Apple will end support for Rosetta 2 in macOS 28, effectively terminating the ability to run legacy Intel-based applications on Apple Silicon Macs. According to official Apple support documentation, this transition marks the final phase of the company’s move toward a unified ARM-based architecture, forcing users to rely exclusively on native software or risk losing access to legacy programs.
Why is Apple ending Rosetta 2 support?
The decision to retire Rosetta 2 represents the final step in Apple’s multi-year transition from Intel processors to custom-designed M-series chips. Since the introduction of Apple Silicon in 2020, Rosetta 2 has served as a critical translation layer, allowing users to run x86_64 software on ARM hardware. According to reports from Echoboomer, the removal is a logical progression following the end of support for Intel-based Macs in the macOS 27 update. By removing this layer in macOS 28, Apple eliminates the overhead required to maintain legacy compatibility, pushing the entire ecosystem toward native ARM performance.
Which applications are most at risk?
While major software suites have largely transitioned to native Apple Silicon support, several popular niche tools and utilities remain dependent on Intel-based code. Based on current system alerts initiated in macOS 26.4, software that has not received updates for ARM compatibility is at risk of becoming unusable. Notable examples include:
- Gaming tools: GOG Galaxy, the Itch.io launcher, and the OpenEmu emulator.
- Media players: The standard version of VLC Media Player.
- Utilities: Official tools like the SD Card Formatter.
- Professional software: Specific versions of Capture One may require a paid upgrade to access native performance.
How to prepare for the transition to ARM
Users have approximately one year to audit their software libraries before the final cutoff. The primary strategy for users is to verify the compatibility status of critical tools immediately. Developers are currently being encouraged by Apple’s system warnings to release native ARM versions. If an application does not have a native version, users should begin researching alternatives or checking if a newer, paid version of their current software includes the necessary architectural support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Intel-based Mac stop working when macOS 28 launches?
No. If you are using a Mac with an Intel processor, your machine will continue to function as intended. The limitation specifically affects users on Apple Silicon Macs who are trying to run legacy Intel-only software.
Can I still use Rosetta 2 after upgrading to macOS 28?
No. According to the current roadmap, the translation layer will be removed from the operating system entirely, meaning Intel-only apps will simply fail to launch.
What if my favorite app is never updated for ARM?
If an application remains Intel-only and you require it for your workflow, you will be unable to run it on a macOS 28 system. You would need to keep a secondary, older device running an earlier version of macOS to access that specific software.
Are you concerned about your favorite software losing compatibility? Let us know which legacy apps you are still relying on in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the Apple Silicon transition.
