Due to security issues in Flash Player , Apple has decided to disable all versions of the software prior to version 16.0.0.235 and 13.0.0.259. This is a known tactic for the Californian tech giant.
Apple uses a tool that blocks dangerous versions of Flash whenever new security issues are discovered. The company sees this as a much more effective method than issuing a notice to users, who may or may not read it. It also doesn't trust Adobe to release the necessary patches in a timely manner, as happened this week .
Through an email list, Apple is informing Mac users that “due to security issues in older versions, Apple has updated the web plug-in blocking mechanism to disable all versions prior to Flash Player versions 16.0.0.235 and 13.0.0.259.” It offers further information about the web block plug-in via the support document, HT202681.
OS X will display a message stating that the Flash is out of date, and recommend downloading a newer version. This is mandatory if the user wishes to continue using Flash, but there is a workaround if no new Flash versions are available.
Adobe Adobe's delay in releasing the patch, Apple has taken matters into its own hands once again, and Adobe will fix the problem in a few days.
