14 DAY TRIAL // A detailed analysis of Apple’s security patches included in the Mac OS X 10.6.5 update issued yesterday suggests that the Mac maker had good reason to phase out Flash from its computers starting with the introduction of two new MacBook Air models last month.
AppleInsider has broken down the 131 vulnerabilities known to be affecting Mac OS X prior to version 10.6.5 of the operating system, mentioning that 16 of them are related to X11, five to specific features in Mac OS X Server, nine to Apple’s own QuickTime player, one to the Safari web browser, and another 45 to various other components.
However, the web site notes, the security issues associated with the Adobe Flash plugin count no less than 55, making the Flash plugin the most security-vulnerable component touched by Mac OS X 10.6.5.
The source appropriately points out to Apple’s recent move to phase out Flash, as well as Java and X11, from its new Macs.
Going by the notes publicized by Apple in its Support document detailing the security content of Mac OS X 10.6.5, one can only conclude that the Mac maker had more than enough reasons to act this way.
In fact, responding to inquiries regarding the exclusion of Flash from its new Macs, Apple specifically stated that it had to do with security.
According to a statement provided by Apple spokesman Bill Evans, leaving out the plugin starting with the new MacBook Airs had nothing to do with Apple’s stance regarding Adobe’s software.
“We're happy to continue to support Flash on the Mac, 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 said in a statement, according to Engadget.
Furthermore - although Apple has refrained itself from noting this - it appears that Flash can also drain MacBook Air batteries noticeably faster, according to several tests carried out by tech-site Ars Technica.
This can only be considered yet another factor contributing to Apple’s decision to leave out Flash from its Macs.