Apple has updated its developer website to remind developers that it will stop accepting 32-bit Mac apps in January 2018. From the 1st of January 2018, Apple will no longer accept 32-bit Mac apps in the Mac App Store.
From the 1st of January 2018, all application submissions to the Mac App Store must be 64-bit only. Apple is giving developers a little more time to update their existing applications to 64-bit. Developers have until June 2018 to make sure that all of their apps in the Mac App Store support 64-bit.
‘As a reminder, new apps submitted to the Mac App Store must support 64-bit starting January 2018, and Mac app updates and existing apps must support 64-bit starting June 2018. If you distribute your apps outside the Mac App Store, we highly recommend distributing 64-bit binaries to make sure your users can continue to run your apps on future versions of macOS. The last macOS release to support 32-bit apps without compromise is macOS High Sierra.’
Why the Shift to 64-bit?
The shift from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture is a significant move for Apple and its developer community. The primary reason for this transition is performance. 64-bit applications can handle more data at once, which means they can perform more complex calculations and process more information faster than their 32-bit counterparts. This results in smoother, more efficient applications that can take full advantage of modern hardware capabilities.
Additionally, 64-bit applications can access more memory than 32-bit applications. While 32-bit apps are limited to 4GB of RAM, 64-bit apps can theoretically access up to 18 exabytes of RAM. This is particularly important for applications that require a lot of memory, such as video editing software, large databases, and complex simulations.
Impact on Developers and Users
For developers, the transition to 64-bit means they need to update their existing applications to ensure compatibility with future versions of macOS. This can be a time-consuming process, especially for developers with a large portfolio of apps. However, Apple has provided ample notice and resources to help developers make the transition smoothly.
For users, the shift to 64-bit means that they can expect better performance and more reliable applications. However, it also means that older 32-bit applications may no longer work on future versions of macOS. Users will need to ensure that they are using the latest versions of their applications and may need to find alternatives for any apps that are no longer supported.
Apple’s decision to phase out 32-bit support is part of a broader trend in the tech industry. Many other operating systems, including Windows and Linux, have also been moving towards 64-bit as the standard for new applications. This shift reflects the increasing capabilities of modern hardware and the growing demand for more powerful and efficient software.
You can find out more information about the changes to the Mac App Store for developers over at Apple’s website.
Source Apple, 9 to 5 Mac
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