Send Apple Feedback About OS X Yosemite?

Yes, you can send feedback about OS X Yosemite directly to Apple, and the process is simpler than most people expect. You can submit bug reports, feature requests, and general comments through Apple’s official feedback page, and if you’re running a beta version, you can use the built-in Feedback Assistant app. This article explains exactly how to do both, what happens after you submit, and what to do if you just want to vent about the UI.

Why Send Feedback to Apple?

Apple uses feedback to prioritize fixes and features for future releases. While they don’t reply to every submission, each report is logged and reviewed by engineering teams. For example, a well-documented bug report about Wi-Fi dropping after wake from sleep—a common Yosemite complaint—can get escalated if enough users file similar reports. Feature requests, like bringing back the colorful sidebar icons, are also tracked and can influence the next version’s design.

Method 1: The Official Feedback Page (Works for Any Version)

This is the most direct way to reach Apple for any version of OS X, including Yosemite. The page is simply apple.com/feedback. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to apple.com/feedback in any browser.
2. Click “Mac� under the product list.
3. Choose a topic from the dropdown, such as “OS X Yosemite� or “iCloud� if your issue is related.
4. Select a sub-topic (e.g., “Finder,� “Safari,� “Wi-Fi�).
5. Type your feedback in the text box. Be specific: include steps to reproduce, what you expected, and what actually happened.
6. Enter your email address if you want to receive a response (optional).
7. Click “Submit Feedback.�

This form is for general feedback and bug reports. It does not require you to be a developer or have a paid account. You can submit multiple reports for different issues, but try to keep each one focused on a single problem.

Method 2: Feedback Assistant (For Beta Versions)

If you’re running a beta of OS X Yosemite (like the public beta or developer preview), Apple provides a dedicated app called Feedback Assistant. It’s pre-installed on beta versions and lives in your Applications folder or Launchpad. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Feedback Assistant from your Applications folder or Spotlight.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID (the one you used to enroll in the beta).
3. Click the “+� button to create a new feedback report.
4. Choose a category: Bug Report or Feature Request.
5. Fill in the title and description. Include your Mac model, OS version, and steps to reproduce.
6. Attach screenshots, console logs, or system diagnostics if possible. This helps Apple debug faster.
7. Submit, and you can track the status of your report in the app.

Feedback Assistant reports are tied to your Apple ID and are generally taken more seriously because they come from beta testers. Apple may ask for more information via the app, so check it periodically.

What to Include in Your Feedback (So It Gets Read)

A vague complaint like “Yosemite is slow� won’t help Apple fix anything. To make your report useful, include:

• Exact OS version (e.g., 10.10.5) and Mac model/year.
• Steps to reproduce the issue, in order.
• What you expected to happen vs. what actually happened.
• Screenshots or screen recordings if the issue is visual.
• Console logs if you see error messages (use the Console app in /Applications/Utilities/).

For example, instead of “Mail crashes,� write: “Mail crashes when I click on an email with a large attachment. Steps: 1. Open Mail 2. Click on email from [sender] with 20MB PDF. Expected: email opens. Actual: Mail quits and relaunches.� This level of detail helps engineers reproduce the bug.

How Long Does It Take? What Happens After You Submit?

Apple does not send a confirmation email for most feedback. Your report goes into a database, and you likely won’t hear back unless Apple needs more information. For bug reports, fixes usually appear in the next minor update (e.g., 10.10.1, 10.10.2) if the issue is widespread. For feature requests, they may be implemented in a future major release (like OS X El Capitan or Sierra). You can check the release notes of each update to see if your issue was addressed.

Alternative: Apple Support Communities and Bug Reporter

If you want to discuss an issue with other users or get help, the Apple Support Communities (discussions.apple.com) is a good place. You can post your problem there, and other users or Apple staff may respond. This is also a way to see if others have the same bug.

For developers, Apple provides Bug Reporter at bugreport.apple.com. This is for registered developers and is the same backend used by Feedback Assistant. If you’re not a developer, stick with the public feedback page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send feedback about Yosemite if I’ve already upgraded to a newer macOS?

Yes. The feedback page still lists OS X Yosemite as an option, even though it’s no longer supported. Apple still logs the feedback, but it’s unlikely to result in a fix for Yosemite since it’s obsolete. If you want Apple to address an issue, you may need to upgrade to a supported version.

Will Apple reply to my feedback?

Usually no. Apple does not send personalized responses to most feedback. If they need more information, they may email you (if you provided your address) or contact you via Feedback Assistant (for beta reports). Don’t expect a reply.

Is there a phone number or email for OS X feedback?

No. Apple does not provide a direct email or phone line for OS X feedback. The web form and Feedback Assistant are the official channels. For technical support, you can contact Apple Support by phone or chat, but that’s for troubleshooting, not feedback.

What if I want to complain about the design (like the new Yosemite icons)?

Use the same feedback page. Choose “OS X Yosemite� and then “User Interface� or “General� as the sub-topic. Many users complained about the flat design and translucent menus, and Apple did refine some elements in later updates. Your feedback counts.

Can I submit a feature request for a future macOS version?

Yes. Select “Feature Request� in Feedback Assistant if you’re on a beta, or use the web form and clearly state “This is a feature request� in the text. Apple reviews these for future releases.

Is it safe to send feedback? Will Apple collect my personal data?

Yes, it’s safe. Apple’s feedback page is encrypted, and you only provide your email address if you want a response. Apple’s privacy policy covers how they use feedback data—it’s used to improve products, not for marketing. Do not include sensitive personal information in your feedback.

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