macOS’ next update will destroy your game library

This move places legacy applications, including games, in a dire situation, as new versions of Apple’s OS will no longer be able to support them. In short, Apple is cutting down support for older apps, removing much of its platforms backwards compatibility.

Today, macOS users already receive alerts when running 32-bit applications, warning them that the app will not work in future versions of the OS. This will force users to search for 64-bit alternatives to their favourite applications. This will not be possible in all cases. 

Gamers on macOS will be one of the groups which will be hardest hit by the change, as legacy gaming titles are unlikely to be updated with 64-bit support. macOS users are about to have their gaming libraries gutted, and there is nothing that macOS users can do about it, aside from avoid the update as long as possible. 

From Apple’s perspective, 32-bit support is dead weight. Apple wants all applications to be created and optimised for 64-bit operation. Apple also wants to cut away some of the fat from their OS’ software stack to lower their maintenance costs.  The loss of 32-bit support will also break support for certain file types, such as some iMovie and Final Cut Pro X libraries, as these can rely on legacy codecs that won’t be making the jump to 64-bit.