Apple Finally Removing Python 2 in macOS 12.3 - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Finally Removing Python 2 in macOS 12.3

Apple will no longer bundle Python 2.7 with macOS 12.3, according to developer release notes for the upcoming software update. Python 2 has not been supported since January 1, 2020 and no longer receives any bug fixes, security patches, or other changes.

macOS Monterey Python
Apple says that developers should use an alternative scripting language going forward, such as Python 3, but it's worth noting that Python 3 also does not come preinstalled on macOS. Developers can run the stub /usr/bin/python3 in Terminal, but it prompts users to install Xcode developer tools, which includes Python 3.

Apple warned that future versions of macOS would not include Python 2.7 in macOS Catalina's developer release notes back in 2019. At the time, Apple said Python 2.7 was included in macOS for compatibility with legacy software.

"If your software depends on scripting languages, it's recommended that you bundle the runtime within the app," said Apple.

Related Forum: macOS Monterey

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...

Top Rated Comments

56 months ago

I think the warning is only displayed if you don’t have developer tools installed. Any non-developers affected should know by now and developers should be able to easily switch to a semvar friendly version.
You might want to try clicking on the link to find out what "semver" actually refers to. :)

The point is that changes like this, which break existing code, should happen at major releases, when reasonable people expect to have to do the research and deal with some disruption to their work - not snuck in with a point release alongside essential bug fixes and security updates. Adequate warning was given that it would disappear sometime but that's only so much use without giving a clue about when it would be removed, and then vanishing it overnight. Getting rid of legacy software dependencies isn't always straightforward and people need clarity about when things will be removed.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
56 months ago
Apple is not really working towards being semver ('https://semver.org') friendly this week. Removing Python 2.7 in a dot release and also making older cloud storage apps read-only. I don't care they do this (it's for the greater good), but they shouldn't do it in a point release, especially ones you can't skip as they contain security fixes.

Fortunately I'm not affected by any of the changes, but it's just bad business.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
averagenerd81 Avatar
56 months ago

Apple is not really working towards being semver ('https://semver.org') friendly this week. Removing Python 2.7 in a dot release and also making older cloud storage apps read-only. I don't care they do this (it's for the greater good), but they shouldn't do it in a point release, especially ones you can't skip as they contain security fixes.

Fortunately I'm not affected by any of the changes, but it's just bad business.
Since security updates have not been provided in two years for 2.x, it is time to get rid of it with anyone desiring it can install it on their own. I am sick of being hampered because people refuse to move on, it's two years with no updates. It's dead Jim, move on and make us more secure.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArrayDecay Avatar
56 months ago
Excellent news.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
56 months ago

Apple is not really working towards being semver ('https://semver.org') friendly this week.
Semver works for libraries not for consumer products. Otherwise we'd be using macOS 75.0.0 it this point.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
averagenerd81 Avatar
56 months ago

MacOS is becoming a bag full of hurt.o_O
I see you haven't used Windows before. Just this month I had to refrain from patching my domain controllers because the cumulative update for January sent them into a boot loop. The update to fix that is only available via manual install (it isn't advertised in WSUS or SCCM), but the patch that breaks things still is! So you have to install the broken patch and then the fix for the broken patch.

Removing a 2 year unpatched version of Python that people have been notified about repeatedly being a "bag full of hurt"? Only if you can't read the basic text when you launch python from the CLI:

[ICODE]WARNING: Python 2.7 is not recommended.
This version is included in macOS for compatibility with legacy software.
Future versions of macOS will not include Python 2.7.
Instead, it is recommended that you transition to using 'python3' from within Terminal.
[/ICODE]

So yeah, totally a "bag full of hurt" ..... totally.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: Sport | Mac | Ipad | Business | Education