Microsoft Retirement of EWS Disrupts Apple Mail for JMU Email Users

Microsoft has started retiring Exchange Web Services (EWS), an older email technology that some applications use to connect to James Madison University (JMU) email. The most notable application affected is Apple Mail for macOS, which still relies on EWS. JMU IT has implemented a temporary workaround to keep Apple Mail functional, but this solution will only last until early 2027. The university strongly recommends switching to Microsoft Outlook for long-term access to JMU email.

The retirement of EWS primarily impacts applications that still depend on it. While JMU’s workaround applies only to Apple Mail for macOS, other unsupported clients like DavMail, EdisonMail, and Fantastical 2 for Mac are also affected. Microsoft announced this change years ago, so current versions of Outlook on Windows, Mac, mobile, and Outlook on the web are unaffected.

Apple is aware of the issue and plans to address it in a future update for macOS Golden Gate. However, there are no guarantees on when or if this update will be released. Golden Gate will only run on newer Apple hardware, leaving Intel Mac users without a solution. JMU IT advises users not to rely solely on Apple Mail and to transition to Outlook before the temporary workaround expires.

For JMU-issued Macs, Golden Gate’s rollout is expected to begin this academic year. If a Mac cannot run Golden Gate, IT recommends replacing the device. Users needing assistance with the transition to Outlook can contact the JMU IT Help Desk at (540)568-3555 or helpdesk@jmu.edu.