Apple released a new macOS, Ventura (13.0), on October 24, 2022.
What ITS has done?
ITS tested beta versions of Ventura over the past few weeks. University-based applications were found to function without complicating issues on the new macOS. If you are running specialty applications, please check to see if they are supported by Ventura.
What is changing?
(Intel-based Macs will not be able to use some features of Ventura, such as Live Captions, dictation emoji support, and reference mode with Sidecar for an iPad.)
Ventura has several new features specific to Apple applications. A few notable examples include a new design of System Settings (formally System Preferences) reminiscent of the settings of iPhone and iPad, ability to edit/delete texts in Messages after sending, Continuity Camera function to use your iPhone as a webcam, Stage Manager organization of apps and windows, and Passkeys new sign-in method for Safari. To learn about these new features and more, visit the Apple website here.
Which systems can upgrade?
Macs that can support macOS Ventura:
- MacBook (2017 or later)
- MacBook Air (2018 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2017 or later)
- Mac mini (2018 or later)
- iMac (2017 or later)
- iMac Pro (all models)
- Mac Pro (2019 or later)
- Mac Studio (all models)
If you’re not sure which Mac model you have, tap on the Apple icon in the menu bar in the upper-left corner of your screen and click on About This Mac.
What should you do when updating?
- Check the list above to see if your computer is compatible with Ventura.
- Back up your data. Use Time Machine with an external hard drive and/or ensure all important data is stored in the cloud on Box.
- Determine that you have enough free space on your Mac. Ventura will need 26-44GB depending on the version you are upgrading from. (Apple icon in menu bar> About this Mac> Storage Tab)
- If you are running Catalina, you will no longer be receiving security updates, and should upgrade to either Big Sur (11.7) or Monterey (12.6.1) as they will continue to receive security patches (Big Sur through fall 2023, Monterey through fall 2024).
- If you are still running High Sierra or Mojave, please reach out to your ITS Client Services representative. These OS versions are no longer supported to receive important security updates. Additionally, an upgrade can break applications that have 32-bit (rather than 64-bit) runtimes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the ITS Helpdesk at X4357 or help@wlu.edu.
