I upgraded to macOS Sonoma and SPSS will not open.

If you upgraded to macOS Sonoma, and your SPSS 26 software is no longer working, it's possible that the upgrade may have caused compatibility issues. Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check for SPSS Updates: Start by checking if there are any updates or patches available for SPSS 26 that are compatible with macOS Sonoma. Software developers often release updates to ensure compatibility with new operating systems.
2. Compatibility Mode: You can try running SPSS 26 in compatibility mode. To do this, locate the SPSS application in your Applications folder, right-click on it, and select "Get Info." In the Info window, check the box that says "Open in Rosetta." This will run SPSS using the Rosetta 2 translation layer, which can help with compatibility on M1 Macs.
3. Contact IBM Support: If you can't find an update for SPSS 26 that works with macOS Sonoma, consider reaching out to IBM SPSS support. They may have information or solutions for running SPSS on the latest macOS.
4. Upgrade to SPSS 28: Another option would be to upgrade to a more recent version of SPSS that is officially compatible with macOS Sonoma (or whichever macOS version you are using). Newer versions are more likely to have better compatibility with the latest operating systems.
5. Consider Virtualization: If SPSS 26 continues to have issues, you can consider running it in a virtualized environment. Tools like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion allow you to run Windows on your Mac, and you can install SPSS for Windows within the virtual machine.
6. Dual Boot with Windows: If you have a genuine Windows license, you could set up a dual-boot system on your Mac, allowing you to boot into Windows when you need to use SPSS.
7. Seek Community Help: Sometimes, other users may have encountered and solved similar issues. Check online SPSS user communities or forums for advice and solutions specific to your problem.
8. Backup and Reinstall: As a last resort, you could consider backing up your data and performing a clean install of macOS Sonoma. Sometimes, this can resolve compatibility issues, but it's a more drastic step and should only be done after exhausting other options.

Remember to back up your data before making significant changes to your system or attempting a clean install. It's also important to verify the official system requirements and compatibility of your software with the macOS version you are using.

Dear "aswinpnr", I don't think you know anything about this patch. I didn't understand what your aim was either. You just copied and pasted the information I gave above.

Anyway, this patch is not an executable program. When you download this file, you need to copy the given file to the folder defined in the IBM SPSS installation directory and replace the original file with the new file. Then SPSS will run. The instructions is given in the downloaded file.

In order to access the directory given in the instructions, you need to right-click on the "SPSS Statistics" file in the applications and select "Show package contents".

I have the same problem - the readme.text file in the patch I downloaded today specifies a folder that does not exist for V29.  

Oh, I just saw the comment to Right Clock on the Statistics App to "see" the hidden folders.  And I found the lib folder.  I moved over the downloaded fix file ("libplatep.dylib").  IBM needs to put that step in their readme.text

That made it work.  Finally - it opens and is working.

I followed the links and instructions in this IBM community thread, and they worked for me:

https://community.ibm.com/community/user/ai-datascience/discussion/spss-29011-does-not-work-with-the-release-version-of-sonoma?ReturnUrl=%2fcommunity%2fuser%2fai-datascience%2fcommunities%2fcommunity-home%2fdigestviewer%3fListKey%3d0cd482b8-bf3e-462b-8413-c2e43c86a339%26CommunityKey%3dd388e552-3a57-460d-911b-8da3b9e1e497

Here's the link to the fix file: https://www.ibm.com/mysupport/s/defect/aCI3p0000004Khs/dt243265?language=en_US

Make sure to choose the "Download using your browser (HTTPS)" option to access the zip file

A few days later, SPSS would no longer function at all in Mac Sonoma for me. It just opened for a few seconds and crashed. No error notes etc. I got great help from calling Apple tech support. We discovered that I needed to create a different user profile for me and use SPSS from that user. It works finally but I have to move the key data and other files in SPSS from my regular user profile to this new user profile so SPSS can find the file. I use a USB connected external drive to do this and then save the files to the new spss user profile’s desktop.

