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macOS Sonoma Support at ODU

UPDATE | DECEMBER 2023

We have sufficiently tested all critical software with macOS Sonoma and feel confident fully supporting the latest operating system on all ODU-managed Macs. You can manage this update on your own, any time that is convenient to you:

  • macOS Sonoma should download automatically from the App Store. (If it doesn't, open the App Store, search for macOS Sonoma, and click Get.
  • Save and close any documents you have open.
  • Once the download is complete, launch Self Service from your Applications folder.
  • Search for or browse to the tile named Install MacOS Sonoma and click Install.
  • The computer will reboot and the update will begin.

Keep in mind: The installation process can take 30 minutes to an hour.

Remember: Before any upgrade, it is a good idea to store important files in OneDrive. (Always check the regulated data matrix before using cloud storage.) And if you have any issues with the upgrade, contact the ITS Help Desk.

FAQs

Will I keep my data?

Yes. Please save your work prior to the upgrade and plug in your device to an outlet to ensure there are no interruptions during the upgrade

Does the upgrade delete any applications?

No, the macOS Sonoma upgrade will not remove any applications. Older apps may prompt for incompatibility in future macOS versions. Please email ITSHelp@odu.edu for assistance.

I don’t see the Install MacOS Sonoma item in Self Service.

Go to your applications folder and verify the "Install macOS Sonoma" app is downloaded. If you don't see it, go to the App Store, search for macOS Sonoma, and click Get.

“Install macOS Sonoma” app is downloaded, but the Install MacOS Sonoma item is still not in Self Service

Your device may be incompatible with macOS Sonoma, please check your model's compatibility at Apple's compatibility list, and contact ITSHelp@odu.edu for assistance.


Sonoma Upgrade Procedures

Apple recently released their latest major operating system upgrade, macOS Sonoma. Please do not update your Mac to Sonoma until we have time to evaluate its compatibility with ODU software, network and server infrastructure.

We will likely be ready to release Sonoma to ODU-managed machines in January 2024. If you decide to install Sonoma on your home computers, please understand that you may encounter difficulties using essential applications/services. It might be best to wait until the applications/services you use regularly are listed as "supported" in the table below. Those currently listed are a priority and more will be added as we are able to test them.

ITS works hard to ensure that Old Dominion University has a secure and reliable IT infrastructure. We must thoroughly test both Sonoma and our own technology before we can guarantee compatibility. We will update this page as more licensed software and University hardware are updated to fully support Sonoma.


Application/Service Support

Application Support Notes
GlobalProtect (VPN Client) Supported
CrowdStrike Supported
Respondus Lockdown Browser Supported
Adobe Creative Cloud Supported
Adobe Acrobat DC Supported
Photoshop Supported
Lightroom Classic Supported Supported after version 13.0
Office 2011 Not supported
Office 2016 Not supported
Office 2019 / 365 Supported
EndNote Supported
MATLAB Supported Supported on R2023B
NVivo Supported
SPSS Statistics Supported* Please install interim fix for SPSS 29 on self service
Zoom Desktop Client Supported
Crestron AirMedia Desktop Client Supported
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Supported
Java Development Kit (JDK) Supported
AlertUS Supported
Chrome Supported
Firefox Supported
Mathematica Supported Supported on v13.3

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