MacOS – Will macOS Big Sur remove the default Python installation for good

big surmacospython

I initially thought that this would happen with Catalina, but since it didn't happen a similar question is again relevant:

My question is two fold:

  • When I eventually update to macOS Big Sur, will the Python (2.7.X) installation – which currently ships with macOS – get removed from my system?
  • What about if I do a fresh install; will python be gone then?

Relevant section from macOS Catalina 10.15 Release Notes (emphasis mine):

Scripting Language Runtimes

Deprecations

  • Scripting language runtimes such as Python, Ruby, and Perl are included in macOS for compatibility with legacy software. Future versions of macOS won’t include scripting language runtimes by default, and might require you to install additional packages. If your software depends on scripting languages, it’s recommended that you bundle the runtime within the app. (49764202)
  • Use of Python 2.7 isn’t recommended as this version is included in macOS for compatibility with legacy software. Future versions of macOS won’t include Python 2.7. Instead, it’s recommended that you run python3 from within Terminal. (51097165)

Source: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-catalina-10_15-release-notes

I can't find anything about this in Big Sur's release notes though.

Edit: I am not actively using Python 2, I'm simply wondering this since it might affect some 3rd party software which relies on the OS's Python installation.

Best Answer

No, on Apple Macs being shipped with Big Sur, Python 2 and Python 3 are both still included.

$ which python
/usr/bin/python

$ python --version
Python 2.7.16

$ which python3
/usr/bin/python3

$ python3 --version
Python 3.8.2

This is on an M1 Mac mini running macOS Version 11.0.1.

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