Apple removes Python 2.7 in macOS 12.3 beta (developer.apple.com)

Article summary

Apple has removed Python 2.7 from the macOS 12.3 beta. The article's content is not available, but the removal of Python 2.7 has sparked a discussion about Apple's approach to supporting outdated software. Some commenters see this as a positive step, while others are concerned about the potential impact on users who rely on older versions of software. The discussion also touches on Apple's licensing policies and the use of package managers like Homebrew.

Main themes

• Apple's software support policies
• Outdated software removal
• Package managers and user workflows
• Licensing and compatibility issues
• User impact and adaptation
• Apple's relationship with the developer community

What commenters say

• Removing outdated software like Python 2.7 is a necessary step for progress and security.
• Apple's decision to remove Python 2.7 will cause problems for users who rely on older versions of software.
• The use of package managers like Homebrew can mitigate the impact of Apple's decisions, but may not be suitable for all users.
• Apple's licensing policies, including their avoidance of GPLv3 software, are a significant factor in their decisions about which software to support.
• Some users feel that Apple should continue to support basic tools like Emacs and bash, even if they are outdated.
• Others argue that users who need these tools can install them using package managers, and that this is not a significant burden.
• The removal of outdated software may be part of a larger trend of Apple moving away from supporting certain types of tools and utilities.
• Apple's decisions about software support may have significant implications for certain groups of users, such as scientists and librarians who rely on specific tools for their work.