Apple confirms macOS 12.3 deprecates kernel extensions used by Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive

Dropbox icon (Image credit: iMore)

What you need to know

Apple has confirmed a change that has broken some Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive features in macOS 12.3.
In the case of Dropbox, third-party apps can no longer open online-only files.
Apple has deprecated kernel extensions used by the two cloud storage providers and both are working on fixes.

Apple has confirmed that the current macOS 12.3 beta has deprecated kernel extensions that are used by both Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive.

Last week we heard from Dropbox that an upcoming macOS update would break the opening of online-only files by third-party apps. Dropbox mentioned macOS Monterey 12.3 in its own support documentation before it was released and Apple has confirmed that yes, the first macOS 12.3 beta does indeed break things. And as suspected, Microsoft OneDrive is also going to suffer as well.

Here's what Apple has to say in the macOS 12.3 release notes:

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The kernel extensions used by Dropbox Desktop Application and Microsoft OneDrive are no longer available. Both service providers have replacements for this functionality currently in beta. (85890896)

The news that both Dropbox and Microsoft are working on fixes is expected and Dropbox did say as much last week. For now, one workaround for those who have the macOS 12.3 beta installed is to open online-only files via Finder rather than through the third-party apps directly.

Microsoft, for its part, says it is working with Apple to come up with a solution to its own problems that will have "long-term support."

Dropbox has long been one of the best Mac services for syncing and saving data to the cloud and users will be hoping this particular feature is back up and running soon.

Oliver Haslam has written about Apple and the wider technology business for more than a decade with bylines on How-To Geek, PC Mag, iDownloadBlog, and many more. He has also been published in print for Macworld, including cover stories. At iMore, Oliver is involved in daily news coverage and, not being short of opinions, has been known to 'explain' those thoughts in more detail, too. Having grown up using PCs and spending far too much money on graphics card and flashy RAM, Oliver switched to the Mac with a G5 iMac and hasn't looked back. Since then he's seen the growth of the smartphone world, backed by iPhone, and new product categories come and go. Current expertise includes iOS, macOS, streaming services, and pretty much anything that has a battery or plugs into a wall. Oliver also covers mobile gaming for iMore, with Apple Arcade a particular focus. He's been gaming since the Atari 2600 days and still struggles to comprehend the fact he can play console quality titles on his pocket computer.

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