Expertise is at all times shifting ahead, which regularly means outdated know-how will get left behind. For instance, NekoMichiUBC on X has found that the macOS Tahoe beta lacks assist for FireWire. That implies that legacy units, equivalent to the unique and 2nd-generation iPod, storage units. cameras, and extra gained’t work with Macs working Tahoe.
It’s truly spectacular that Apple has supported FireWire for thus lengthy, since Apple tends to drop outdated tech in a number of years. Recognized by the usual identify of IEEE 1394 (FireWire is Apple’s branding), Apple led its growth within the late Eighties as an answer for units that wanted high-speed connectivity. Within the 2000s, USB grew to become common and FireWire ports on Macs had been ultimately dropped, however assist had been saved in macOS till Tahoe.
What to do if in case you have a FireWire system you wish to use? Nicely, you don’t need to improve to Tahoe; your Mac is simply advantageous working that older model of macOS. It means, although, that you would be able to’t use Tahoe’s options. It additionally implies that any options that function between iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and Tahoe gained’t be obtainable to you, equivalent to Name Screening. If in case you have a spare Mac, you may determine not set up Tahoe on it and use it when you could use FireWire units, like an iPod.
In the event you rely upon these outdated FireWire units every day, it’s a good suggestion to improve, particularly if it’s a storage system. That FireWire arduous drive has loads of miles on it, so its possibilities of failure are comparatively excessive and growing on daily basis. You may in all probability get a quicker drive with much more storage for a lower cost than what you paid for that FireWire drive (storage was rather more costly again then). Get our picks for the very best exterior arduous drives and SSDs. If it’s a digital camera, your iPhone 15 in all probability produces higher high quality images, although utilizing outdated cameras for stylistic functions is a factor. We get it.
There’s at all times an opportunity Apple may reinstate FireWire assist in Tahoe–it’s in beta and adjustments at all times occur through the cycle. There doesn’t appear to be any technical consequence to it, however Apple likes to drop outdated tech as a part of its correct housekeeping follow. Chances are high, it’s gone, so take the time to arrange your self earlier than Tahoe is formally launched within the fall. Be taught extra about macOS Tahoe.
