Microsoft ends macOS 14 Sonoma support for 365 apps

Microsoft has officially announced that its Microsoft 365 suite is now supported only on macOS 27 Golden Gate, ending support for macOS 14 Sonoma. This decision aligns with Microsoft’s policy of maintaining applications only on the three latest major versions of macOS, ensuring compatibility and security for users.

New macOS versions required for updates

Users must now use macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 26 Tahoe, or macOS 27 Golden Gate to continue receiving updates for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. This rule applies to both Microsoft 365 and Office 2024, the office suite sold as a perpetual license. Older versions of macOS will no longer receive updates for these applications.

Security risks for outdated systems

While Microsoft 365 applications will not stop functioning immediately on macOS Sonoma or older versions, they will no longer receive updates, which could pose security risks over time. Users are advised to upgrade their operating systems or switch to newer versions of Microsoft’s office software to avoid potential issues.

Reduced family storage capacity

Microsoft 365's family storage capacity has been reduced to up to 4 TB in total. This change affects users who rely on shared storage across multiple devices, potentially requiring them to manage their data more carefully or consider alternative storage solutions.

Office 2021 reaches end of support

Office 2021, the version with a perpetual license, will no longer receive updates starting October 13. Users are encouraged to switch to Office 2024 (149 euros for a single purchase) or Microsoft 365 (one-year subscription on promotion for 80 euros) to avoid potential compatibility or security issues in the future.

Alternatives available for users

Users may consider other software options such as the iWork suite, LibreOffice, or OnlyOffice. Office 2021 applications will continue to function but will no longer receive updates beyond October 2026, emphasizing the need for users to plan for future software needs.