Apple allows Mac App Store developers to drop Intel support

Apple has informed developers that they are no longer required to support Intel-based Mac computers for universal apps distributed through the Mac App Store, marking a significant step in the company's multi-year transition to its own Apple silicon chips. The policy change, communicated via email to developers on September 2, 2026, allows creators to simplify their development process and reduce app sizes by removing Intel-specific code from future updates. The announcement applies to universal macOS apps on the Mac App Store that require macOS 13 or later. Previously, Apple mandated that apps already offering Intel compatibility could not simply remove that support. Under the new guidelines, developers can now choose to submit Apple silicon-only versions of their applications. This move is part of a broader, phased plan to fully phase out Intel support from the Mac ecosystem. Apple's transition away from Intel began in 2020 with the introduction of its M-series chips. The company has been systematically reducing Intel reliance, with the upcoming macOS 26 Tahoe being the last version to run natively on Intel-based Macs.