Users of the open-source email client Thunderbird who continue to operate on older versions of Windows and macOS will face a significant change next month, as the development team has confirmed that support for these platforms will officially come to an end. The recent release of Thunderbird 115.15.0 marks the final major update for users on these systems.
Key details regarding this transition include:
- This change impacts users of Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and macOS 10.14 or earlier.
- Thunderbird 115.15 is the last major release available for the aforementioned operating systems.
- Thunderbird ESR 128 will no longer function on these systems.
The latest iteration of Thunderbird, version 128, is designed exclusively for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 10.15 and newer, as well as Linux platforms.
Mozilla extends Firefox support, Thunderbird does not
In a parallel situation, Mozilla has opted to extend support for its Firefox web browser, even as it faced similar challenges. Given that Thunderbird is built on Firefox’s codebase, the teams behind both products had to address the same dilemma. While Firefox users on older operating systems will benefit from an additional six months of support, Thunderbird users will not share in this extension.
The Thunderbird team has outlined three primary reasons for their decision to discontinue support:
- Lower usage statistics: Approximately 11 percent of Firefox users are on Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1, whereas only 6 percent of Thunderbird users fall into this category.
- Resource constraints: The Thunderbird team operates with fewer resources, and extending support would divert attention from other critical areas.
- End of support by Microsoft: Microsoft has ceased support for these operating systems, further complicating the situation.
While it is evident that Thunderbird’s development team is smaller than that of Firefox, the impact of this decision is noteworthy. Even with a modest user base, such as 10 million, the discontinuation of support affects approximately 600,000 users.
Post-support, Thunderbird will remain operational; however, users should be aware that they will no longer receive updates, including vital security patches. As technology evolves, it is likely that certain features may eventually cease to function properly.
For those unable to upgrade their systems immediately, accessing email accounts via web interfaces remains a viable option. Among email clients that still support Windows 7 or 8, options are limited. Postbox is compatible with Windows 8, while MailSpring appears to support Windows 7.
Are there other email clients you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Thunderbird email support won’t be extended for older Windows and Mac systems – gHacks Tech News
Users of the open-source email client Thunderbird who continue to operate on older versions of Windows and macOS will face a significant change next month, as the development team has confirmed that support for these platforms will officially come to an end. The recent release of Thunderbird 115.15.0 marks the final major update for users on these systems.
Key details regarding this transition include:
The latest iteration of Thunderbird, version 128, is designed exclusively for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 10.15 and newer, as well as Linux platforms.
Mozilla extends Firefox support, Thunderbird does not
In a parallel situation, Mozilla has opted to extend support for its Firefox web browser, even as it faced similar challenges. Given that Thunderbird is built on Firefox’s codebase, the teams behind both products had to address the same dilemma. While Firefox users on older operating systems will benefit from an additional six months of support, Thunderbird users will not share in this extension.
The Thunderbird team has outlined three primary reasons for their decision to discontinue support:
While it is evident that Thunderbird’s development team is smaller than that of Firefox, the impact of this decision is noteworthy. Even with a modest user base, such as 10 million, the discontinuation of support affects approximately 600,000 users.
Post-support, Thunderbird will remain operational; however, users should be aware that they will no longer receive updates, including vital security patches. As technology evolves, it is likely that certain features may eventually cease to function properly.
For those unable to upgrade their systems immediately, accessing email accounts via web interfaces remains a viable option. Among email clients that still support Windows 7 or 8, options are limited. Postbox is compatible with Windows 8, while MailSpring appears to support Windows 7.
Are there other email clients you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.