Apple is making it clear that 32-bit apps on the Mac are going away and the future will be 64-bit only. So how to you tell if your Mac has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor? Read on to learn how.
32-bit apps
32BitAppCheck Helps You Transition to macOS Catalina
32BitAppCheck is an app that scans for 32-bit apps on your Mac. It can help you prepare for macOS Catalina because this release will end support for 32-bit apps. It takes about 30 seconds to scan your computer (longer if you have hard drives plugged in). Once it’s finished it will present a list of all the 32-bit apps it found, which you can save as an .RTF file.
Information then collected in the app’s window begins with a list of 32-bit applications, followed by 32-bit preference panes found in System preferences. Then, you will see 32-bit system extensions, and 32-bit system frameworks. These software will include both Apple and 3rd-party software. You can then edit the information, changing fonts, and adding notes. Click Save to save the information in an RTF file. The most recent information with you edits is also saved within the app.
You can download the app here. As this is an app outside of the Mac App Store, I scanned it for malware using VirusTotal, and it appears to be clean. For an additional resource I’ve also written about Go64, which does the same thing and the UI is a bit more friendly.
Answers and Tips for iCloud, iOS 13, iPhone 11, macOS, and More – Mac Geek Gab 781
Lots of new stuff from Apple this week… and lots of technical landmines to navigate. Thankfully, you’ve been sending your questions into John and Dave, and they’ve been doing the research to get you answers. Listen to the answers to your questions – and everyone else’s, too! Press play, and enjoy learning at least five new things… one that might even save your bacon this week!
Help with Your 64-Bit Transition to macOS Catalina
In Rants & Raves Episode #340 Dr. Mac explains the transition to 64-bit only computing macOS 10.15 Catalina will bring this Fall and what it means to you.
Save Your Data...Safely – Mac Geek Gab 769
macOS Catalina will bring with it a lot of changes, one of which is that a lotof older apps and related hardware won’t work. Dave and John answer your questions and share your tips about how to navigate these waters ahead of time… to avoid surprises. In addition, your archives are only as good as the method and medium you use. It’s time to talk about data safety and reliability. Plus, your other questions need answers, and that’s what happens here on Mac Geek Gab: everyone learns at least five new things!
Prepare for 64-Bit Mac Apps With Go64
Go64 is a free piece of software that checks your Mac for 32-bit apps, which won’t work after macOS Mojave. Although you can do this manually with System Report, Go64 goes further. It takes an inventory of the apps on your Mac and see which ones are still 32-bit. Then, it helps you visit the developer’s website or search the web for update/upgrade information. It then keeps track of upgrade costs so you can add 64-bit apps to your budget. It’s made by St. Clair Software, makers of other great Mac apps like App Tamer, Default Folder X, Jettison, and HistoryHound. Best of all, Go64 is completely free. Download: Go64
About Mojave (macOS 10.14) and 32-bit Apps
In Rants & Raves Episode 295, Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus clarifies the confusion surrounding  32-bit apps and macOS 10.14 Mojave.
WWDC 2018 ARKit 2, the End of 32-bit Mac Apps - TMO Daily Observations 2018-06-07
Kelly Guimont and Bryan Chaffin join Jeff Gamet at Apple’s 2018 Worldwide Developer Conference to talk about ARKit 2 and what Apple is doing in the augmented reality space, plus they look at the coming end of 32-bit app support in macOS.
Is It Time to Replace Your AirPort Router? – Mac Geek Gab 707
APFS support in third-party apps continues to grow, there’s now an app to search for 32-bit apps, secondary iCloud IDs might work well for you, and Apple’s official acknowledgement of the end of the AirPort router line brings up one of our favorite topics again: what Wi-Fi solution is best for your home? John and Dave talk through all of this, all for you. Just like Sister Hazel sang. Or something like that. Just press play and enjoy!
Cool Stuff Found
Here's What You Need to Know About the macOS 32-bit App Warning
If you’re running macOS 10.13.4 and launch 32-bit apps you’ll see a new warning as of April 12th telling you they need to be updated. Here’s what that means, plus how you can check to see which apps you use are still 32-bit.