Shortly after Apple introduced its revamped lineup of MacBook Airs, it was discovered that the svelte devices do not ship with Adobe's Flash plugin. Naturally, everyone's first reaction was to assume that Apple's actions were rooted in their ongoing, though currently less volatile, rivalry with Adobe.
Shortly after Apple introduced its revamped lineup of MacBook Airs, it was discovered that the svelte devices do not ship with Adobe’s Flash plugin. Naturally, everyone’s first reaction was to assume that Apple’s actions were rooted in their ongoing, though currently less volatile, rivalry with Adobe.
Responding to user queries, Apple spokesman Bill Evans contacted Engadget and relayed to them Apple’s official position on the matter.
“We’re happy to continue to support Flash on the Mac,” Evans stated, “and the best way for users to always have the most up to date and secure version is to download it directly from Adobe. Evans also told Engadget that Apple, going forward, will ship all Mac models sans Adobe’s Flash Player. Naturally, Macs already in the pipeline will ship as is.
While some still believe this is a veiled jab against Adobe, remember that Apple in the past has been criticized for shipping Macs with older and less secure versions of Adobe’s Flash Player. But in requiring users to install the Flash plugin themselves, Apple is ensuring that Mac users only run the most up-to-date version of Adobe’s popular plugin.
