Apple has told Mac users that Rosetta, the translation layer that runs Intel-designed software on Apple silicon computers, will be significantly restricted beginning with macOS 28. The change, detailed in Apple’s updated compatibility guidance on October 28, 2026, means most older Intel applications will no longer receive the broad support they currently have on macOS 27 and earlier.
Rosetta will continue only for select older, unmaintained games that depend on Intel-based frameworks. Apple is advising users to replace other legacy software with Universal or Apple silicon editions before upgrading to the next major macOS release.
What Apple is changing
Rosetta allows applications built for Intel processors to run on Macs using Apple’s custom silicon chips. Apple introduced the technology to ease the transition away from Intel-based Macs, but its latest guidance makes clear that the broad compatibility layer will not continue indefinitely.
Starting with macOS 28, support will be narrowed rather than removed outright. Apple’s guidance says the remaining functionality will focus on older games that have not been maintained and still depend on Intel frameworks, while ordinary productivity, creative and utility applications are expected to move to newer builds.
Apple’s macOS compatibility guidance recommends checking whether applications are marked “Application (Intel)” and replacing them with versions labeled “Universal” or “Apple silicon.” Those versions can be obtained through the Mac App Store, a developer’s website or an application’s built-in update mechanism.
"The practical deadline for most users is not macOS 28 itself, but the time needed to replace software that its developers have stopped maintaining."
How Mac owners can check their software
Users can inspect an application in Finder by selecting it, pressing Command-I and reviewing the “Kind” field. Intel-only applications appear as “Application (Intel),” while Universal applications can run on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs.
Apple also provides a system-level list on macOS 27 Golden Gate or later. Users can open System Settings, choose General, select About and click Details next to Intel-based Apps. This gives them a broader view of software that may require attention before the next major upgrade.
Apple’s Finder instructions are useful for checking individual programs, while the System Settings list is better suited to reviewing an entire Mac. The distinction matters for users who have accumulated older utilities, plug-ins or specialist software over several years.
What happens when Rosetta is needed
On supported versions of macOS, Rosetta can be installed automatically when a user opens an Intel-based application. macOS displays an installation prompt, and the user can select Install to continue.
Apple also documents a Terminal-based installation route for users who prefer to install Rosetta manually. That option may help administrators or experienced users prepare several machines, but it does not make incompatible applications native or guarantee continued support under macOS 28.
The central next step is therefore software replacement, not simply reinstalling Rosetta. Developers must provide Universal or Apple silicon builds for applications that need to keep working broadly after Apple reduces the translation layer’s role.
What the change means for users
Most owners of recent Apple silicon Macs will not notice an immediate change if their software is already native or Universal. The impact will be greatest for people relying on abandoned applications, older professional tools, legacy plug-ins and games that have not been updated for Apple silicon.
Users should check compatibility before installing macOS 28, especially if a Mac is used for work or depends on specialized software. Apple’s stated transition path is to identify Intel-only apps now and replace them with supported builds, rather than wait until an upgrade exposes a compatibility problem.
The change also gives developers a clear signal about Apple’s direction. Rosetta was designed as a bridge between Intel and Apple silicon, but macOS 28 will reserve that bridge for a limited category of older games instead of treating it as a general solution for legacy software.
Key Factual ClarificationsEditorial Q&A
When will Apple stop broadly supporting Rosetta?
Apple says Rosetta’s functionality will be significantly reduced starting with macOS 28. It will not disappear completely, but its remaining support will be limited to select older, unmaintained games that use Intel-based frameworks.
Will Intel apps stop working immediately?
Not necessarily. Intel applications continue to run through Rosetta on macOS 27 and earlier, and supported systems can install Rosetta when an Intel app is opened. Users should not assume that every Intel app will continue to work after upgrading to macOS 28.
How can I find Intel-only apps on my Mac?
In Finder, select an app, press Command-I and check the “Kind” field. On macOS 27 Golden Gate or later, open System Settings > General > About, then select Details beside Intel-based Apps.
What should I do before upgrading?
Replace Intel-only applications with Universal or Apple silicon versions from the Mac App Store, the developer’s website or the app’s built-in updater. Check critical tools, plug-ins and games individually before installing macOS 28.
What is Rosetta 2 used for?
Rosetta translates software designed for Intel processors so it can run on Apple silicon Macs. It helps bridge the architecture change, but it does not convert the application into a native Apple silicon program.
