macOS 26.4 Beta 1 Warns Users About Rosetta 2's End of Life

Starting with macOS 26.4 beta 1, Apple is taking proactive steps to prepare users for the eventual discontinuation of Rosetta 2, the translation layer that has enabled Intel-based apps to run on Apple silicon Macs since 2020.

The End of an Era for Rosetta 2

When Apple announced the transition to Apple silicon at WWDC20, Rosetta 2 was introduced as a temporary solution to bridge the gap between Intel and Apple's new architecture. The translation layer allowed developers time to update their apps while ensuring users could continue running existing software during the transition period.

However, like the original Rosetta during the Intel transition, this solution was always meant to be temporary. At WWDC25, Apple confirmed that Rosetta 2 would receive full support through macOS 27, with a planned discontinuation starting in macOS 28.

What's Changing in macOS 26.4

The new beta introduces a notification system that alerts users when launching apps requiring Rosetta 2. This early warning system serves two critical purposes:

1. User Awareness: Gives end-users advance notice that certain apps will soon become incompatible
2. Developer Reminder: Encourages developers who haven't yet created native Apple silicon versions to prioritize updates

As Apple notes, after macOS 28, the company will maintain only a subset of Rosetta functionality specifically for older, unmaintained gaming titles that rely on Intel-based frameworks.

Timeline and Impact

With macOS 28 expected to ship in fall 2027, users and developers have approximately 18-20 months to prepare. This timeline provides adequate runway for:

• Developers to update their applications to native Apple silicon
• Users to seek out updated versions of their essential apps
• Organizations to plan migration strategies for business-critical software

The Bigger Picture

This move is part of Apple's broader transition strategy. macOS 26 will be the final major release supporting Intel-based Mac models, after which those devices will continue receiving security updates for three years. This phased approach allows Apple to fully commit to its Apple silicon future while giving the ecosystem time to adapt.

The notifications in macOS 26.4 represent Apple's commitment to transparency during this transition, ensuring users aren't caught off guard when Rosetta 2 support ends.

For developers still maintaining Intel-only versions of their apps, now is the critical time to begin the migration process to native Apple silicon binaries.