Why Can’t My Mac Run 32-bit Apps?

Since both my Mac and my Windows computers are 64-bit machines, why is it that only my Mac can't run 32-bit applications? This question has puzzled many users over the past few years, especially after Apple released macOS Catalina, which no longer supported 32-bit applications. For many years, Apple has been pushing developers to update their binaries to a 64-bit structure, and in September 2020, they finally made the decision to stop supporting 32-bit applications. Microsoft faces similar challenges, as they would like to do the same but cannot due to the reliance on legacy 32-bit applications in large enterprise environments. However, eventually, they will make the transition as well.

Apple's Shift Away from 32-bit Applications

One of the biggest differences between Macs and Windows is what is commonly referred to as "legacy support." In the business world, big companies often invest substantial amounts of money to develop and implement complex applications. Once these applications are in use, they want to maintain compatibility for many years. As a result, Microsoft has a long history of maintaining backwards compatibility in Windows, which allows users to run older applications even in newer versions of the operating system.

On the other hand, Apple users tend to focus on the built-in applications that come with macOS. These users frequently do not install additional software, or if they do, it often consists of standard applications like Microsoft Office for Mac or Quicken for Mac. As a result, they have little need for legacy support, and thus, are unconcerned with the lack of support for 32-bit applications in newer macOS releases.

The Decision: Speed and Cost Reduction

The ultimate reason for Apple's decision to discontinue support for 32-bit applications is the desire to push developers to create 64-bit versions of their software. This decision is not only aimed at modernizing the applications but also enhancing the overall performance of Macs. By pushing developers to create 64-bit applications, Apple ensures that Macs will run software faster and more efficiently, while simultaneously reducing support costs for legacy systems.

Furthermore, this shift aligns with Apple's goal of merging the desktop and mobile software ecosystems. While the operating systems may vary, the aim is to have a unified set of applications that work across all Apple platforms. This seamless integration is likely to improve the user experience and streamline the process of upgrading to new hardware.

Conclusion

The inability of Macs to run 32-bit applications is not due to a technological limitation but rather a strategic decision by Apple. This move is designed to improve the overall performance and modernize the software applications available on Macs. In the long run, this decision will benefit both users and the Apple ecosystem as a whole.