macOS 14 (Sonoma) Support Ending — Take Action Now!

Apple will end support for macOS Sonoma by the end of September 2026. If you’re using macOS Sonoma on an NMSU Mac that connects to the university network, you must upgrade your device to a supported version of macOS to stay secure and compliant.

Who is impacted?

This applies to all faculty, staff, and student employees using computers owned by NMSU or any device that connects to the NMSU network.

What does this mean?

Apple will officially end support for the macOS Sonoma operating system by the end of September 2026. This means updates, security patches, and technical assistance for macOS 14 (Sonoma) Support will no longer be available. As you prepare your FY2026 budget or plan for fall semester expenses, include costs for replacing outdated devices.

What happens after September 2026?

  • No More Updates: Apple will stop releasing security patches and updates.
  • Increased Security Risks: macOS Sonoma devices will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
  • No Technical Support: Apple will no longer provide assistance or troubleshooting.
  • Non-Compliance with NMSU Policy: Per NMSU ARP 15.75, any networked device that is not operating with up-to-date critical operating system updates, may be disconnected from the network. Continuing to use an unsupported operating system violates this policy and poses a significant security threat to the campus network.

To keep the NMSU network secure, it is necessary to upgrade to macOS Sonoma or replace devices that can’t support it.

What you need to do

Upgrade Your Operating System:

If your device is already running macOS Sequoia, no further action is needed on your part. Otherwise, If your operating system is macOS Sonoma or before, plan to upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

Steps to Upgrade:

  1. Check if your hardware meets which macOS your Mac is using
  2. Follow instructions on Update macOS on Mac .

Replace Outdated Devices:

If your device can not support macOS Tahoe 26 or macOS Sequoia 15, it should be replaced to ensure security and compatibility. 

Expect macOS Sequoia support to end in late 2027

With Apple's expected release of a new macOS version next year, Sequoia will be the third oldest version and will cease to be supported next year. When this occurs, we will stop providing software support for all computers running macOS 15 Sequoia on November 30, 2027.

Departments/Faculty/Staff

Access discounts and assistance through the NMSU Technology Purchase Program. Read further below for the benefits of ordering through the Technology Purchase Program.

Please refer to NMSU's recommended minimum technology standards when purchasing a new device. These are the current guidelines that may be updated as technology advances.

Students

The NMSU Bookstore can help you with the purchase of new devices.

Please refer to NMSU's recommended minimum technology standards when purchasing a new device. These are the current guidelines that may be updated as technology advances.

Also, affordable rental technology is available at the NMSU IT Equipment Rental Program .

Need Help?

For assistance, please contact the NMSU IT Help Desk:

Email: help@nmsu.edu
Phone: 575-646-HELP (4357)
Walk-in Support: Hardman & Jacobs, Room 105

NMSU Technology Program vs. Retail Purchase

Benefit NMSU Technology
Purchase Program (TPP)		 Retail Purchase
(Best Buy, Amazon, etc.)
Service Life, Performance & Cost of Ownership checkmark Business-class computers last 4-5 years, while meeting or exceeding operating system requirements and lower long-term maintenance expenses. X Consumer-grade computers last 2-3 years, while offering lower performance and higher long-term expenses due to higher maintenance.
Warranty & Protection checkmark 3-year ProSupport Plus warranty, including 'Accidental Damage' and 'Keep Your Hard Drive' coverage. X Typically only a 1-year warranty, often excludes accidental damage.
On-Campus Tech Support checkmark Dell-certified technicians on-site—no need to send your device off-campus for repairs. X Must rely on third-party repair services, which may take longer.
Security & Reliability checkmark All computers come with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for enhanced security and no preloaded adware/malware. X Some retail devices may come with pre-installed bloatware or security risks.
NMSU Approved, Preloaded Software checkmark Devices come with NMSU-vetted apps and software, ready to use out of the box. X May require additional purchases or downloads of essential software.
Fast Pickup & Delivery checkmark Devices are on-site and can be picked up or delivered within a few business days.  X May take longer for shipping, with limited local inventory
Cost Efficiency checkmark Higher initial cost, but fewer replacements and repairs save money over time. X Lower upfront cost but higher long-term expenses due to replacements and repairs. 
NMSU Purchasing Compliance checkmark We partner with the NMSU Purchasing Dept by utilizing pre-existing contracts and purchasing policies. X May not participate in government purchasing contract(s).