Can users with macOS 11 and the new Apple M1 hardware run Sophos Mac Endpoint Protection with the Big Sur EAP?
Yes. M1 users with Big Sur need to follow three steps:
On Premise (SEC): Sophos Anti-virus for MacOS version 9.10.2 and above have full support for Big Sur, and support for M1 processors via emulation (Rosetta 2). Applies to the following Sophos. The latest on support for the Apple M1 Processor and macOS 11 (Big Sur) with Sophos Endpoint products. Jan 25 2021 By Alex Gardner Can users with macOS 11 and the new Apple M1 hardware run Sophos Mac Endpoint Protection with the Big Sur EAP?
- Install Rosetta 2
- Join the Big Sur EAP
- Run Sophos using Rosetta 2
Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X. Find your product Version 9. To install Sophos Anti-Virus so that it is managed by Enterprise Console, see the startup guides on the Enterprise Console page. Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X standalone startup guide. Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X Help. Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X release notes.
What is Rosetta 2?
Rosetta 2 is a commonly used tool that enables a Mac with Apple silicon to use apps built for a Mac with an Intel processor. For instructions on installation, please refer to https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211861
Will there be a performance difference when using Rosetta 2?
Native support using the full power and performance of the Apple hardware will always be faster than using Rosetta 2. For normal business users there should not be any discernable difference. For heavy users of disk or CPU (for example: video editing, heavy photoshop usage, compiling) they will notice a difference in performance.
When is macOS 11 support coming?
The goal is to have macOS 11 support available to all customers by early March 2021. This includes support for both Sophos Central and Sophos Enterprise Console (SEC) managed devices. Brand new customers will have support from mid-February 2021. We will be upgrading all existing customers in stages, between mid-February and early March as per our normal release process.
Will Apple M1 Hardware be supported when we release Big Sur support?
Yes and this support will come in two stages. Stage 1 will be using Rosetta 2 and Stage 2 will be native support.
When will M1 processors be natively supported?
An early access program for native Apple M1 processor support will begin in early April. Planned GA is before the end of CYQ2. Native support means that Rosetta 2 is no longer required for emulation.
Will customers need to take any action when we support macOS 11 or the Apple M1 hardware?
When we release GA support for macOS 11 we will move all EAP devices to recommended. Customers do not need to take any action. The same will be true when we GA native support for the Apple M1 hardware. All devices that were running using Rosetta 2 will automatically use the native implementation.
Key links
Is macOS 11 supported?
Yes. Roll-out has successfully completed for Sophos Central and Sophos Enterprise Console (SEC). All customers have received the updated version that supports macOS 11 natively. No customer action is required unless they have devices with M1 processors which require Rosetta 2 to be installed.
Are M1 Processors supported for macOS 11?
M1 processors are currently supported with Rosetta 2. Customers that have M1 processor devices and are running macOS 11 will need to install Rosetta 2 in order to use Sophos Endpoint products. They do not need to join the early access program.
Sophos M1 Mac
Sophos M1 Mac Download
Rosetta 2 should automatically prompt for installation if it isn’t already in use on the device. If not, manual installation is straightforward. See KBA39501 for further detail.
What is Rosetta 2?
Rosetta 2 is a commonly used tool that enables a Mac with Apple silicon to use apps built for a Mac with an Intel processor. For more information, please refer to https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211861
Will there be a performance difference when using Rosetta 2?
Native support using the full power and performance of the Apple hardware will always be faster than using Rosetta 2. For normal business users there should not be any discernible difference. For heavy users of disk or CPU (for example: video editing, heavy photoshop usage, compiling) they will notice a difference in performance.
Sophos Endpoint Mac M1
When will M1 processors be natively supported?
An early access program for native Apple M1 processor support is planned to start in April.
Sophos M1 Mac Support
Sophos M1 Mac Version
Key link: KBA on Big Sur and M1 support