Apple is taking another major step toward completing its transition to Apple silicon. With the release of macOS 27 Golden Gate Beta 3, the company has introduced new warnings that help users identify Intel-based apps that will stop working when macOS 28 arrives next year.
While the change is tucked away in the latest developer beta, it signals one of the biggest compatibility shifts coming to the Mac. Apple is now encouraging users and developers to move away from Intel software before Rosetta 2 support is removed for nearly all apps in macOS 28.
macOS 27 Beta 3 Identifies Intel Apps That Need Attention
In macOS 27 Beta 3, Apple has added a new section under System Settings > General that lists Intel-based apps installed on a Mac. The list identifies applications that will become incompatible with macOS 28 and even separates software that hasn’t been used recently.
For some apps, macOS can also recommend a website where users can download a native Apple silicon version. This makes it easier to replace older Intel software before support officially ends.
The new compatibility list is one of the clearest signs yet that Apple is preparing users for the final phase of its Apple silicon transition.
Rosetta 2 Is Slowly Being Phased Out
The latest beta also changes how Rosetta behaves during upgrades. If Rosetta was previously installed, it is no longer restored automatically after upgrading to macOS 27.
Apple is also encouraging developers to move fully to Apple silicon. Installer packages that don’t specify a target architecture now default to arm64, meaning installation scripts and helper tools should be tested without relying on Intel compatibility.
Apple notes that Intel-based plug-ins and loaders may not appear in the new compatibility list or trigger incompatibility notifications. Developers are encouraged to audit their software now to ensure every component is ready for Apple silicon.
What Happens in macOS 28?
Apple has already confirmed that macOS 28 will discontinue Rosetta 2 for nearly all Intel-based applications, completing the transition that began with the introduction of Apple silicon in 2020.
When macOS 28 launches, most Intel apps that have not been updated with native Apple silicon support will no longer run. Apple says legacy games will remain an exception for a limited period, but the vast majority of Intel software will require developers to ship native versions.
By the time macOS 28 is released, developers will have had roughly seven years to transition their apps from Intel to Apple silicon.
What Mac Users Should Do Now
If you’re running macOS 27 Beta 3, it’s worth checking System Settings > General to see whether any of your apps still depend on Intel code.
If native Apple silicon versions are available, update those apps as soon as possible. If an app has been abandoned by its developer, now is a good time to look for an alternative before macOS 28 arrives.
For developers, Beta 3 serves as another reminder to verify installers, plug-ins, helper tools, and other bundled components. Even if your main app already runs natively, any remaining Intel dependencies could become a problem once Rosetta 2 is retired.
Apple’s latest beta doesn’t remove Intel app support just yet, but it makes one thing clear: the countdown to the end of Rosetta 2 has officially begun.
