macOS 27 will be the last operating system to fully support Rosetta 2

AppleInsider

Developers relying on Rosetta 2 to keep their legacy code running should begin preparing now, as macOS 27 will be the last to provide full support for the translation technology.

Apple wants all apps to run on Apple Silicon natively by 2028. Image source: Apple

When Apple revealed Apple Silicon in 2020, it shared that the transition would be slow to ensure users and software weren't lost along the way. With the announcement of macOS Tahoe during WWDC 2025, Apple has revealed that not only Intel Macs, but Rosetta 2 are on the chopping block.

According to a portion of the Platforms State of the Union, developers have until macOS 28 to get their apps running natively on Apple Silicon. They also shared that macOS 26 is the last Mac operating system that will support Intel-based Macs.

When it arrives, macOS 28 will still run Rosetta 2, but scaled back significantly to support only legacy apps like old games that won't be updated again. The full Rosetta 2 translation layer will still work in macOS 26 and macOS 27, in the meantime.

Intel owners should consider upgrading to a more modern Mac to continue receiving full operating system updates. Apple will likely continue to support macOS 26 with security patches for some years, but the feature updates won't arrive on Intel machines anymore.

Those already using Apple Silicon should ensure they are running native apps. If you have an app that's still Intel-based, either find a new app or start writing to the developer to urge a transition to a native app.

There's plenty of time, so no need to panic at this point. In all likelihood, macOS 28 won't be announced until WWDC 2027.



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timmillea

Is there a quick way to scan all my apps and reveal which are still using non-native code?

brianleejackson

timmillea said:

Is there a quick way to scan all my apps and reveal which are still using non-native code?

Yes, System Settings → About → System Report. 

Then go to Software → Applications. You can then see in the "Kind" column and even sort it, whether it's an Intel app, or Universal/Apple Silicon. 

I just checked again as well, and I no longer have any Intel apps running.

michelb76

brianleejackson said:

timmillea said:

Is there a quick way to scan all my apps and reveal which are still using non-native code?

Yes, System Settings → About → System Report. 

Then go to Software → Applications. You can then see in the "Kind" column and even sort it, whether it's an Intel app, or Universal/Apple Silicon. 

I just checked again as well, and I no longer have any Intel apps running.

You may have several intel apps running that are apple made, such  diskimages-helper and core audio stuff. Hopefully Apple will update all their services and software to Apple Silicon. It's easiest to see in Activity Monitor if you sort on 'kind'.

blastdoor

Updating apps for Apple silicon is the kind of thing that an AI assistant should be very good at. 

One of the most important AI tools that Apple needs to release is Swift Assist.

edgecrusherr

blastdoor said:

Updating apps for Apple silicon is the kind of thing that an AI assistant should be very good at. 

One of the most important AI tools that Apple needs to release is Swift Assist.

Not a bad idea.

edgecrusherr

I don’t mind them dropping hardware support about 7 or so years, but I really like having the power to run older apps if I need them. I’m not expecting miracles, but the Rosetta 2 layer is very modern and secure, there shouldn’t be any good reason why they can’t leave it there for 10-15 years. Hopefully what they’re leaving intact for old games will actually be enough to continue playing all of those old games, for many years to come. I have some really
good ones what are no longer developed, including the Enterprise D simulator, and some emulators (not just game emulators either).

blastdoor

Edgecrusherr said:

I don’t mind them dropping hardware support about 7 or so years, but I really like having the power to run older apps if I need them. I’m not expecting miracles, but the Rosetta 2 layer is very modern and secure, there shouldn’t be any good reason why they can’t leave it there for 10-15 years. Hopefully what they’re leaving intact for old games will actually be enough to continue playing all of those old games, for many years to come. I have some really
good ones what are no longer developed, including the Enterprise D simulator, and some emulators (not just game emulators either).

Yeah... given the abundant RAM and storage resources on modern systems, and Apple's ample financial resources, I don't see why they don't provide greater backwards compatibility options through the use of virtual machines. Heck, they could let you run everything from the Apple II onwards in a virtual machine. 

I'd find that to be a more exciting announcement than just about anything at WWDC this year, especially if they provided easy access to old software at reasonable (or free) prices. 

timmillea

brianleejackson said:

timmillea said:

Is there a quick way to scan all my apps and reveal which are still using non-native code?

Yes, System Settings → About → System Report. 

Then go to Software → Applications. You can then see in the "Kind" column and even sort it, whether it's an Intel app, or Universal/Apple Silicon. 

I just checked again as well, and I no longer have any Intel apps running.I

Many thanks. It works ...  except I am now left with various Intel scanner utilities, Brother Scanner, CanonIJScannerX where x is 2, 3 and 4 and EPSON Scanner which are not there and cannot be 'unhidden' nor found. I don't even have a scanner anymore! 

Hopefully when those Universal apps are Apple Silicon only, much space will be freed up and they may even lunch a little faster. 

edited 1:13PM