Apple Ending Rosetta 2 Support 2027 | What it Means for Intel-Based Audio Plugins

For macOS musicians, audio producers, and audio engineers, Apple’s latest WWDC 2025 announcement changes things. Apple is removing Rosetta 2, which allowed older Intel audio plugins to work on newer Apple silicon Macs. If you still use those plugins, this is a big deal. We’ll look at how this affects your music software, like Pro Tools and Logic, and your creative tools. Let’s break it down.

What is Rosetta 2?

Rosetta 2 is an Apple emulator that enables Mac computers with Apple silicon (M1, M2, and newer chips) to run software designed for Intel processors. This extension was particularly beneficial for audio production, as it allowed audio plugins built for Intel-based Macs to work seamlessly on Apple silicon. This eliminated the need for users to upgrade their existing audio plugin libraries, resulting in significant cost savings.

Here’s a breakdown of what that means and why it’s important:

• The Problem: Apple switched its Mac computers from Intel chips to its own Apple silicon chips. These new chips work differently. Because of this, older programs made for Intel Macs couldn’t run on the new Apple silicon Macs.
• Rosetta 2’s Solution: Rosetta 2 is like a translator for macOS. When you open an old Intel program on a new Apple silicon Mac, Rosetta 2 automatically changes the Intel instructions so the Apple silicon chip can understand them.

When Will Rosetta 2 Be Phased Out?

Apple has made its intentions clear: macOS 26 Tahoe (due in autumn 2025) will be the final macOS release with full Intel Mac support. Rosetta 2 will continue to function as a general-purpose translation tool in both macOS 26 and macOS 27. However, after macOS 27, Rosetta 2’s functionality will be pared back significantly. This means that for general applications, including most audio plugins, its widespread support will effectively cease after macOS 27.

Apple confirmed that these Intel Macs will continue to receive security updates for approximately three years following macOS Tahoe’s release.

How Will This Affect Owners of Older Intel-Based Audio Plugins?

This is the million-dollar question for many in the audio community. Currently, Rosetta 2 has been a lifesaver, allowing your Apple silicon Mac to seamlessly run applications and plugins compiled for Intel processors. This “translation layer” has allowed you to continue using your existing plugin libraries without immediate re-purchase or compatibility issues.

However, once Rosetta 2 is largely phased out, Intel-only audio plugins will no longer run natively on Apple silicon Macs. This applies to plugins for DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, and many others. If a plugin hasn’t been updated to be a “Universal 2 binary” (meaning it contains code for both Intel and Apple silicon architectures), or a native Apple silicon version, it simply won’t work on future macOS versions beyond macOS 27.

While DAWs like Logic Pro have done a good job of supporting both architectures, and some even bridge older Intel plugins, the underlying Rosetta 2 is what makes this possible for many third-party plugins. Without it, that bridge is gone.

Will Owners of Intel-Based Audio Plugins Have to Upgrade?

In short, yes, for continued compatibility on the latest macOS versions, you will likely need to upgrade. This means either:

• Upgrading your existing Intel-only plugins: Many plugin developers have already released or are in the process of releasing Apple silicon native or Universal 2 versions of their products. This often comes as a free update or a paid upgrade, depending on the developer’s policy and the age of your license.
• Purchasing new plugins: If a developer chooses not to update an older plugin, or if the upgrade path is too costly, you might need to look for alternative plugins that offer native Apple silicon support.
• Subscription-based plugins: Many major audio plugin manufacturers offer subscriptions to their plugins monthly and annually. This is a great opportunity to subscribe to the plugins needed to replace the Intel-based versions. It can also be more cost-effective in the short term to get up and running when Rosetta is discontinued.

It’s important to differentiate between an installer requiring Rosetta and the plugin itself. Some installers for “universal” plugins might still require Rosetta 2 to run, even if the plugin itself then installs a native Apple silicon version. However, as Rosetta 2’s general support ends, even these installers may become problematic.

How to Adapt to This Change and Your Options

Here’s how you can prepare and what your options are:

1. Audit Your Plugin Library:
   • Go through all your essential audio plugins.
   • Check the developer’s website for “Apple silicon native” or “Universal 2” compatibility. Many developers have detailed compatibility matrices.
   • For Logic Pro users, you can use the “Get Info” option on your plugins in Finder to see if they are “Application (Intel)” or “Application (Universal)”.
   • Tools like Pete Gates’ PT Prefs tool for Pro Tools can generate a plugin report, indicating if they are Intel-only or universal.
2. Prioritize Updates:
   • Contact plugin developers whose products you rely on and haven’t yet updated to Apple silicon. Inquire about their plans and timelines for native versions.
   • Budget for potential paid upgrades. Many developers offer discounted upgrade paths for existing users.
3. Consider Your macOS Update Strategy:
   • If you have mission-critical Intel-only plugins that you cannot update, you might need to stay on an older macOS version (up to macOS 27) on your Apple silicon Mac, or continue using an Intel-based Mac for the foreseeable future. This means foregoing new macOS features and potentially new DAW versions that require newer macOS.
   • Be aware that running older macOS versions will eventually mean no more security updates from Apple, which can pose a security risk.
4. Explore New Alternatives:
   • The market for Apple silicon native audio plugins is growing rapidly. Many new and innovative plugins are emerging, offering superior performance and efficiency on Apple’s latest hardware.
   • If you find yourself needing to replace several older plugins, take this opportunity to explore new options that might even enhance your workflow.
5. Utilize Developer Transition Kit (DTK) Information (if applicable): While not directly applicable to end-users now, developers who had access to DTKs have been working on Apple silicon compatibility for years. This underscores the proactive approach some developers have taken.
6. Budget accordingly based on your audio plugin library audit. Make a list of audio plugins you use the most for projects and see whether an upgrade is available or if you need to purchase a new version. Upgrades can add up, so be mindful of what other factors will be needed.

Support for Mac Intel-Based Mac Computers On the Way Out

The release of macOS 26 Tahoe marks another step in Apple’s transition, as evidenced by the updated compatibility roster. While some Intel-powered machines will still receive the upgrade, the list prominently features Apple silicon devices.

Supported models include:

• Apple Silicon Dominance:
  • MacBook Air (2020 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (2020 and later)
  • Mac mini (2020 and later)
  • Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• Select Intel Holdouts:
  • 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
  • 13-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports (2020)
• Hybrid Support:
  • iMac (2020 and later, both Intel and Apple silicon)
  • Mac Pro (2019 and later, both Intel and Apple silicon)

Intel Users Still Have Time

While future macOS versions may bypass certain Intel-based Macs, their functional utility is far from exhausted. Users who opt to remain on a prior macOS version will find their machines continue to operate effectively.

The industry standard of supporting the three most recent operating system iterations implies that an Intel Mac currently compatible with macOS 26 Tahoe will likely receive ongoing application and security support until approximately September 2029. This projected lifespan, potentially extending to nine years from its original release (for a 2020 model), highlights a robust longevity for these devices.

Conclusion

The end of broad Rosetta 2 support is a natural progression of Apple’s transition away from Intel. While it presents a challenge for users of older Intel-based audio plugins, it also signifies a future of more efficient and powerful native experiences on Apple silicon. By being proactive and understanding your options, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue making great music.