Mac App Store developers can now drop Intel support on macOS 13 and newer

Universal apps built for macOS 13 or later can now go Apple Silicon-only, part of Apple's broader wind-down of Intel Mac compatibility.

File photo: MacBook Pro 13 2019

Apple Silicon-only apps now allowed

Apple has begun notifying developers that universal macOS apps on the Mac App Store requiring macOS 13 or later can now remove support for Intel-based Macs.

According to an article from 9to5Mac, Apple's email to developers explained that dropping Intel support can simplify development and reduce both download and on-device app size. Developers can do this by updating their app's build settings to "arm64" only, then rebuilding and resubmitting to the Mac App Store.

Developers were previously required to maintain Intel compatibility for their apps. Under the new policy, they can now drop it, though users on Intel Macs will still be able to run the last version of an app that supports their machine.

The change comes as Apple prepares to end Intel Mac support altogether with macOS 27, internally known as Golden Gate. Apple had also previously said Rosetta 2, the software that translates Intel-built apps to run on Apple Silicon, will be discontinued after macOS 27, with some exceptions for certain games.

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Via: 9to5Mac