Matlab 2016b does not start on OS X Sonoma 14.3

I am using Matlab 2016b without issues for many years now. It also worked fine when I upgraded from my 2015 MacBook Pro (intel) to my 2023 MacBook Pro with M2 Max architecture and OS X Ventura. After upgrading to Sonoma, Matlab does not start up anymore. As it worked on my M2 Max with Ventura before, I guess it must be a Sonoma-specific problem and not related to the hardware.

  • Starting Matlab from the terminal without options gives: "Sorry! We could not determine the machine architecture for your host..."
  • Starting Matlab with the option ./malab -maci64 leads to "Terminating app due to uncaught exception 'NSInvalidArgumentException'. reason: '-[_NSCFString stringByStandardazingPath]: unrecognized selector sent to instance 0x60000290c180'"...
  • Starting Matlab with the option ./malab -glnxa64 (Linux architecture, I don't know if this makes sense at all) leads to: "Warning: Cannot locate Java Runtime Environment (JRE)..."


Does anyone have an Idea how I can fix this issue? I tried to reinstall Matlab, but without success.


Thank you and best regards,

Peter

MacBook Pro (M2 Max, 2023)

Posted on Feb 5, 2024 1:23 AM

Reply
7 replies

Feb 5, 2024 1:28 AM in response to pepetepb


1. Compatibility Check:

When it comes to MATLAB and major OS updates, compatibility can sometimes become a hurdle. It's worth checking with MathWorks, the developer of MATLAB, to verify if MATLAB 2016b is officially compatible with macOS Sonoma. There may be specific patches or workarounds suggested by MathWorks for running older MATLAB versions on the latest macOS.


2. Addressing Machine Architecture Error:

The error "Sorry! We could not determine the machine architecture for your host..." can often be indicative of MATLAB struggling to identify the system's architecture. Given the transition from Intel-based Macs to Apple Silicon, this could indeed be a key source of the problem. You might want to check whether there are any updates or patches from MathWorks addressing compatibility with Apple Silicon architecture.


3. Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Woes:

The warning about being unable to locate the Java Runtime Environment could also be a significant factor in MATLAB's inability to start. It's important to ensure that the correct version of Java is available and properly configured on your system for MATLAB to function effectively.


4. Reinstallation with Cleanup:

If you haven't already, you could attempt a more thorough reinstallation of MATLAB. This could involve not only reinstalling the software but also conducting a cleanup of any residual files or configurations from the previous installation. Sometimes, lingering configurations can impact a fresh installation's ability to function optimally.


5. Check for MATLAB Updates:

Review whether there are any MATLAB updates, hotfixes, or patches specifically addressing macOS Sonoma compatibility. Sometimes, software providers release updates after major OS updates to address compatibility issues.


6. Compatibility Mode:

In the interim, when launching MATLAB, you might want to try running it under Rosetta 2, which allows Intel-based applications to run on Apple Silicon-based Macs. This is not a permanent solution, of course, but it might serve as a temporary workaround until a more permanent fix is available.


7. Seek Assistance from MathWorks:

If the issue persists despite these efforts, reaching out to MathWorks' support team directly could provide valuable insights and potential solutions tailored to your environment. They are well positioned to suggest specific troubleshooting steps or if any workarounds are available for your specific configuration.



Feb 5, 2024 6:53 AM in response to pepetepb

To use this example and apply to MatLab


The software is what it is and designed to work in OSX 10.12 and implied above


It may have worked in Ventura and obviously not in Sonoma


The example is, a Rubber Band that can stretch just so far before it will break


It appears Ventura was as far as the software could go before it just Broke



Feb 5, 2024 5:09 AM in response to Owl-53

Thank you for your supply! Unfortunately there is no support from mathworks anymore for version 2016b. That is why I am asking here because I was hoping that others might have been facing the same problem an might have found a solution. I also postet my request in the mathworks community...

As everything was working on Ventura this must be a Sonoma-related problem I guess...

Feb 5, 2024 5:18 AM in response to 0Wishtobefree0

Thank you for your reply an suggestions:


  1. As stated before there is no official support for this Matlab version for Sonoma. The latest patch is installed. I was hoping to get it working anyways as it worked fine on Ventura.
  2. between Ventura and Sonoma I did not do a transition from Intel to silicon. On Ventura Matlab worked in the same hardware, so I guess the problem is linked to changes in Sonoma.
  3. Yes, sure, but in this case it might be, that the error comes from choosing the "wrong" platform and, thus, having the libraries in another location...
  4. I did a clean install, but I will give it another try removing every Matlab-linked files first. But I checked this with the M3 Max, where I did a clean install (Matlab was never installed there before) and cannot start it there, too.
  5. the latest patch is installed and there are no updates for this version anymore.
  6. As Matlab is a pure Intel App it automatically opens with Rosetta 2 (I cannot activate / deactivate it in the informations window of the app)
  7. I already asked in the mathworks community but without success so far. There is no official support anymore. The only option would be to buy a new version...


BR,

Peter

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Matlab 2016b does not start on OS X Sonoma 14.3

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