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The end for Intel-compatible x86 apps on M1 Macs? macOS 11.3 could drop Rosetta in certain countries

Rosetta 2 logo, macOS 11.3 could come without it in some countries (Source: MacRumors)
Rosetta 2 logo (Source: MacRumors)
Although Apple still has to confirm this, it looks like macOS 11.3 will come with a nasty surprise for some users. Depending on the region, this update might remove Rosetta, so the users of M1-powered machines in those countries will lose the ability to run x86 apps built for Intel-based Macs.
Apple Software Leaks / Rumors MacBook Desktop

The upcoming macOS 11.3 software update seems to have a few interesting features ready to roll out, but there seems to be a serious drawback in the cards as well. Two strings that were spotted in the third beta of the aforementioned operating system update reveal that Rosetta could be removed in certain regions.

The first of the two strings mentioned above reads "Rosetta will be removed upon installing this update." and the second one reveals that this will only happen for some users: "Rosetta is no longer available in this region. Applications requiring Rosetta will no longer run."

For now, there are no details available, but if Apple doesn't find any quick workaround for what seem to be various legal problems, those who use M1-powered Macs will no longer be able to run x86 apps built for Intel-driven Macs on their machines after applying the update.

Apple has not made any comments regarding this matter yet, but we will keep an eye on the development of this story, so stay tuned.

Source(s)

MacRumors

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 03 > The end for Intel-compatible x86 apps on M1 Macs? macOS 11.3 could drop Rosetta in certain countries
Codrut Nistor, 2021-03- 3 (Update: 2021-03- 3)