Mac OS X Networking: Support History at Princeton

This is a history of OIT Network System's support history of Mac OS X networking, and a brief chronology of versions of Mac OS X and related networking software.

Support History at Princeton

• In August 2002, we began supporting version 10.1.5. This is the first version of Mac OS X we supported.

• In August 2002, we began supporting version 10.2.

  Due to the very short time between when we began to support Mac OS X and Apple's release of version 10.2, we expected to shift our support away from version 10.1.5 in the following months, rather than continue to support version 10.1.5 for an extended period.

• In September 2002, we began to support version 10.2.1. If no critical problems were found, we expected to drop support for 10.2 in favor of 10.2.1.

• In November 2002, we dropped support for 10.2 in favor of 10.2.1, as no critical problems were found in 10.2.1, and it was a free upgrade from 10.2.

  At the same time, we began to support version 10.2.2. If no critical problems are found, we expected to drop support for 10.2.1 in favor of 10.2.2.

  At the same time, we began reducing support for version 10.1.5, as it appears that all Apple and third-party development, bug fixes, etc. has shifted to 10.2.x. We expect our support for 10.1.5 will end in January 2003.

• In December 2002, we dropped support for 10.2.1 in favor of 10.2.2, as no critical problems were found in 10.2.2, and it was a free upgrade from 10.2.1.

  At the same time, we began to support version 10.2.3. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.2.2 in favor of 10.2.3.

• In February 2003, we dropped support for 10.2.2 in favor of 10.2.3, as no critical problems were found in 10.2.3, and it was a free upgrade from 10.2.2.

  At the same time, we began to support version 10.2.4. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.2.3 in favor of 10.2.4.

• In February 2003, we dropped support for version 10.1.5. All Apple and third-party development has shifted to 10.2.x.

• In April 2003, we began to support version 10.2.5, and dropped support for 10.2.3. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.2.4 in favor of 10.2.5 in the future.

• In May 2003, we began to support version 10.2.6. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.2.4 and 10.2.5 in favor of 10.2.6 in the future.

• In July 2003, we dropped support for versions 10.2.4 and 10.2.5.

• We did not announce support for version 10.2.7. It was available only on certain new models shipping late Summer 2003 - Fall 2003; as it was not made generally available, we were unable to test it.

• In late September 2003, Apple released version 10.2.8 (Build 6R65), but withdrew it a few days later due to problems with it. We did not suppport it.

• In early October 2003, Apple released version 10.2.8 (Build 6R73), and we began to support it in mid October. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.2.6 in favor of 10.2.8.

• In October 2003, Apple released version 10.3. We never announced support for it, as it was supplanted by 10.3.1 while we were testing it.

• In November 2003, we dropped support for version 10.2.6 in favor of 10.2.8 (Build 6R73).

• In November 2003, Apple released version 10.3.1. We announced support for version 10.3.1 in late November 2003. Note that we never supported version 10.3.

• In December 2003, Apple released version 10.3.2, and we began to support it in late December. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.3.1 in favor of 10.3.2.

• In March 2004, we dropped support for 10.3.1 in favor of 10.3.2.

• In March 2004, we announced that we plan to drop support for 10.2.8 during Summer 2004, as Apple and third-party development has shifted to 10.3.x.

• In March 2004, Apple released version 10.3.3. and we began to support it in early April. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.3.2 in favor of 10.3.3.

• In late May 2004, Apple released version 10.3.4, and we began to support it in late June. If no critical problems are found, we expect to drop support for 10.3.3 in favor of 10.3.4.

• In June 2004, we dropped support for version 10.3.2, in favor of 10.3.3 and 10.3.4.

• In June 2004, we dropped support for version 10.2.8, as Apple and third-party development has shifted to 10.3.x.

• In mid-August 2004, Apple released version 10.3.5, and we began to support it in late August.

• In late August 2004, we dropped support for 10.3.3, in favor of 10.3.4 and 10.3.5.

• In early-November 2004, Apple released version 10.3.6, and we began to support it in late November. At that time, we dropped support for version 10.3.4 in favor of 10.3.5 and 10.3.6.

• In mid-December 2004, Apple released version 10.3.7, and we began to support it in January 2005. At that time, we dropped support for version 10.3.5 in favor of 10.3.6 and 10.3.7.

