Upgrade Intel Apps to Native Apple Silicon Before Support Ends

If you’re currently using Intel applications on an Apple Silicon Mac, it’s time to recognize that many developers are unlikely to transition these apps to native support. The urgency for you to update cannot be overstated. Back in 2021, AppleInsider reported on the status of Mac apps adapting to Apple Silicon, revealing a concerning number of popular applications that had yet to make the transition.

During that time, Intel apps performed reasonably well, thanks to Apple’s Rosetta translation tool, which allowed them to run effectively on the new architecture. However, as Apple Silicon has matured over the past five years, most developers have recognized the need to adapt their software. Many apps that were slow to change have finally gone native, realizing that Rosetta wasn’t a long-term solution.

While some high-profile developers once relied on the translation layer, the increasingly diminishing number of updates for Intel apps signals a shift that no longer accommodates these older technologies. Looking ahead to 2027 and the anticipated release of macOS 28, Apple has indicated that Rosetta support will falter, and reliance on outdated apps could lead to significant issues, particularly for obscure applications like Adobe Dimension or Adobe Substance 3D Stager, which are not planned for updates. For users still relying on Intel apps, particularly on Intel Macs, upgrading is essential.

Apple Silicon offers remarkable performance enhancements that can profoundly affect workflow and productivity. While it may seem daunting to make a change, the benefits of transitioning to Apple Silicon far outweigh the costs, particularly in terms of operational efficiency. In conclusion, if your applications are still running on Intel, it’s time to evaluate and update those apps.

Checking developer websites for native versions is a practical approach, and the advantages of upgrading today will only compound over time. Embracing this transformation is crucial for sustaining productivity and ensuring your software remains supported.