Apple has given numerous warnings about its move to stop supporting 32-bit apps on the App Store moving forward. With iOS 11, Apple officially pulls the plug and refuses to open or run 32-bit apps at all. Furthermore, Apple has also started the transition process for killing 32-bit app support on macOS as well.
According to a report from MacRumors, Apple told developers that macOS High Sierra will be the “last macOS release to support 32-bit apps without compromises.” Apple said as much during its Platform State of the Union keynote at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California.
Apple is giving developers of existing apps to update their respective programs to 64-bit by June 2018. Beginning January next year, however, the Mac App Store will not be accepting new apps that are 32-bit.
Once High Sierra’s successor starts developing, Apple is going to take an aggressive approach when it comes to reminding users about 32-bit programs. The California-based company is, of course, eventually phasing the old apps out altogether.
Apple showed off the new macOS, High Sierra, on Tuesday at WWDC, introducing a new file system as well as an updated version of the company’s graphics technology, Metal. The new operating system’s launch coincides with that of the all-new iMac line-up, which now includes an ultra high-end Pro variant.
“macOS High Sierra delivers important forward-looking technologies and new opportunities for developers wanting to tap into the power of machine learning and create immersive VR content on the Mac,” said Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi. “The core technology innovations in macOS High Sierra, combined with our advances in hardware, will continue to push the Mac forward in exciting new ways.”
