14 DAY TRIAL // The Mac OS X Downloads page, which used to feature its own tab in the Apple.com navigation bar, hasn’t received a single update since last month, a report has revealed. Although Apple has scrapped easy access to the Downloads area, the section still exists and is usable for anyone looking to browse the numerous categories of third party applications for Mac OS X, as well as download older system software updates.
Apple’s Mac OS X Downloads section, pictured left, (generally) lists not only the latest system updates developed by Apple itself, but also updates and new product releases from third parties developing software for the Mac. Up until last month, Apple’s administrators have done a great job at keeping the site’s Downloads area maintained. Not anymore, TUAW points out. While the company surely isn’t cutting any costs by neglecting this section, there’s always a good reason for Apple to stop doing something. A good example is last year’s announcement that the company would not be making an appearance at upcoming Macworld Expo shows.
There’s another Downloads area, however, that Apple makes sure is properly maintained and updated on a daily basis - the Support Downloads section. Here, the latest system updates are available as free downloads, as usual. The latest such update is Final Cut Server, which our site detailed a few hours back.
It’s probably not a coincidence that Apple has halted updates on the Mac OS X page. Softpedia reported in mid March that Apple had removed the Downloads tab from the site’s nav-bar, making room for the new iPad tab, while also splitting the iPod + iTunes section into two separate ones. If these events are any indication, it’s only logical to assume that Apple may be working to revamp the Mac OS X Downloads area. Let us know what you think in the comments.