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This article was generated using an automated workflow powered by generative AI. The content has been organized by verifying official and primary sources.
Verification Status: 📘 Official Information Verified, Not Tested on Hardware
We review official information regarding the deprecation schedule for the macOS 14 runner image in GitHub Actions, the scheduled brownout periods leading up to it, and the procedure for switching to the new labels designated as the migration destination. We summarize key points to prevent workflow disruptions caused by the runner deprecation and to ensure a smooth migration.
Overview of macOS 14 Runner Image Deprecation
According to primary information published in the GitHub Changelog, the macOS 14 runner image used in GitHub Actions will be deprecated on November 2, 2026. Following this deprecation, workflows using the affected labels will no longer be able to run, making advance preparation necessary.
The affected labels are the following three:
macos-14macos-14-largemacos-14-xlarge
The primary information also mentions the possibility that the capacity of macOS 14 runners will be reduced incrementally prior to the final deprecation date. A reduction in capacity may cause issues such as increased queue wait times for jobs that continue to use the legacy labels.
Scheduled Brownout Schedule
Prior to the runner deprecation and for the purpose of notifying users and enforcing migration, multiple scheduled brownout periods are established during which jobs using macOS 14 will temporarily fail. The dates and times listed in the primary information are as follows (all in UTC):
October 5, 2026, 14:00 – October 6, 2026, 00:00
October 12, 2026, 14:00 – October 13, 2026, 00:00
October 16, 2026, 14:00 – October 17, 2026, 00:00
October 19, 2026, 14:00 – October 20, 2026, 00:00
October 23, 2026, 14:00 – October 24, 2026, 00:00
October 26, 2026, 14:00 – October 27, 2026, 00:00
October 29, 2026, 14:00 – October 30, 2026, 00:00
October 30, 2026, 14:00 – October 31, 2026, 00:00
If jobs fail unexpectedly during this period, it is highly likely that they are affected by the runner deprecation schedule and brownouts, so it is recommended to proceed with updating the workflow files as early as possible.
The macOS arm64 labels specified as migration targets
In preparation for the deprecation of the macOS 14 runner image, developers using GitHub Actions must update their workflow files and specify an alternative modern label. Official documentation guides users to migrate to the following macOS arm64 labels.
Standard size labels
macos-latest(May effectively refer to a newer version)macos-26(In accordance with the primary source documentation)macos-15
Large (xlarge) size labels
macos-latest-xlargemacos-26-xlargemacos-15-xlarge
By updating the settings defined in the workflow's runs-on key to one of the above, jobs will continue to execute smoothly after the deprecation.
Key points for updating workflow files and usage considerations
When modifying workflows, you must be mindful not only of changing the label names but also of potential version differences in the build environment.
Checking tool compatibility: Changing the runner image may result in differences in pre-installed software versions and available toolsets.
Referencing the latest information: Users are advised to check the official runner image repository for detailed configurations of available tools and software.
Contact for troubleshooting: The primary source advises contacting GitHub Support if unexpected issues arise during the migration process or execution.
[Before device verification] When making actual changes to workflow descriptions or checking repository configurations via API using PowerShell or similar tools, it is a safe approach to prepare a separate test repository to verify the behavior.
Summary
The key points for preparing for the deprecation of the macOS 14 runner image in GitHub Actions are as follows.
Deprecation deadline: The macOS 14 runner image will be deprecated on November 2, 2026.
Affected labels:
macos-14、macos-14-large、macos-14-xlarge。Brownout period: Multiple planned outages will be conducted throughout October 2026, during which jobs will temporarily fail.
Recommended action: Update the workflow file
runs-ontomacos-15,macos-26、macos-latest, and their respectivexlargevariants.Limitations: Always consult the official documentation for the latest details regarding deprecation dates, brownout schedules, and available labels.
