For the latest updates, please refer to our newest guide instead:
Mar 2025: This guide has been updated for Sequoia (macOS 15). Be aware that if you upgrade to Sequoia, you should use PaperCut for printing. If you use AirPrint, refer to the following guide to bypass an ongoing AirPrint issue:
Overview
In this guide we review operating system requirements for Dornsife Macs, iPads, and iPhones.
Which versions are supported?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, Dornsife Macs should be running one of the following:
- Sequoia (15)
- Sonoma (14)
- Ventura (13)
Dornsife iPads should be running iPadOS 18 or iPadOS 17, while iPhones should be running iOS 18.
Why do I need to use a supported version?
Apple support and security updates
Apple releases a new Mac operating system version each year, typically in the fall. Once the new version is released, it is supported with patches (software updates, fixes, and improvements) for roughly a year as well as security updates. The two versions preceding the newest operating system are also supported with security updates. Any older versions do not receive updates.
Here's what that looks like for the 2024–2025 calendar year:
macOS
Dornsife Mac computers should be running Sequoia (macOS 15), Sonoma (14), or Ventura (13).
Mac operating system
Apple support
Sequoia (macOS 15)
Receives support patches and security updates
Sonoma (macOS 14)
Receives security updates
Ventura (macOS 13)
Receives security updates
Monterey (macOS 12) and earlier
No support or security updates
iPadOS and iOS
Both iPadOS and iOS (for iPhone) have a shorter support period once the newest operating system is released each fall. Dornsife iPads should be running iPadOS 18 or iPadOS 17, while Dornsife iPhones should be running iOS 18.
iPadOS operating system
Apple support
iPadOS 18
Receives support patches and security updates
iPadOS 17
Receives support patches and security updates
iPadOS 16
No support or security updates
iOS operating system
Apple support
iOS 18
Receives support patches and security updates
iOS 17 and earlier
No support or security updates
Security updates and USC information security
Upgrading your computer protects University data and ensures that USC Dornsife maintains compliance with USC’s security policies. For instance, USC’s Endpoint Security Policy § 5.2 requires information systems to receive the latest vendor-supplied security patches and upgrades in order to mitigate vulnerabilities.
If your operating system is out of date and not receiving security updates, it presents a security risk for the University. This is the case even if you're just using your Mac for light Internet browsing or other tasks that you might not typically associate with information systems.
Application support
Many major vendors follow Apple's lead, and do not issue support patches and security updates for older Apple operating systems. This means that you may not be receiving important bug fixes and support for applications such as:
- Microsoft Office
-
According to Microsoft, "As new major versions of macOS are made generally available, Microsoft will remove support for the oldest major version and support the newest and previous two major versions of macOS."
- SentinelOne, USC's mandatory security software
- USC’s Endpoint Security Policy § 5.5 requires the implementation of endpoint detection and response (EDR) security software on USC-owned computers.
How do I find my current version?
How do I upgrade to a supported version?
Follow the instructions below to upgrade your operating system. The upgrade should not affect your computer files, but we recommend having files backed up anyway to be on the safe side. You can use a USC-approved cloud storage service (we recommend Microsoft OneDrive) or an encrypted, USC-approved external storage device.
Should I upgrade to the latest version as soon as it is released?
We recommend not upgrading your Dornsife Mac right away when Apple releases its latest operating system. As long as your macOS is one of the latest three versions, you will receive security updates, so there isn't necessarily an advantage to upgrading as soon as a new operating system is available.
What if my computer or device is too old to upgrade to a supported version?
If your computer or device is too old to upgrade to a supported operating system, it no longer meets University security requirements and must be retired. Use the following form to return your device to DTS for decommissioning (retirement), as required by USC’s Asset Management Policy § 5.10:
To order a new computer or device, you can browse the service catalog:
If your computer is being used to run research instruments, devices, or programs which are not compatible with the latest macOS versions, let us know: we will evaluate these computers on a case-by-case basis to determine the options for keeping the computer in service without presenting a risk to the USC network.