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macOS 10.12 Sierra Third Party Product Compatibility Info

Article ID = 163
Article Title = macOS 10.12 Sierra Third Party Product Compatibility Info
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 15th September 2016
Article Last Updated = 31st May 2017
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?163

Article Brief Description:
A list of information relating to third party software products and their compatibility with macOS 10.12 Sierra

macOS 10.12 Sierra Third Party Product Compatibility Information

No PowerPC only software will run on Sierra because Sierra does not support Rosetta.
Gatekeeper
Some (older) software may not install or run on Sierra due to the Gatekeeper security feature. However, it will work, you just need to temporarily bypass gatekeeper if you are sure the software is trusted and safe - see our Gatekeeper article for more information.
System Integrity Protection (SIP)
Sierra includes a low-level security technology called System Integrity Protection (SIP) which prevents the modification or removal of certain system files - this could affect third party products that try to install/modify files/folders at the system level. We have a separate article all about SIP.
64-bit vs 32-bit
By default Sierra is a full 64-bit operating system running on computers with a full 64-bit EFI so make sure any 32-bit software you have has been updated to 64 bit versions. Common examples of 32-bit software include:
  • Printer drivers that are not included with OS X
  • Graphics and video "plug-ins" such as those for Adobe Photoshop
  • Audio (VST) plug-ins such as those for Logic
  • Third party hardware drivers such as those for PCI cards or USB devices
  • Drivers for modems
    • NOTE: Apple's USB modem is not supported in Sierra.
NOTE: It may be possible to run individual applications in 32-bit mode (Get Info on the application in the Finder and tick "Open in 32-bit mode" - if that option is not there then you can't).
HiDPI
If you have a HiDPI compatible monitor connected e.g. Retina Display, UltraHD, 4K, 5K, Sierra will try to run applications in HiDPI mode on them. Older applications (written before HiDPI was available) may have problems with this. It is possible to run older, individual applications in "low resolution" mode (Get Info on the application in the Finder and tick "Open in Low Resolution" - if that option is not there then you can't).
Products Specifically NOT Sierra Compatible
Products Specifically NOT Sierra Compatible
but they should be updated in the future to be compatible
Companies
Printer And Scanner Manufacturers/Drivers
Official Apple list of printer and scanner drivers included with macOS 10.12
Individual Products
Network Attached Storage (NAS) Products
NAS products must support AFP protocol version 3.3 or later (introduced with OS X 10.7 Lion) if they are to be used for Time Machine backups. Sierra supports SMB1 (CIFS) and SMB2 for normal networking/file sharing but they cannot be used for Time Machine backups. If you use NAS products that utilise open source software (FreeNAS and/or Netatalk) - FreeNas must be at least version 8.1 and Netatalk must be at least version 2.2.0. Specifically:
  • AppleShare IP (ASIP) - You are out of luck, sorry no update will ever be issued.
  • Buffalo NAS - check your product is macOS 10.12 Sierra compatible.
  • DataRobotics / Drobo - AFP v3.3 supported support area.
  • FreeNAS - AFP v3.3 supported along with SMB2 for normal file access.
  • Lacie NAS - check your product is macOS 10.12 Sierra compatible.
  • Microsoft Windows Home Server (including HP MediaSmart Servers): HP have abandoned their original implementation of this software so there will be no update from HP. Microsoft's Windows Home Server 2011 even with the latest service pack does not support AFP protocol v3.3 or later. WHS is unlikely to ever support AFP protocol v3.3 or later. Also note:
    • Some implementations of Windows Home Server install Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection software. You can download the latest version from the Mac App Store
    • Windows Home Server 2011 installs an application called "Launchpad" - but so does Sierra. If you install Sierra first and then try to install WHS's Launchpad, you can't and currently there is no fix. If you have WHS installed and upgrade to Sierra you won't get Maverick's Launchpad. Follow these steps to fix:
      1. Go to Macintosh HD > Applications folder and delete the Launchpad application.
      2. Go to Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Microsoft and delete the "Launchpad" folder.
      3. Go to Macintosh HD > Library > Preferences > and delete the "com.microsoft.launchpad.plist" file.
      4. Go to Macintosh HD > Users > ~your home directory > Library > Application Support > Microsoft and delete the "Launchpad" folder.
      5. Restart your computer.
      6. Locate the Sierra disc image and open it so it mounts on your desktop.
      7. In the mounted Sierra disc image go to the Packages folder
      8. Double click the "Essentials.pkg" package to start the software installation.
      9. Follow the on screen instructions to install (Sierra's Launchpad application).
    • Proxure have a WHS add-in for Mac backups called KeepVault Connector but there is little information on it and their links don't work
  • Netgear/Infrant ReadyNAS - use ReadyNAS OS 6 or later
  • QNAP - Time Machine supported.
  • Synology - Time Machine supported.
  • Western Digital NAS e.g. "MyBook World" - Time Machine compatibility
If a product is not listed above it doesn't mean it does or doesn't work with macOS 10.12 Sierra. Make sure you are running the latest version of the software and if you still have problems check the developer/manufacturer web site. If you spot any Sierra compatibility information online that we don't have above be sure to let us know the link/URL.
You could also check out this web site that lists compatible/incompatible Sierra software.

Article Keywords: macOS 1012 Sierra third 3rd party software product compatibility

This article is © MacStrategy » a trading name of Burning Helix. As an Amazon Associate, employee's of MacStrategy's holding company (Burning Helix sro) may earn from qualifying purchases. Apple, the Apple logo, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

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