212

Libby is available for all iOS devices. iPads, iPod touch, and iPhones.


Short of reverting to the previous version of macOS you were using, those are your only options.


If you don't have and don't want an iPhone, get yourself an iPod touch.

Application developers have had years to prepare for the transition to pure 64 bit. There was no expectation that they "immediately adapt". Overdrive has chosen not to do so. Nothing Apple can do about that.

Jan 12, 2020 11:24 AM in response to KiltedTim

Will Libby or Overdrive work with the latest (6th generation I think) iPod, as it does not support my 5th generation Ipod. This will be a temporary fix if this works. Not sure how long the remaining ipods will last. I hate to spend $250+ for another ipod just to listen to books.

As far as Apple not doing anything, I feel it could be a simple fix, as it does affect many loyal apple users, and I guess I could blame our library system for not finding another app developer. It is not as simple as just using other devices as there are many features that are no longer available now that apple computers no longer support Overdrive, features that helped special needs children.

Catalina will not allow the use of Overdrive app on Macbook Air

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