In a typical move by the computing giant Apple, the latest update disables Java software for all Apple products. The move is a step towards the company’s independence from third party software updates, especially given that Oracle, which provides the Java software, has been struggling with security issues. Experts in Europe discovered Java bugs in August that hackers had used to launch attacks. It took Oracle several days to release a damage control update. It has since been becoming a common practice to download Java plug-ins only on a need-top basis.
While Mac OS doesn’t provide the software, users can download the Java plug-in directly from the Oracle website. Apple Support clarifies that “the update uninstalls the Apple-provided Java applet plug-in from all web browsers. To use applets on a web page, click on the region labelled “Missing plug-in” to go download the latest version of the Java applet plug-in from Oracle.”
Though neither company offered an explanation to the move, about two years ago Apple Inc had announced that it would at a point of time no more more provide Java on its products.