March 19, 2024 at 12:54PM
Oracle has warned Apple users to delay updating to the latest macOS 14.4 Sonoma due to potential Java compatibility issues on ARM-based Macs. The update causes the Java process to terminate without warning, affecting all Java versions. Oracle advises users to delay the update until the issue is resolved. Other problems with macOS 14.4 have also been reported.
Key Meeting Takeaways:
– Oracle has issued a warning to Apple customers, advising them to postpone installing the latest macOS 14.4 Sonoma update due to its potential to disrupt Java on ARM-based Macs.
– The issue results in Java processes terminating unexpectedly on impacted Macs, affecting all Java versions from Java 8 to early access builds of JDK 22. Currently, no viable workarounds are available for this issue.
– According to Aurelio Garcia-Ribeyro, Senior Director of Product Management at Oracle, affected users may find it challenging to revert to a stable configuration in the absence of a complete system backup prior to the OS update.
– Apple’s macOS 14.4 update employs a mechanism to control dynamically generated code, which leads to the termination of Java Virtual Machine processes due to its use of dynamic code generation and memory access in protected memory regions.
– Oracle has communicated the issue to customers, Apple, and OpenJDK partners, recommending that Java users on ARM-based Apple devices running macOS 14.4 delay updating until the issue is resolved.
– Users who have already installed macOS 14.4 Sonoma have reported additional issues beyond Java termination, as highlighted by MacRumors.
Note: An Apple spokesperson was not immediately available for comment when approached by BleepingComputer.