Does Apple Still Support High Sierra?

When it comes to macOS, Apple has a specific support policy that governs which versions of the operating system continue to receive updates and security patches. In this article, we will explore whether Apple still supports High Sierra and provide the necessary information to help users make informed decisions about their systems.

What is Apple's Support Policy?

Apple's support policy for macOS is quite straightforward. According to their guidelines, they support macOS versions that were updated within the first year after their release and provide security updates for one year after the final release or two years for serious security issues. This policy ensures that users have the latest security features and stability improvements even after the initial release period.

Overview of macOS Versions

MacOS Sierra: Released in September 2016, the last version of Sierra was released in July 2017. Since then, it has not received any security updates.MacOS High Sierra: Released in September 2017, the last version of High Sierra was released in July 2018. No security updates have been provided since 2020.

Given these facts, it is clear that Apple no longer provides support for High Sierra. This means that users on High Sierra are missing out on critical security patches and updates, which can leave their systems vulnerable.

Current Supported macOS Versions

As of this writing, Apple supports the following three macOS versions:

macOS Mojave (10.14): This version was released in September 2018 and is currently supported with security updates.macOS Catalina (10.15): This version was released in October 2019 and is also supported with security updates.macOS Big Sur (11.x): This version was released in November 2020 and continues to receive security updates and improvements.

It is important for users to ensure that they are running a supported version of macOS to guarantee the best security and compatibility with new software.

Conclusion

In summary, Apple no longer supports High Sierra. Due to the lack of security updates and the adoption of more recent versions, switching to a newer macOS version is highly recommended. This move not only improves security but also enhances overall system performance and compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which macOS versions are currently supported by Apple?

As of this writing, Apple's supported macOS versions include macOS Mojave 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15, and macOS Big Sur 11.x. These versions receive regular updates and security patches.

Q: Why is it important to use a supported macOS version?

Using a supported macOS version ensures that your system is up-to-date with the latest security features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. It also helps prevent compatibility issues with newer software and applications.

Q: Can I still use High Sierra for old hardware?

While it is technically possible to use High Sierra on older hardware, it is not recommended due to the lack of security updates and the potential for vulnerabilities. It is best to upgrade to a newer version of macOS if possible.