With the upcoming Tahoe update, Firewire compatibility on Macs is likely to be affected. I still have and use Firewire hard drives, like a 2TB RAID 0 setup connected through an OWC Thunderbolt2 hub, which works perfectly fine with my M1 Mac. I also use a rugged 1TB Lacie Firewire drive for my Time Machine backup. Is there any way to continue using these hard drives once Tahoe launches?
6 Answers
Honestly, I feel like each MacOS update tends to phase out the hardware I've relied on for years. I'm currently trying to make the switch to USB-C RAID but it's been challenging. I’m just trying to find a balance between accessibility and keeping my data secure without getting into costly subscriptions or proprietary software.
I still have a Firewire video camera with tapes that I need to digitize. Looks like I should get moving on that before it's too late!
I wouldn’t be surprised if a software vendor comes up with a solution to restore Firewire functionality after Tahoe. There's often a workaround out there!
That's a strong hope! Let's keep fingers crossed!
There's a lot of uncertainty around whether Firewire support will be completely dropped in Tahoe. Since it's already mentioned on the support page, it's understandable to be concerned, especially if you're like me and rely on older hardware.
It's definitely reasonable to worry about it! Things like that can change quickly.
It's a tough situation! I’ve got a Drobo RAID that I can’t even get software for anymore. Transitioning to something more reliable is the way to go for sure.
A good option is to keep an older system around for Firewire connections. Otherwise, transitioning to USB 3 or better is suggested since they perform much faster and are more future-proof.
I get that. It's tough because if everything's running smoothly, why mess with it? But long-term might be smarter.
Definitely! Don't wait too long!