Apple to end support for Intel-based apps on Macs in 2027: What it means

Apple has confirmed that Rosetta, the software tool enabling Intel-based Mac apps to run on Apple silicon Macs, will begin winding down after macOS 27. Starting with macOS 28, Rosetta support will be restricted primarily to older, unmaintained games relying on Intel frameworks, signaling the end of broad Intel app compatibility on newer Macs. Introduced in 2020, Rosetta facilitated the transition from Intel-powered Macs to Apple silicon by automatically translating Intel-based apps. While it remains available on all Apple silicon Macs and will function through macOS 27’s lifecycle, future versions of macOS will limit its use, prompting users to adopt Apple silicon-native software. Apple advises users to replace Intel-based apps with Universal or Apple silicon versions, where available. Apps downloaded via the App Store can be updated directly through the store, while users should check developers’ websites for compatibility updates. Some apps may require separate updates for Intel-based components like plug-ins or extensions. To identify Intel-based apps, users can check the Finder’s Get Info section, where apps labeled ‘Application (Intel)’ require Rosetta. Apps marked ‘Application (Universal)’ support both architectures, while ‘Application (Apple silicon)’ are exclusive to Apple’s chips. Universal apps may offer an ‘Open using Rosetta’ option for Intel-only components, which can be disabled once Apple silicon alternatives are available. Rosetta operates automatically in the background, with no noticeable performance differences in most cases. Users opening an Intel-based app on an Apple silicon Mac will be prompted to install Rosetta if it isn’t already present. The changes underscore Apple’s commitment to its own hardware ecosystem, accelerating the phase-out of Intel-based software support.