OS X 10.9 Mavericks was released by Apple in October 2013 as a free upgrade for all Mac users running Snow Leopard or later. Mavericks introduced several new features and optimizations like Finder Tabs, enhanced multi-monitor support, Safari shared links, and improved power management. It was the first version of OS X to be named after a California location, starting Apple’s new theme of naming macOS versions after places in California.
Mavericks received positive reviews, with critics praising its technical enhancements, Apple’s move to a free update model, and the platform’s reliability and stability. However, as with all software, OS X 10.9 is not immune to bugs or security issues. This raises the question – over 9 years after its initial release, is OS X 10.9 Mavericks still supported by Apple? Let’s take a deeper look at what support means and whether Mavericks is still a viable option for Mac users today.
What Does Support Mean for macOS?
When we talk about an operating system being “supported,” there are a few key things we generally mean:
- Software updates to fix bugs, security flaws, and add minor features.
- Security updates to protect against emerging online threats.
- Compatibility updates to maintain interoperability with new hardware and software.
- Technical support, usually in the form of online resources and contact with Apple support representatives.
For consumers, the most important aspect of support is software updates. Without patches and fixes, an unsupported OS becomes increasingly vulnerable over time as undiscovered exploits crop up. The system also loses compatibility with newer apps and peripherals.
Apple’s History of macOS Support
Looking at Apple’s past software lifecycles gives us insight into how long we can expect a version of macOS to remain supported. Here is a brief history of support timelines for previous macOS and OS X releases:
- OS X 10.0 Cheetah – Lasted 1 year,unsupported as of 2002
- OS X 10.1 Puma – Lasted 15 months, unsupported as of 2003
- OS X 10.2 Jaguar – Lasted 20 months, unsupported as of 2004
- OS X 10.3 Panther – Lasted 18 months, unsupported as of 2005
- OS X 10.4 Tiger – Lasted 30 months, unsupported as of 2007
- OS X 10.5 Leopard- Lasted 36 months, unsupported as of 2011
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard – Lasted 48 months, unsupported as of 2014
- OS X 10.7 Lion – Lasted 60 months, unsupported as of 2016
- OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion – Lasted 48 months, unsupported as of 2016
From this, we can see that Apple typically supports a version of macOS for 3-5 years after its release with major security fixes and updates. Older operating systems receive even shorter periods of support.
The Current Status of OS X Mavericks
OS X 10.9 Mavericks was released in October 2013. As of October 2023, it has been just over 9 years since its launch. Based on Apple’s software lifecycle history, it is now long past the end of its supported lifespan.
The last security update for Mavericks was in September of 2016 with Safari updates to fix browser exploits. Since then, Apple has likely stopped dedicating engineering resources to update and maintain 10.9.
Is Mavericks Still Secure to Use?
Without ongoing security patches, using an unsupported operating system leaves users vulnerable to unfixed bugs and exploits. New vulnerabilities in the Safari browser, kernel, and other OS components can provide entry points for malicious actors when discovered.
Over nearly a decade of use, it’s likely security analysts have uncovered many weaknesses in Mavericks that Apple will never patch. For this reason, running an outdated OS X comes with substantial security risks.
Does Mavericks Still Work With Modern Software?
Compatibility is another challenge of using legacy macOS. Many new apps and services require a modern OS version to run properly. For example:
- The latest Adobe Creative Cloud software only supports up to macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
- Popular tools like Slack and Figma need at least macOS 10.12 Sierra.
- Newer Apple programs like GarageBand and iMovie may fail to open or crash frequently.
- Many web browsers no longer work, as Safari on Mavericks cannot be updated.
While basic software like MS Office and some internet apps still function, the usability and compatibility issues compound over time on an unsupported system.
The Verdict on OS X Mavericks in 2023
Given that Apple ended support for OS X 10.9 Mavericks over 6 years ago, using it as a daily driver in 2023 presents a number of drawbacks:
- You are exposed to numerous unpatched security vulnerabilities that put your data at risk.
- Compatibility problems will arise with newer hardware and many modern apps.
- Lack of technical support makes troubleshooting difficult.
- Web browsing is limited, as the Safari browser cannot update.
- Visual bugs and performance issues are likely to occur.
For these reasons, **OS X 10.9 Mavericks should no longer be used as a primary operating system in 2023**. The security and compatibility risks outweigh whatever usability is left on the severely outdated software.
What are the Alternatives to Mavericks Today?
If you are currently running OS X Mavericks on a Mac, there are a few options to consider migrating to a supported OS:
- Upgrade to a newer macOS if your hardware allows it. At minimum, OS X 10.11 El Capitan adds 5 more years of support.
- Check if your Mac can run a Linux distribution like Ubuntu for better security.
- Use a newer Mac device and transfer your files/settings via migration tools.
- Maintain Mavericks but only use it offline or air-gapped for security.
Upgrading to a supported OS is highly recommended to receive the latest features and security protections. But with careful precautions, older hardware can still function offline on legacy macOS.
In summary, while OS X Mavericks was a solid Mac release for its time, the aging software is no longer recommended for daily general computing use today. But with some compromise, there are still ways to re-purpose vintage Apple hardware running outdated operating systems.
Conclusion
OS X 10.9 Mavericks was released in 2013 and ended support in late 2016 after 3 years of updates. In 2023, the operating system is over 9 years old and contains many unpatched security holes that leave data vulnerable to compromise by malicious actors.
Compatibility has also suffered, with Mavericks unable to run newer versions of applications like Adobe CC, Slack, and Apple’s own iLife and iWork software. Web browsing is limited due to an obsolete version of Safari. Ongoing usability issues are likely without software and feature updates.
For these reasons, Mavericks should not be used as a primary OS in 2023 despite functioning adequately after its initial release. Upgrading to a supported macOS release like El Capitan or newer is highly recommended for consumer Mac systems. While not officially supported, Mavericks can still be used in very limited offline or read-only purposes when security is less critical. But moving to a more modern OS is the best way to keep receiving the latest updates and access modern apps and services.