• In mid-February 2005, Apple released version 10.3.8, and we began to support it in early March 2005. At that time, we dropped support for version 10.3.6 in favor of 10.3.7 and 10.3.8.

• In mid-April 2005, Apple released version 10.3.9, and we began to support it in late April 2005. At that time, we dropped support for version 10.3.7 in favor of 10.3.8 and 10.3.9.

• In late April 2005, Apple released version 10.4. We never announced support for it, as it was supplanted by 10.4.1 while we were testing it.

• In mid-May 2005, Apple released version 10.4.1. We announced support for version 10.4.1 in early July 2005. Note that we never supported version 10.4.

  At that time (early July 2005), we dropped support for version 10.3.8 in favor of 10.3.9 and 10.4.1.

  At that time (early July 2005), we announced that we will continue supporting the latest version of 10.3.x through Summer 2005 and Fall 2005, and will retire support for the latest version of 10.3.x at the end of January 2006.

• In mid-July 2005, Apple released version 10.4.2. and we began to support it in late July 2005.

• At the end of October 2005, Apple released version 10.4.3. We began to support it in mid-November 2005; at that time, we dropped support for 10.4.1.

• In early January 2006, we dropped support for version 10.4.2 in favor of 10.4.3.

• In early January 2006, Apple released version 10.4.4; we began to support it on PowerPC-based Macs at the end of January 2006.

• At the end of January 2006, we retired support for the latest version of 10.3.x (10.3.9 at the time). Our scheduled retirement for support of 10.3.x had been announced in July 2005.

• In mid-February 2006, Apple released version 10.4.5; we began to support it on PowerPC-based Macs at the end of February 2006. At that time, we dropped support for version 10.4.3 in favor of 10.4.4 and 10.4.5.

• In early April 2006, Apple released version 10.4.6, and we began to support it in mid-April 2006. At that time, we dropped support for 10.4.4 in favor of 10.4.5 and 10.4.6.

• At the end of June 2006, Apple released version 10.4.7, and we began to support it in mid-July 2006. At that time, we dropped support for 10.4.5 in favor of 10.4.6 and 10.4.7.

• At the end of September 2006, Apple released version 10.4.8, and we began to support it in mid-October 2006. At that time, we dropped support for 10.4.6 in favor of 10.4.7 and 10.4.8.

• In February 2007, we dropped support for version 10.4.7 in favor of 10.4.8.

• In mid-March 2007, Apple released version 10.4.9, and we began to support it in late March 2007.

• In mid-June 2007, Apple released version 10.4.10, and we began to support it in early July 2007. At that time, we dropped support for 10.4.8 in favor of 10.4.9 and 10.4.10.

• In late September 2007, we dropped support for 10.4.9, in favor of 10.4.10.

• At the end of October 2007, Apple released 10.5. We never announced support for it, as it was supplanted by 10.5.1 while we were testing it.

• In mid-November 2007, Apple released 10.5.1. We announced support for it in early December 2007. Note that we never supported version 10.5.

• In mid-November 2007, Apple released version 10.4.11, and we began to support it in late November 2007.

• In early February 2008, Apple released version 10.5.2, and we began to support it in late February 2008.

• At the end of March 2008, we dropped support for 10.5.1 in favor of 10.5.2.

• At the end of May 2008, Apple released 10.5.3, and we began to support it in mid-June 2008.

• At the end of June 2008, Apple released 10.5.4, and we began to support it in mid-July 2008. At that time, we dropped support for 10.5.2 in favor of 10.5.3 and 10.5.4.

Mac OS X 10.1.5

Apple released this version in June 2002 as a free update to earlier versions of 10.1.x.

This is the first version of Mac OS X we supported.

Apple released Network Update 1.0 in June 2002 to improve networking behavior; it should be installed after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.1.5. This update is available via the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Apple released AirPort 2.0.4 in June 2002 to improve wireless networking behavior; it should be installed after applying Network Update 1.0. This update is available via the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2

Apple released this version in late August 2002. It is a commercial upgrade, not a free update.

