Ithaca College

Apple released macOS Catalina (version 10.15) on October 7th. Because this operating system is so new and it has the potential for unexpected problems or software incompatibility, IT is blocking the install of Catalina on College-owned computers for now. Please note that the blocking mechanism is less intuitive than we would like, as it appears as if it is downloading the upgrade, but will not allow the installation.  

IT has not yet verified that software and systems commonly used at IC are compatible with the new operating system, and as announced last year, older Mac 32-bit apps will not work with Catalina.

Macs running a macOS version earlier than Catalina are able to run applications that are both "32-bit" and "64-bit". Starting with Catalina, macOS can only run 64-bit applications.

Apple has been supporting 64-bit applications for many years, so most applications you use are probably already 64-bit. However, some apps are still in 32-bit format. Some of the 32-bit apps on your Mac are supplied by IT and we will take responsibility for determining how best to proceed with them. For apps you have acquired on your own, you should contact the developer to ask if they will be providing a 64-bit version. If not, you will need to look for an alternative program that will meet your needs.

For more information about how to check your operating system version, how to find out what 32-bit applications your computer has, and other important information, see:

• IT knowledge base article
• Apple's support article

If you understand the risk and would like to proceed with upgrading your machine to Catalina before it is released to the general campus, please contact the Service Desk.

Information Technology Service Desk
104 Job Hall
servicedesk@ithaca.edu

607-274-1000