Prepare for changes to macOS Server 5.7.1

As hosted services have become widespread—and the need to keep software up to date is more important than ever—Apple is making some changes to macOS Server. 

Learn about current and future support

Apple continues to develop and support macOS Server, which includes Open Directory, Profile Manager, and Xsan management. The most popular server features—Caching Server, File Sharing Server, and Time Machine Server—have been bundled with every installation of macOS High Sierra since its release in fall 2017, so that even more customers have access to these essential services at no extra cost.

Starting with macOS Server 5.7.1, Apple no longer bundles open source services such as Calendar Server, Contacts Server, the Mail Server, DNS, DHCP, VPN Server, and Websites with macOS Server. Customers can get these same services directly from open-source providers. This way, macOS Server customers can install the most secure and up-to-date services as soon as they’re available. 

Apple has published documentation to help with this transition.

Services included in macOS Server 5.7.1

The following services are included and fully supported in macOS Server 5.7.1:

  • Profile Manager
  • Open Directory
  • Xsan

Services Migrated from macOS Server to macOS High Sierra

These services are now available in macOS High Sierra and later, and can be found in System Preferences > Sharing:

  • File Server
  • Caching Server
  • Time Machine Server

Service status

This table shows the status of each macOS Server service, and available alternatives.

Service Status Alternatives
FTP Removed in Server 5.4 SFTP/SSH
Server Docs Removed in Server 5.4

 iCloud Documents, Apache/WebDAV
DHCP UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 bootpd, built into macOS
DNS Removed in Server 5.7.1 BIND, Unbound, KnotDNS
VPN Removed in Server 5.7.1 OpenVPN, SoftEther VPN, WireGuard
Firewall UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 pf firewall (built into macOS)
Mail Server Removed in Server 5.7.1

dovecot/Postfix

Courier, KerioConnect
Calendar Removed in Server 5.7.1 CalendarServer, DavMail, Radicale, Kerio Connect
Wiki Removed in Server 5.7.1 MediaWiki, PmWiki, XWiki, Confluence, WordPress WMX files
Websites UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 Apache HTTP Server (built into macOS), Nginx, Lighttpd
Contacts Removed in Server 5.7.1 CalendarServer, DavMail, Citadel, Kerio Connect
Net Boot/Net Install UI tools removed in Server 5.7.1 BOOTP, TFTP, HTTP, NFS (all built into macOS), NetSUS, BSDPy
Messages Removed in Server 5.7.1 ejabberd, Openfire, Prosody
Radius Removed in Server 5.7.1 FreeRadius
Airport Management Removed in Server 5.7.1 AirPort Utility

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet. Contact the vendor for additional information. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Published Date: