New Mac OS updates and compatibility with Dropbox

[Sharkdiver00]

Received the following after the latest update from Monterey OS... what are the implications for us Dropbox users for any future updates?  Thank you.

About system extensions and macOS

Some system extensions aren't compatible with current versions of macOS or won't be compatible with a future version of macOS. Learn what to do if you see an alert about system extensions or kernel extensions. 

System extensions work in the background to extend the functionality of your Mac. Some apps install kernel extensions, or kexts—a kind of system extension that works using older methods that aren't as secure or reliable as modern alternatives. Your Mac identifies these as legacy system extensions.

In 2019, Apple informed developers that macOS Catalina will be the last macOS to fully support legacy system extensions, and we've been working with developers to transition their software.

If you get an alert about a system extension

You may see an alert on your Mac that says that a program loaded or tried to load a system extension signed by the developer of that extension. 

• The alert may ask you to open Security & Privacy preferences to allow the extension. You may also need to restart your Mac. 
• The alert may ask you to contact the developer for support because the extension needs to be updated or will be incompatible with a future version of macOS.
• The alert may inform you that it will damage your computer and has been blocked.

On a Mac with Apple silicon, you may first need to use Startup Security Utility to set the security policy to Reduced Security and select the “Allow user management of kernel extensions from identified developers” checkbox.

System administrators can also use Mobile Device Management (MDM) to manage legacy system extensions. 

If necessary, please contact the developer to learn whether an updated version of their software is available or planned. They may also be able to explain how to remove or disable the extension, and the consequences of doing so.

Technical details for developers are available in Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives.

[Walter]

Hi @Sharkdiver00, thanks for reaching out!

This message is about how a component of the desktop app will behave on a future release of macOS.

There is no change to the way Dropbox will work on your computer today and your data will continue to be accessible.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or any issue comes up. 

[CCIChris]

If I understand the response from Dropbox, they just basically told us, "Sit down and shut up. You should not worry about it little children." This is not very comforting when Mac users get continual pop up message saying, "Dooms day is coming if Dropbox does not update the app."

This leads to MANY fearful questions.

How did Dropbox app get it this situation to begin with?

Has development stopped because Dropbox does not have funds for that anymore?

Is Dropbox in financial trouble so we need to start looking for a replacement?

[ffr2822]

Considering the fact that Dropbox has (or should have known) about this issue *at least*  3 years ago - when might we see the update? 

[vwbug32]

Dear Dropbox,

Kernels?  ...What is that??  I'm computer savvy, but not sophisticated.  I just want to know what's going to happen when Mac drops their new software update.

- Am I screwed? 

- Will I still get access to my documents? 

- Will there be a discount for frustration and time lost? 

- Do I just need to cut my losses and bail now?

Thanks!

[scbaker]

Yes, I have a question. When will Dropbox fix this? Saying it will only impact a "future OS" is not reassuring. Apple releases OS updates all the time. Are you saying this won't impact us until MacOS 13 comes out? What about 12.3 - will that one be safe?

[Sharkdiver00]

Good day Walter and thanks for the response to my question.  

The problem is that the issue will still be there.  Whatever "the way a component of the desktop app will act....." is still not clear, nor specific to assuage my worries that using Dropbox will be even more problematic in the future.  

Additionally, Apple issues updates to their OS as well as new OS very often and your response did not give me any guarantees that that problem or more serious ones will not pop up in the future.  

Is there a plan for Dropbox to implement research and develope solutions so their offered seamless interaction with Apple products will truly be seamless in the future?  

Sorry, I do not mean to sound petty or take it on you.  But inquiring minds and wallets would like to know.

Respectfully, 

M. Chapman

[scbaker]

This article has more useful info. Basically it says that thing will break with MacOS 12.3, but that Dropbox has a fix currently in beta testing.

https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/27/macos-12-3-deprecates-dropbox-onedrive-kexts/

[Sharkdiver00]

Thanks, will check it out and hopefully it works and is implemented successfully.

[t_dog]

Hi, what's the solution here? I'm not being asked to approve the extension in my SysPrefs, but it's causing major issues for me - Ma cis getting stuck with spinning beach ball.

Thanks