Can Java 7 use Apple Java Extensions?

Question

In order to help Java apps look more like native apps when run on Mac OS X, Apple created the Apple Java Extensions in order to make Java apps behave more like Mac OS X. The

Answer 1

Will a Mac running Java 7 be able to use the Apple Java Extensions?

Yes. They are included both in the Oracle distribution and in OpenJDK. See the second answer here below.

I can't vouch for the complete API as I only need a subset to support drag-drop behaviour on the app icon and on the app frame. I can confirm though this works as expected with OpenJDK 7. No problems on the distribution side either, as the app is on sale on the Mac App Store.

Are they included in Java 7, and if not, can I download them to bundle into my app?

They are included in OpenJDK 7, you can find the sources in /src/macosx/classes/com/apple and supported by Oracle as hinted by the messages and bug fixes readable on the macosx-port-dev mailing list.

They are also included in the Oracle distribution, unjar rt.jar to see them.

You don't have to download anything, just start using them in your editor:

Are there any alternatives to these extensions that are Java 7 compatible?

Not that I know of, but I doubt you need an alternative.