Software

macOS Sonoma is installed on all new Macs and is available to upgrade to on most current model Macs. The University of Adelaide offers software to suit the current and previous version of macOS – macOS Sonoma and macOS Ventura. We recommend upgrading to the latest possible macOS for your hardware as there is limited or no support for older macOS versions.

Apple have now transitioned their processors to Apple Silicon, based on ARM architecture, but continue to support Mac computers that use the Intel processor.

Apple silicon is a complete change of architecture which requires some applications to be compiled specifically for ARM. While most standard software is now Apple silicon ready, compatibility and support will vary for many other software titles.

An app called Rosetta 2 enables Mac computers with Apple silicon to use apps built for a Mac with an Intel processor.

ITDS regularly review and test common applications used as they become available

macOS 12 Monterey - End of Support, late 2024 

Apple will end support for macOS 12 Monterey in late 2024. Apple will stop releasing security updates and the catalogue of University standard software may become incompatible as developers move to support current operating systems. We highly recommend upgrading your version of macOS immediately.

macOS 13 Ventura  - End of Support, late 2025

Apple will end support for macOS 13 Ventura in late 2025. Apple will stop releasing security updates and the catalogue of University standard software may become incompatible as developers move to support current operating systems. We highly recommend upgrading your version of macOS as soon as possible.

macOS 14 Sonoma

macOS Ventura is the current supported operating system installed on all new Mac computers and free to upgrade to on most current model Macs

macOS 15 Sequoia

macOS Sequoia is the next release of macOS, due in September 2024, and will become the current supported operating system into 2025.

How to upgrade

Please refer to Apple's How to Upgrade guide. 

Do you need Help?

If you have any questions or would like advice before upgrading your Mac, you can contact the Service Desk or book in an appointment to have your Mac upgraded by one of our support staff. Call us on 8313 3000 or log a request via the MyIT Portal.

Hardware considered obsolete by Apple cannot run the latest operating system or receive security updates. These systems are unsafe and represent a risk to The University. It’s recommended this hardware is decommissioned and disposed of through our eWaste process.

A full list of obsolete devices is available in this Apple support site article: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201624 
 

 End of Life Macs - late 2024. 

 The following models, including any older models, which are unable to run macOS 13 Ventura, will become obsolete in late 2024 and should be replaced before this time. After this date, these computers will be subject to restricted or disabled network and service access.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)

MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)

MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)

MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015)

MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)

iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)

Mac mini (Late 2014)

Mac Pro (Late 2013)

Windows 10 

The University of Adelaide offers software to suit supported versions of Windows 10, however Microsoft will cease supporting Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. 

• Personal computer support information for Windows 10 Pro and Home. 

• University computer support information for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education. 

• Check which version of Windows is on your device. 

• Update Windows (new patches, etc). 

Windows 11 

As Microsoft will cease supporting Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, ITDS will update (or replace where needed) University-managed Windows devices to run Windows 11 by that date. Visit the Windows 11 website for more information. 

Windows 10 - Ending support in October 2025 

As Microsoft will cease supporting Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, ITDS will update University-managed Windows devices (including those in student labs, common teaching areas and meeting rooms) to run Windows 11 by that date. It is also a requirement for the Adelaide University technical environment. 

Visit the Windows 11 website for more information, including how to upgrade to Windows 11 sooner. 

How to upgrade

University computer - Select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update then choose Check online for updates from Microsoft Update

Contact the Service Desk if you are having difficulties with updating to the latest version of Windows.

Personal computer - Please refer to Microsoft’s Update Windows page.

There is a number of popular free and University supplied software applications that have a limited or end of life status and are no longer receiving security updates. Many of these titles have an increasing number of security vulnerabilities and should be removed.

Information Technology and Digital Services will contact affected staff with options to remove or upgrade the following list of titles in use by staff on University computers:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro XI and older
• Adobe Reader XI and older
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 and older
• Adobe Creative Cloud 2017 and older
• Adobe AIR
• Adobe Flash
• Adobe Macromedia Flash
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Microsoft Office 2011 and older
• Oracle Java SE JRE 8 and older
• Oracle Java JDK 8 and older
• Internet Explorer

Staff members can request applications to be installed in Student Computing Suites using our online form. Please note that students are unable to request any new software installations or upgrades.

The software assessment form assists ITDS in reviewing intended software purchases to ensure that you are receiving the best value, that the software purpose is not already met by an existing service offered by ITDS and to mitigate any compatibility, security and/or licensing issues.

All non-standard software requires assessment every 12 months to ensure that any changes in the offering are reviewed and the University is protected.