Firefox no longer works with Mac OS X 10.5

Revision Information
  • Revision id: 34540
  • Created:
  • Creator: thelem
  • Comment: Put the easiest solution as option 1, move apple dropping support to introduction (it is problem, not solution) and remove 'will' as Firefox 17 is no longer a future version
  • Reviewed: Yes
  • Reviewed:
  • Reviewed by: AliceWyman
  • Is approved? Yes
  • Is current revision? No
  • Ready for localization: Yes
  • Readied for localization:
  • Readied for localization by: AliceWyman
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Revision Content

Firefox 16 is the last version of Firefox that works with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). Apple stopped supporting Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) in 2009 and many software makers have either dropped support for it or soon will. Newer versions of Firefox require Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or above. To stay safe online, we recommend upgrading your computer or operating system. This article covers your options.

Note: This article only applies to Mac OS X.

Option 1: Upgrade your operating system

Depending on the age of your computer, you may be able to upgrade to a newer version of Mac OS X. If you can't upgrade to Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), newer versions of Firefox will also work on Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard). Apple still supports these older operating systems, although it's likely that it will drop support for 10.6 (Snow Leopard) soon.

Option 2: Switch to a newer computer

If your computer is not capable of running a newer version of Mac OS X then you will need to purchase a new computer to allow you to run the latest and greatest Firefox. You can transfer your settings across so you don't lose anything.

Option 3: Continue to use Mac OS X 10.5 and Firefox 16

If you can't switch to a newer computer or upgrade your operating system, you can continue to use Mac OS X 10.5 and Firefox 16 - they will continue to work. However, you will no longer receive stability and security updates available in upcoming Firefox versions. See the Security Advisories for Firefox for a list of vulnerabilities fixed in past releases.

Warning: Continuing to use Mac OS X 10.5 is no longer supported by Apple and poses a significant security risk.