Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3

Oct 21, '10 07:30:00AM

Contributed by: crarko

Apple released Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 (and a corresponding Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 8) through Software Update shortly after the Back to the Mac event. The general release notes are here and the security fixes are listed here.

However, those are not the most interesting items about this release.

The most significant change is documented in the developer release notes.

'As of the release of Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3, the version of Java that is ported by Apple, and that ships with Mac OS X, is deprecated.'

'This means that the Apple-produced runtime will not be maintained at the same level, and may be removed from future versions of Mac OS X. The Java runtime shipping in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, will continue to be supported and maintained through the standard support cycles of those products.'

[crarko adds: I would take this as a pretty serious hint from Apple that if you develop software in Java for use on Mac OS X, be prepared for a bumpy ride ahead unless Oracle picks up their support for Java on the Mac in Lion.]

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