Of course. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Java SE 6 on a Mac, covering its history, how to check for it, and the modern alternatives you should be using today.

The Short Answer: Is Java SE 6 Still Available for Modern Macs?

No, not officially.

Apple stopped including Java SE 6 with macOS starting with macOS 10.12 Sierra (released in 2025). Furthermore, the last version of Java SE 6 that Apple provided, Java 6 Update 45, is no longer compatible with modern versions of macOS (like Ventura, Sonoma, or Sequoia) due to security requirements and architectural changes.

The History: Why Was Java SE 6 Special on the Mac?

For a long time, Apple managed its own version of Java, which often lagged behind the official Oracle releases. This created a major problem for developers, especially those using older versions of IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio.

• IntelliJ IDEA 12 & 13: These versions (and earlier) were built to run on Java 6. When Apple removed Java 6, these older IDEs would not launch on newer macOS versions.
• Android Studio (Early Versions): Similarly, some early versions of Android Studio or its predecessor, the ADT plugin for Eclipse, were dependent on Java 6.

To solve this, Apple introduced a clever feature in OS X Mavericks (10.9).

The "Legacy" Java SE 6 Runtime

Apple provided a way to run Java 6 applications without having a full Java 6 installation. This was done through a compatibility layer.

How it worked: You could tell an application to use the legacy Java 6 runtime by creating a specific file in its application package.

1. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) the application (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA 12).
2. Select "Show Package Contents".
3. Navigate to Contents/Eclipse (for IntelliJ) or Contents/MacOS.
4. Create a file named JavaAppletPlugin.
5. Save the file with no content (an empty file).
6. Relaunch the application. It would now use the bundled Java 6 runtime.

Why This is No Longer an Option:

• macOS 10.12 Sierra and later: Apple removed the ability to use this legacy compatibility layer. The system simply no longer contains the necessary Java 6 components.
• Security: Java 6 is ancient and no longer receives security updates from Oracle. Running it is a significant security risk.

How to Check Your Current Java Version

To see what version of Java you have installed (if any), open the Terminal app (you can find it in Applications/Utilities or search for it with Spotlight) and run the following command:

java -version

You will see output similar to one of these:

• If you have a modern Java (JDK 11, 17, 21, etc.):

  openjdk version "17.0.9" 2025-10-17
  OpenJDK Runtime Environment Temurin-17.0.9+7 (build 17.0.9+7)
  OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM Temurin-17.0.9+7 (build 17.0.9+7, mixed mode, sharing)

• If you have no Java installed:

  zsh: command not found: java

• If you have an old version (like Java 8):

  java version "1.8.0_362"
  Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_362-b09)
  Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.362-b09, mixed mode)

What to Do Instead: The Modern Solutions

You should not try to install Java SE 6. Instead, you need to find a modern equivalent for your needs.

Solution 1: For Running Old Applications (Like IntelliJ IDEA 12)

Your best bet is to run the application inside a virtual machine.

1. Install a Virtual Machine App: Use software like Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or the free UTM (which uses QEMU).
2. Install an Older macOS Version: Create a virtual machine and install a compatible older version of macOS, such as OS X El Capitan (10.11) or macOS Sierra (10.12). These versions still supported Java 6.
3. Install Java 6: Inside that old virtual machine, you can download and install the last official version of Java 6 from the Oracle Archive.
4. Run Your App: Install and run your old application (like IntelliJ IDEA 12) inside the virtual machine.

This is the safest and most reliable way to run legacy software that depends on Java 6.

Solution 2: For Modern Development

If you are a developer, you need a modern, supported version of Java.

• Download the Latest JDK: Go to the official Oracle Java downloads page or use an open-source build like Eclipse Temurin or Amazon Corretto. These are free, high-quality, and actively maintained.

  • Oracle JDK: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/
  • Eclipse Temurin (Recommended): https://adoptium.net/

• Use a Version Manager (Highly Recommended): Tools like SDKMAN! or jenv allow you to easily install and switch between multiple versions of Java on your system. This is the standard practice for professional developers.

Solution 3: For Running Java Applets (Almost Never Needed)

Java Applets are dead and have been disabled in all major web browsers for years. You will not encounter a legitimate, modern website that requires a Java Applet. If you find one, it is almost certainly a security risk.

Summary