Because version 10.2.1 is a free update over this version, and is intended to fix bugs in this version, we expect to shift our support from 10.2 to 10.2.1. Update from version 10.2 to 10.2.1 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.1

Apple released this version in mid September 2002. It is a free update to version 10.2. Update from version 10.2 to version 10.2.1 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.2

Apple released this version in mid November 2002. It is a free update to version 10.2 or 10.2.1. Update from version 10.2 or 10.2.1 to version 10.2.2 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.3

Apple released this version in mid December 2002. It is a free update to version 10.2, 10.2.1, or 10.2.2. Update from those versions to version 10.2.3 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.4

Apple released this version in mid February 2003. It is a free update to version 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, or 10.2.3. Update from those versions to version 10.2.4 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.5

Apple released this version in mid April 2003. It is a free update to version 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.2.3, or 10.2.4. Update from those versions to version 10.2.5 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.6

Apple released this version in May 2003. It is a free update to version 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.2.3, 10.2.4, or 10.2.5. Update from those versions to version 10.2.6 using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Apple released AirPort 3.1 in June 2003 to improve wireless networking behavior; it should be installed on all Macs with a wireless interface. This update is available via the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

Mac OS X 10.2.7

This version appeared in June 2003 on Apple PowerMac G5 demo models (not sold to customers), but was not officially released by Apple at that time. We have read that it has shipped on PowerMac G5 models beginning in mid August 2003. It may have shipped on some other new models during Fall 2003.

Apple never made this version generally available; we have not tested this version, so we never formally announced support for 10.2.7.

Mac OS X 10.2.8 (Build 6R65)

Apple released this version in late September 2003. It was a free update to version 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.2.3, 10.2.4, 10.2.5, 10.2.6, or 10.2.7.

This version was intended to support PowerMac G3 and G4 systems that were supported by previous versions of 10.2.x. This version did not support PowerMac G5 systems; they continued to run 10.2.7.

Apple withdrew this update almost immediately, following reports of problems with its Ethernet support. As a result, we never announced support for 10.2.8 (Build 6R65).

Mac OS X 10.2.8 (Build 6R73)

Apple released this version in early October 2003. It was a free update to version 10.2, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.2.3, 10.2.4, 10.2.5, 10.2.6, 10.2.7, or 10.2.8 (Build 6R65). Update from those versions by using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

We announced support for this version in October 2003, and dropped support for it in June 2004 in favor of 10.3.3.

Mac OS X 10.3

Apple released this version in late October 2003. It is a commercial upgrade, not a free update.

We never announced support for it; while we were testing it, it was supplanted by 10.3.1.

Mac OS X 10.3.1

Apple released this version in mid November 2003. It was a free update to version 10.3.

We announced support for this version in late November 2003; this was the first version of 10.3.x we supported. We dropped support for it in March 2004 in favor of 10.3.2.

Mac OS X 10.3.2

Apple released this version in mid December 2003. It was a free update to versions 10.3 and 10.3.1.

We announced support for this version in late December 2003, and dropped support for it in June 2004 in favor of 10.3.3.

Mac OS X 10.3.3

Apple released this version in mid March 2004. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, and 10.3.2.

We announced support for this version in early April 2004. and dropped support for it in late August 2004 in favor of 10.3.4 and 10.3.5.

Mac OS X 10.3.4

Apple released this version in late May 2004. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, and 10.3.3.

We announced support for this version in late June 2004, and dropped support for it in late November 2004 in favor of 10.3.5 and 10.3.6.

Mac OS X 10.3.5

Apple released this version in mid August 2004. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, and 10.3.4.

We announced support for this version in late August 2004, and dropped support for it in early January 2005 in favor of 10.3.6 and 10.3.7.

Mac OS X 10.3.6

Apple released this version in early November 2004. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, and 10.3.5.

We announced support for this version in late November 2004. and dropped support for it in early March 2005 in favor of 10.3.7 and 10.3.8.

Mac OS X 10.3.7

Apple released this version in mid-December 2004. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, and 10.3.6.

We announced support for this version in early January 2005, and dropped support for it in late April 2005 in favor of 10.3.8 and 10.3.9.

Mac OS X 10.3.8

Apple released this version in mid-February 2005. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, and 10.3.7.

We announced support for this version in early March 2005, and dropped support for it in early July 2005 in favor of 10.3.9 and 10.4.1.

Mac OS X 10.3.9

Apple released this version in mid-April 2005. It was a free update to versions 10.3, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, and 10.3.8.

