Apple has notified developers that they will no longer be required to make their apps compatible with Intel Macs, while also confirming that Intel-only apps will not run after macOS 27.
The forthcoming macOS Tahoe is the last release that will run on Intel-based Macs, and that will run Intel-only apps. It's not a surprise, as Apple has been clear about this transition since it began the move to Apple Silicon back in 2020.
Now, though, it has released an updated support document about the transition, and also emailed developers directly. Headed "Upcoming changes to Rosetta support for Intel-based macOS apps," the support document says "we're now concluding this transition" from Intel to Apple Silicon.
Previously apps that were not universal, working with both Intel and Apple Silicon, would be rejected from the Mac App Store. This means that Apple Silicon-only apps can now be submitted, but it does not mean that Intel apps distributed outside of the Mac App Store will continue to run.
Apple says that this final part of the transition is in three stages:
The support documentation is aimed at pushing developers to use Apple Silicon if they aren't already. "If you haven't updated your app yet," it says, "begin the transition immediately."
In comparison, the email sent to developers more assumes that they will have already moved to Apple Silicon. As first spotted by MacRumors, the email says:
By removing support for Intel-based Mac computers, you can simplify your development and optimize your download and on-device size.
Apple transitioned its hardware from Intel to Apple Silicon starting in November 2020 with the MacBook Air, Mac mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro. The final Mac to make the switch was the 2023 Mac Pro, which has since been discontinued.
