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End of Life Schedule for Mac OS X/macOS

Hello, all.


As part of my IT job requires keeping up with OS support, particularly when it comes to security and managing upgrades, is there any information out there as to when Apple stops offering updates on any version of Mac OS X/macOS? A list of dates would be great, but I can't seem to find this information anywhere.


Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.2)

Posted on Jan 19, 2017 8:12 AM

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Posted on Jan 19, 2017 8:57 AM

Apple, being famously secretive, does not publish any end-of-life schedules, and as we are not Apple employees or contractors, we don't have that knowledge either.


Once Apple releases a new major operating system version via the App Store, there will be no further point release upgrades to the prior operating system release. Apple will release security updates for the prior two operating system releases, and this may include Safari browser updates — so effectively a three version sliding window. They frequently make the last release of the prior operating system in that window — as the criterion for receiving these updates, so staying current is important.

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Question marked as Best reply

Jan 19, 2017 8:57 AM in response to The Clockwork Hero

Apple, being famously secretive, does not publish any end-of-life schedules, and as we are not Apple employees or contractors, we don't have that knowledge either.


Once Apple releases a new major operating system version via the App Store, there will be no further point release upgrades to the prior operating system release. Apple will release security updates for the prior two operating system releases, and this may include Safari browser updates — so effectively a three version sliding window. They frequently make the last release of the prior operating system in that window — as the criterion for receiving these updates, so staying current is important.

End of Life Schedule for Mac OS X/macOS

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