We announced support for this version in late April 2005. When we announced support for 10.4.1 in July 2005, we announced that we would continue supporting the latest version of 10.3.x (10.3.9 at the time) through Summer 2005 and Fall 2005; we will retire support for the latest version of 10.3.x at the end of January 2006.

As previously announced, at the end of January 2006 we retired support for this version in favor of current versions of 10.4.x.

Mac OS X 10.4

Apple released this version in late April 2005. It was a commercial upgrade, not a free update.

We never announced support for it; while we were testing it, it was supplanted by 10.4.1.

Mac OS X 10.4.1

Apple released this version in late mid-May 2005. It was a free update to version 10.4.

We announced support for this version in early July 2005. This was the first version of 10.4.x we supported. We dropped support for it in mid-November 2005 in favor of 10.4.2 and 10.4.3.

Mac OS X 10.4.2

Apple released this version in late mid-July 2005. It was a free update to version 10.4 and 10.4.1.

We announced support for this version in late July 2005. We dropped support for it in early-January 2006 in favor of 10.4.3.

Mac OS X 10.4.3

Apple released this version at the end of October 2005. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.2. Update from those versions by using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

We announced support for this version in mid-November 2005. We dropped support for it at the end of February 2006 in favor of 10.4.4 and 10.4.5.

Mac OS X 10.4.4

Apple released this version in early January 2006. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.3.

We announced support for this version on PowerPC-based Macs at the end of January 2006. We dropped support for it in mid-April 2006 in favor of 10.4.5 and 10.4.6.

This was the first version of Mac OS X Apple supported for use on Intel-based Macs. We did not announced support for Mac OS X 10.4.4 on Intel-based Macs at that time, as we had no experience with Mac OS X running on Intel-based Macs.

Mac OS X 10.4.5

Apple released this version in mid-February 2006. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.4.

We announced support for this version on PowerPC-based Macs at the end of February 2006. We dropped support for it in mid-July 2006 in favor of 10.4.6 and 10.4.7.

Mac OS X 10.4.6

Apple released this version in early April 2006. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.5.

We announced support for this version on PowerPC-based Macs in mid-April 2006. We dropped support for it in mid-October 2006 in favor of 10.4.7 and 10.4.8.

Mac OS X 10.4.7

Apple released this version at the end of June 2006. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.6.

We announced support for this version on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs in mid-July 2006. (This was the first version we supported on Intel-based Macs.) We dropped support for it in February 2007 in favor of 10.4.8.

Mac OS X 10.4.8

Apple released this version at the end of September 2006. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.7.

We announced support for this version on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs in mid-October 2006. We dropped support for it in July 2007 in favor of 10.4.9 and 10.4.10.

Mac OS X 10.4.9

Apple released this version in mid-March 2007. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.8.

We announced support for this version on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs in late-March 2007. We dropped support for it in late September 2007 in favor of 10.4.10.

Mac OS X 10.4.10

Apple released this version in mid-June 2007. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.9.

We announced support for this version on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs in early July 2007.

Mac OS X 10.4.11

Apple released this version in mid-November 2007. It was a free update to versions 10.4 through 10.4.10. Update from those versions by using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

We announced support for this version in late November 2007.

Mac OS X 10.5

Apple released this version at the end of October 2007. It was a commercial upgrade, not a free update.

We never announced support for it; while we were testing it, it was supplanted by 10.5.1.

Mac OS X 10.5.1

Apple released this version in mid-November 2007. It was a free update to version 10.5.

We announced support for this version in early December 2007. This was the first version of 10.5.x we supported. We dropped support for it at the end of March 2008 in favor of 10.5.2.

Mac OS X 10.5.2

Apple released this version in early February 2008. It was a free update to versions 10.5 through 10.5.1.

We announced support for this version in late February 2008. We dropped support for it in mid-July 2008 in favor of 10.5.3 and 10.5.4.

Mac OS X 10.5.3

Apple released this version at the end of May 2008. It was a free update to versions 10.5 through 10.5.2. Update from those versions by using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

We announced support for this version in mid-June 2008.

Mac OS X 10.5.4

Apple released this version at the end of Junue 2008. It was a free update to versions 10.5 through 10.5.3. Update from those versions by using the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

We announced support for this version in mid-July 2008.