High Sierra runs on all Sierra-capable hardware, starts process to kill 32-bit apps
In a series of sessions at WWDC, Apple amplified that any Mac that is capable of running Sierra can run High Sierra -- but a shift away from 32-bit apps will start with the new version of the operating system.
Apple has officially announced that in January 2018, all new apps submitted to the Mac App Store are required to be 64-bit. The noose tightens a bit in the summer of 2018, with all app updates needing to comply with the mandate.
In the "Platform State of the Union" session shortly after the main keynote, Apple said that it would "aggressively" warn users about 32-bit apps in the macOS version after High Sierra. Additionally, High Sierra would be the last version to support 32-bit apps "without compromises."
Apple shifted to 64-bit capable Intel processors in 2006 for most of the product line, with the sole holdout, the Mac mini that launched with a 32-bit processor, migrating in 2007. As a result, hardware won't be a hold-up to adoption.
With iOS 11, Apple has completed the migration of its mobile platform to 64-bit only that it began two years ago. Starting with the new release, 32-bit apps don't launch at all.
At the same event, Apple also confirmed that no Mac hardware was being left behind with the release of High Sierra. Any computer capable of running Sierra will be able to upgrade to High Sierra.
The High Sierra update to macOS is intended as a refinement of Sierra, much like Snow Leopard was to Leopard, and Mountain Lion was to Lion. Improvements shown at the WWDC keynote include Safari refinements, Photos speed enhancements, the inclusion of Apple's APFS, H.265 support, and Metal 2.
Apple has officially announced that in January 2018, all new apps submitted to the Mac App Store are required to be 64-bit. The noose tightens a bit in the summer of 2018, with all app updates needing to comply with the mandate.
In the "Platform State of the Union" session shortly after the main keynote, Apple said that it would "aggressively" warn users about 32-bit apps in the macOS version after High Sierra. Additionally, High Sierra would be the last version to support 32-bit apps "without compromises."
Apple shifted to 64-bit capable Intel processors in 2006 for most of the product line, with the sole holdout, the Mac mini that launched with a 32-bit processor, migrating in 2007. As a result, hardware won't be a hold-up to adoption.
With iOS 11, Apple has completed the migration of its mobile platform to 64-bit only that it began two years ago. Starting with the new release, 32-bit apps don't launch at all.
At the same event, Apple also confirmed that no Mac hardware was being left behind with the release of High Sierra. Any computer capable of running Sierra will be able to upgrade to High Sierra.
The High Sierra update to macOS is intended as a refinement of Sierra, much like Snow Leopard was to Leopard, and Mountain Lion was to Lion. Improvements shown at the WWDC keynote include Safari refinements, Photos speed enhancements, the inclusion of Apple's APFS, H.265 support, and Metal 2.
Comments
Some of the original iMacs were Core Duo, which was 32-bit. Core 2 was 64-bit, but Apple's decision to use 32-bit firmware until about 2009 meant booting a 64-bit OS was slightly more difficult; so Apple didn't bother.
Swap that HDD for an SSD and it'll feel 80% of the way to a modern computer. A C2D and an SSD are a nicer experience than the highest end processor on an HDD imo, at least for general consumer workloads.
I would have to say that most UNIX executables have been 64 bit clean for a decade or more now. At least the core system software would be 64 bit clean. Now third party apps and deamons are another thing but the writing has been on the wall for a long time here, if your software vendor can't do a 64 clean app it really is time to change vendors.
Personally I'm happy with this move from Apple. What bothers me though is that some supplied "UNIX" software such as Python is a bit outdated, Apple needs to ditch the Python 2 series for Python 3.
is hot on the trail in extending lifetime for these machines with High Sierra. So far, it looks like SSDs are actually required for APFS.
I look forward to get rid of them though. They have to go. And Creative Cloud processes need to go as well!