To install the IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.1.0 Fix Pack for Mac OS (Sonoma problem) using the provided patch file, you can follow these general steps. Please note that the exact installation process may vary slightly depending on the specific patch and your system configuration, so always consult the official documentation that comes with the patch or IBM support for the most accurate instructions. Here's a general guide:

Download the Patch:

• • Make sure you have the patch file downloaded from your developer account. You mentioned the file name as 29.0.1.0-IM-S29STATC-MAC-IF001. Ensure that it's on your Mac's local storage.

Backup Your Data:

• • Before applying any patch, it's a good practice to back up your SPSS data and any customizations to ensure that you can restore your environment if something goes wrong.

Close SPSS:

• • Ensure that SPSS Statistics is completely closed before proceeding with the installation.

Run the Patch Installer:

• • Locate the downloaded patch file (e.g., 29.0.1.0-IM-S29STATC-MAC-IF001) and double-click on it to run the installer. You may need administrative privileges to install the patch.

Follow the Installation Wizard:

• • The patch installer will launch an installation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the patch. This typically involves accepting the license agreement, specifying the installation location, and confirming the installation process.

Complete the Installation:

• • After the installation is complete, you should receive a confirmation message that the patch has been successfully installed.

Restart SPSS:

• • Once the patch is installed, you can restart IBM SPSS Statistics to ensure that the changes take effect.

Verify the Installation:

• • Open SPSS and go to the "Help" menu or a similar menu where you can check for the current version and patch level. Make sure it now reflects the new version with the installed patch (e.g., SPSS Statistics 29.0.1.0 with Fix Pack IF001).

Test Your Workflows:

• • After installation, it's a good idea to thoroughly test your existing SPSS workflows and ensure that everything is functioning as expected.

Always refer to the specific installation instructions provided by IBM for the patch you're installing, as they may include additional details or considerations that are specific to that patch. SPSS Statistics 26.0 Fix Pack 1 If you encounter any issues during the installation process, consult IBM's support resources or contact their support team for assistance.

If other users are having this issue, download the SPSS 29 patch from the IBM website:

https://www.ibm.com/mysupport/s/defect/aCI3p0000004Khs/dt243265?language=en_US

Once here, look on the right side and select the most current update. As of 16 Oct 2023, it is 29.0.1.1-IM-S29STATC-MAC-IF001.

Once the zip file is downloaded, copy the "libplatep.dylib" exec file and move it to SPSS.  

To move it to SPSS, find the program in Applications (could read "IBM SPSS Statistics"). Open the folder and right click on the SPSS program. Select "Show Package Contents", and then open the "Contents' folder. Next open the "lib" folder and paste the "libplatep.dylib" exec (new patch) file from above. The user will have to select "Replace" for it to overwrite the current patch.

The program should work.

Current report from IBM: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7041357

My IT department finally got V28 to work on my Mac Sonoma - create a new Administrator - and simply download SPSS - copy the patch to the lib folder and it works. Yes it's a massive pain having to switch between two accounts, but it does work. IT couldn't figure out why that was on what was on my profile that was stopping SPSS from being recognised. But honestly, I don't care.

Try it!

the IT service of my uni said that I have two options: (1) to wait for SPSS to upgrade (2) do downgrade my mac by basically resetting it.

It's a mess.

No one here can speculate about IBM's internal planning for a Sonoma-compatible SPSS version. If the most current SPSS version fails, then one must contact IBM, and/or wait until IBM eventually fixes it with an update.

This is not actionable by Apple who has no control over IBM software.

I figured it out and it works!!! Go to the SPSS icon in your application folder as if you are going to open it. BEFORE you open it, option-click and it will bring up a folder called CONTENTS!!! Then, just put the file that you downloaded into the 'lib' folder. I can't believe it worked!!!

If you're talking about IBM SPSS, I suggest that you contact their developer/support team and ask them.

SPSS is not yet supported by the new macOS Sonoma, but IBM (SPSS) are currently working on a fix.

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7041357

Find the SPSS application icon in the Applicatios folder. Right click the icon and select “show package contents”. After thet you will see the hidden folders.