FAQs about macOS 12.3 and Apple silicon for admins
If you’re an admin of a Dropbox team account, this article will answer questions you may have about how macOS 12.3 (Monterey) and Apple silicon may impact your team.
As part of macOS 12.3 (Monterey), Apple is removing a system extension that supports opening online-only files in all cases. Dropbox is actively working on full support for macOS 12.3 and higher. Learn more about Dropbox support for macOS 12.3.
Apple silicon is an Apple-designed chip for Mac computers. Dropbox native support for Mac computers with Apple silicon is currently available. Learn more about Dropbox native support for Apple silicon.
Note: On macOS 12.3, online-only files will show as zero bytes in size.
FAQs about how macOS 12.3 (Monterey) will impact your team
How will updating to macOS 12.3 impact my team?
Members of your team may have temporary issues opening online-only files in third-party applications on their Mac if they choose to update to macOS 12.3.
Will my team still be able to access and use online-only files?
Yes. Members of your team who choose to update to macOS 12.3 will still be able to open online-only files by double-clicking them in Finder.
What’s causing this issue with online-only files on macOS 12.3?
As part of macOS 12.3, Apple is removing a system extension that supports opening online-only files in all cases. Dropbox is actively working on full support for online-only files on macOS 12.3 and higher.
What’s the difference between online-only and files that are available offline?
Online-only files don’t take up space on your hard drive and are only accessible when you’re connected to the internet. Files that are available offline take up space on your hard drive and are accessible regardless of whether you’re connected to the internet. Once an online-only file has been made available offline in Dropbox, you’ll see the cloud icon change to a green checkmark.
Will my team still be able to free up hard drive space by making files online-only?
Yes. Members of your team will still be able to make files online-only.
To make a file online-only:
- Open your Dropbox folder in Finder.
- Right-click the file you want to make online-only.
- Click Make online-only.
Will any other Dropbox functionality be affected besides online-only files?
No. Members of your team may have temporary issues opening online-only files in third-party applications if they choose to update to macOS 12.3, but no other Dropbox functionality will be affected.
Will my team see this issue on dropbox.com or the Dropbox mobile app?
No. The experience on dropbox.com and the latest iOS and Android apps remains unaffected.
Will other versions of macOS be affected? How will this impact members of my team who aren’t on macOS 12.3 and higher?
No. Only members of your team who have updated to macOS 12.3 and higher will be affected. Members of your team on other versions of macOS won't be affected.
Will these changes affect members of my team on Windows or Linux devices?
No. Only members of your team on Apple devices who have updated to macOS 12.3 and higher will be affected. Members of your team on Windows or Linux devices won't be affected.
FAQs about Dropbox support for macOS 12.3 (Monterey)
Does Dropbox plan to fully support macOS 12.3 and higher in 2022?
Dropbox is actively working on full support for macOS 12.3 (Monterey) and higher. A private beta version is currently available to select users and will begin rolling out to team accounts soon. If a member of your team is interested in joining, they can turn on early releases to be notified when they’re eligible.
If my team has a Customer Success Manager, do we need to have a beta agreement in place before participating in the private beta version of Dropbox for macOS 12.3 and higher?
The online Dropbox Business Agreement has adequate beta terms, so no additional addendum is required. Contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager to ensure your signed business agreement is up to date.
Can I manually add a payload to a Configuration Profile to enable full support of online-only files on macOS 12.3?
Yes. If you’re working with a team using MDM via Automated Device Enrollment, you can add the Kernel Extension Policy payload to a Configuration Profile to enable full support of online-only files on macOS 12.3.
How can I request support if needed?
If you need support, reach out to your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager or contact Dropbox support.
FAQs about Apple silicon
Does Dropbox provide native support for devices with Apple silicon processors?
Yes. Native support for Mac computers with Apple silicon processors is currently available. Learn more about Dropbox native support for Apple silicon.
How can I tell if a member of my team has Dropbox running natively on Apple silicon?
Ask members of your team to follow the instructions in this article to determine if Dropbox is running on Apple silicon.
