Similarly, you will have been seeing warnings about apps that are 'not optimised for your Mac' or 'This app needs to be updated by its developer to improve compatibility' for at least a year. Here’s a list of document elements in files created in Word 2013 and 2016 that work differently when they’re opened in Word 2010: Apps for Office: The app doesn’t run, but it will be available if the document is upgraded to Word 2013 or 2016. Web Video: The video is permanently converted to a picture with a hyperlink to the web video. Comment replies and comments marked “done.
Apple began transitioning to 64-bit hardware and software technology for Mac over a decade ago, and all modern Macs now include powerful 64-bit processors that can run advanced 64-bit apps. These apps can access dramatically more memory, enable faster system performance, and take advantage of technologies that define today's Mac experience.
Apple has been working with developers to transition their apps, and in 2018 Apple informed them that macOS Mojave would be the last version of macOS to run 32-bit apps. Starting with macOS Catalina, 32-bit apps are no longer compatible with macOS.
If you get an alert about a 32-bit app
You will see one of these alerts when attempting to open a 32-bit app:
[app name] needs to be updated.
The developer of this app needs to update it to work with this version of macOS. Contact the developer for more information.
[app name] is not optimized for your Mac and needs to be updated.
This app will not work with future versions of macOS and needs to be updated to improve compatibility. Contact the developer for more information.
Open Mac App In Compatibility Mode App
When installing macOS, you may see a list of recently used apps that are 32-bit. You can review this list before deciding to continue installation. You may also see a prohibitory symbol over the icon of each 32-bit app in the Finder, letting you know that the app will not open.
Open Mac App In Compatibility Mode Windows 10
For all 32-bit apps, please contact the developer of the app to learn whether an updated version of their software is available or planned.