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
What are the new features in macOS Sonoma?
You can find a list of new features at www.apple.com/macos/sonoma/.
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.
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 |