Apple cautions that the present macOS marks the final version for Intel-based Macs, and support for Intel-compatible applications will cease next year.
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</div>Attention IT administrators and decision-makers: Apple has verified its intention to discontinue Rosetta support for applications designed for Intel processors, beginning with macOS 28 in 2027. This signifies that any Intel-based applications crucial for your company’s operations must be substituted to ensure uninterrupted business functions and security. Additionally, it’s vital to recognize that macOS 26 will serve as the final operating system update offering compatibility for existing Intel-based Macs. Consequently, both Intel-based Macs and their associated applications should be upgraded now to avert future complications.
Rosetta played a key role in allowing Apple Silicon Macs to execute Intel-based applications during the shift to Apple’s proprietary chips. This feature proved invaluable upon the debut of the initial M-series Macs, permitting users to run the majority of Intel-compatible apps and affording developers time to produce updated iterations – a task largely accomplished by proficient developers, particularly within the consumer application market.
Nevertheless, certain enterprises might still depend on specialized, in-house software that has not yet received updates. The positive aspect is that there remains a window of 12 to 18 months to modify or replace these applications and upgrade any lingering Intel-based Macs. Apple has outlined a few exceptions: security updates will persist for select Mac models for an additional two years post-support termination, and Rosetta’s capabilities will exclusively remain available for specific older, unmaintained games built on Intel-based frameworks with macOS 28.
Anticipated for a While
Apple appears to have adopted a reasonable approach with its support strategies. The initial Apple Silicon Macs emerged six years prior, in late 2020, signifying that the company extended support for Intel Macs for an additional six years. Regarding application compatibility, Apple’s decision grants developers a total of seven years to complete their transition. This progression was entirely foreseeable, and the company has consistently endeavored to inform both developers and consumers of its plans.
The count of affected Macs and applications is projected to be minimal, given the substantial sales volume of Apple Silicon Macs. The market share for Macs continues its upward trajectory, with Macs currently holding a dominant position in the AI PC sector, potentially commanding a 54% share among all AI-capable computers.
The evident and pressing shift towards Apple Silicon has certainly captured developers’ attention, with the majority having already completed the migration. Nonetheless, some niche situations persist; users in these categories should proactively implement measures to safeguard their systems as the support deadlines approach.
Are You Currently Using Intel Applications?
Are you worried that you or your organization might be impacted by this transition? Instead of reviewing each application separately, the simplest method to pinpoint any Intel-based applications running on your Mac is as follows:
- Access System Information (Option+Apple Menu > System Information).
- Under Software, choose Applications.
- Examine the “Kind” column to pinpoint applications designated as Intel.
- Applications labeled “Apple Silicon” or “Universal” will operate without issue; only Intel-specific apps require replacement.
For those overseeing a collection of devices with Mobile Device Management (MDM) software like Jamf Pro, identifying applications needing replacement can be done using commands such as `mdfind` or via third-party utilities, for instance, those provided by iMazing.
The Moment to Transition
Frankly, Apple’s choice to prompt the last remaining users who haven’t yet migrated to Apple Silicon is a sensible one. Apple’s most recent Macs have garnered widespread acclaim for their cost-effectiveness, speed, durability, processing capabilities, and more. They deliver considerably superior performance compared to the Intel Macs they superseded, and the forthcoming M5 generation Macs promise substantial enhancements in both performance and productivity.
Although the situation may differ for custom proprietary applications, the majority of commercial software not yet natively optimized for Apple Silicon will likely remain so. Therefore, transitioning to alternative solutions is a logical step. Decision-makers ought to leverage the discontinuation of Intel support as a rationale to secure additional funding for updating those challenging proprietary applications.
With mere months remaining until Apple entirely phases out Intel support, the opportunity for further delay has expired. The time to invest in Apple Silicon is now.
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