Mac App Store apps can now drop Intel support
Apple told developers that universal Mac App Store apps requiring macOS 13 or later may ship Apple silicon-only builds. Intel users keep the last version.
Written by Mac App Index Editorial
Apple told developers on September 1 that universal macOS apps on the Mac App Store can now remove support for Intel-based Macs, as long as the app requires macOS 13 or later. 9to5Mac reported the notice the same day.
What changes for developers
Until now, a universal app on the Mac App Store had to keep its Intel build. Under the new rule, a developer can change the app's build settings to target only arm64, the Apple silicon architecture, then rebuild and submit the update.
It is optional. Developers can keep shipping universal builds with both architectures, and Apple's notice did not set a deadline or name any apps. Building for one architecture means less testing and smaller downloads, which is the main reason developers may take the option.
What changes for Intel Mac owners
Nothing breaks immediately. If an app you own drops Intel support, your Intel Mac keeps the last version that runs on it. You simply stop receiving new versions of that app.
Over time, that means Intel Macs will slowly fall behind on app updates, even while they still receive macOS security patches.
The bigger picture
The notice came two weeks before macOS 27 Golden Gate, which runs only on Apple silicon. Apple has also said that Rosetta 2, which lets Apple silicon Macs run Intel apps, will be discontinued after macOS 27, with exceptions for some games.
Put together, 2026 is the year the Mac app ecosystem moves fully to Apple silicon. If you are still on an Intel Mac:
- Check which apps you rely on daily and whether their developers have announced plans.
- Keep the installers or App Store purchases for the versions you have, in case you need to reinstall.
- Plan an upgrade if you depend on apps that update often, such as browsers, password managers and creative tools.
On our app pages, each listing shows the minimum macOS version. Apps tagged for Apple silicon are in our Apple silicon tag, including Apple's own Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and Pixelmator Pro.
