As Apple continues to optimize the Mac operating system, the company is dropping support for legacy software. This is not the first time such a transition has occurred.

Apple offered the Classic Environment in Mac OS X 10.0–10.4 so users could run Mac OS 9 applications and Rosetta in 10.4–10.6 so PowerPC-only applications would work on Intel-based Macs.

Nine versions later, this next transition comes this fall in macOS Catalina (10.15). Apple is retiring support for 32-bit applications, which are limited in how much memory they can access and therefore may run slower than desired.

You need only be concerned if your Mac is from 2012 or later as no earlier model will be compatible with Catalina.

It’s Nothing New

For over a year, Apple has been notifying Mac users that some applications they use are not optimized and need to be updated. Have you seen a message like the one shown above? In macOS High Sierra and Mojave, you’ll see it every 30 days for applicable software.

While you can continue to use these applications without any harm, they will not open in macOS Catalina unless updated for compatibility. Apple lists the most common ways to find out about update availability on its support page for this transition.

Many developers have already released updates with 64-bit support, however these may cost money and some users have resisted due to cost. Now is a good time to start thinking about your need for these applications and to consider upgrading or replacing.

Which Apps Are Too Old?

There are a handful of tools you can use to identify applications that fit this category. My favorite is Go64 by St. Clair Software. This utility not only finds applications whose core code is 32-bit but also searches deep inside them for plug-ins and other components that fit the bill.

In some cases, a single component that’s still 32-bit won’t prevent an app from working in macOS Catalina. Go64 will also reveal some Apple components that will likely get updated independently for Catalina.

Additionally, you can use Go64 to list the cost to upgrade your mission critical software so you can determine the value of doing so.

If your profession or passion requires you to use a specific application and you cannot afford to upgrade it—or none exists—you’ll want to avoid upgrading to macOS Catalina. (I also will likely recommend my clients wait at least three months after release to upgrade to Catalina.)

Alternatively, I can help you explore the landscape of apps in each category and we might be able to find another that satisfies your needs without breaking the bank. Feel free to reach out.