News archives 2010-2021

MacOS 10.15 Catalina update

October 31, 2019

University Relations

The latest update from Apple, macOS 10.15 Catalina, disables functionality for 32-bit applications, for example, the Adobe CS6 Suite offered by UA OIT. 

You have two options for macOS updates:

  • Option 1: Delay updating to macOS 10.15 Catalina and continue to use 32-bit applications. It is recommended that automatic updates be disabled.  To disable automatic updates, please take the following steps:



  1. Click the Apple logo on the top left and open System Preferences.

  2. Click on App Store. Now you’ll see a bunch of options dealing with automatic updates on macOS.

  3. To disable automatic updates, uncheck the options Install app updates and Install macOS updates.


shows checked boxes for automatically check for updates; download newly available updates in the background; install system data files and security updates

  • Option 2: Upgrade to macOS 10.15 Catalina and update or purchase newer 64-bit versions of any applications incompatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina. 


The following software, supported by IT Services, has known issues with macOS 10.15 Catalina:

  • Adobe CS6 - The UA OIT managed licenses of Adobe products like Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, Indesign, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Illustrator, and Premiere.


  • Symantec Endpoint Protection - Virus and Malware Protection 

  • UA OIT and UAA’s remote support tools will not work on a Mac running macOS 10.15 Catalina.

  • Endnote - UAF licensed


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local campus help desk: