MacOS Catalina introduces iPad display, Apple Arcade, but kills 32-bit apps

A new version of MacOS is out today, but the update could cause some fatal problems for beloved apps and games.

Apple has released an update to the MacOS operating system used on its laptop and desktop computers, bringing with it new features and integrations, but one change has left loyal Mac users unhappy.

While it’s well-known iTunes will finally disappear in MacOS Catalina, it’s not the only software relic that won’t survive the update.

With the move to Catalina, Apple has ended support for 32-bit applications, a process it began in 2009 with the introduction of new 64-bit technology in MacOS Snow Leopard.

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64-bit operating systems and applications are able to take advantage of better computing technology like more efficient processors and higher memory capacities.

While many users will have 64-bit versions of the applications they use, the change has angered some who have shelled out for expensive software they use for work, which now won’t operate on their computers.

Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering Craig Federighi previews macOS Catalina at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

This includes workers in the creative industries that in the past have comprised a valuable sector of the MacOS customer base.

Some loyal photographers will be disappointed the update ditches Apple’s own long-shelved Aperture program, while designers who opted not to get on board with Adobe’s controversial switch to a subscription model may find some of the apps they rely on no longer supported in Catalina, including Illustrator CS5 and InDesign CS6.

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Film industry workers have also expressed dismay the update will make them lose access to QuickTime Pro 7, still widely used despite being succeeded by newer versions of the software due to it having more lightweight editing features and content-friendly layouts.

Older versions of Apple’s Final Cut Pro video editing program and Logic Studio digital audio workstation are also out the door.

The biggest thing I miss in macOS Catalina is.... (cough, cough)
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QuickTime 7 Pro support. Yes, seriously. That was my fastest video editor app for a super small daily social media tasks. It's a shame to see it go.

— MotionVFX (@motionVFX) July 23, 2019

The new #MacOS #Catalina will be the 1st major MacOS release ever I will not install, despite having a machine that’s capable of running it. But I still use so many 32-bit only apps that it’s just not worth it.

Just another reason to leave the @Apple ecosystem. After 15 years.

— Runoratsu🌻🏴‍☠️ (@runo_public) October 7, 2019

Gamers are up in arms over the change too due to many games on MacOS only supporting 32-bit architecture.

While gaming has never been a particularly popular feature of MacOS, given most games were developed for Windows primarily, many popular games were available after being ported over to Mac.

@TheSims updated my Mac to Mac OS Catalina and now the game won’t load. Please help! Thanks

— Stefania (@stefania90) October 8, 2019

Texas-based Aspyr Media, a company specialising in reconfiguring games to run on different operating systems to the ones they were developed for, announced it will update some, but not all of its 32-bit catalogue of MacOS games.

MacOS Catalina software adds features including a new music app, complete voice control, and the ability to use an iPad as a second screen.

Aspyr ceased selling 32-bit games for MacOS back in June to get ahead of the Catalina update, but those who purchased beforehand will have to stay on MacOS Mojave or earlier in order to keep playing.

Some of the affected games include popular titles like Bioshock: Infinite, multiple Call of Duty and Star Wars games, Duke Nukem Forever, and RAGE.

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Aspyr announced it will update six 32-bit games to run in 64-bit but the rest will remain untouched and consigned to history.

But there is some respite for gamers, as Catalina adds support for the new subscription gaming service Apple Arcade.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR APPS ARE OKAY BEFORE UPDATING

Fortunately there’s an easy way to check what apps will be good to go in Catalina and which ones you’ll need to upgrade.

On your Mac, go to “About This Mac” by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left of the screen, then click “System Report”. In the Software section, select Applications from the drop-down menu and check the column named “64-bit (Intel)”. If your application has a “No” in this column, it will need to be changed before updating to Catalina.

THE BEST NEW FEATURES IN CATALINA

MacOS Catalina adds a number of new features, many of them aimed at further integration within the “Apple ecosystem”, where devices and operating systems complement each other and work together.

Sidecar

Sidecar is one such integration that allows the use of an iPad as a secondary display. Sidecar also supports using Apple Pencil compatible iPads as a graphics tablet. You can plug your iPad into your Mac to charge it while you use Sidecar as well as use it wirelessly.

Sidecar expands the screen real estate and adds some new input methods.

Arcade

Apple Arcade had already been available on selected iPhone, iPad and Apple TV models but is added to MacOS in Catalina.

iTunes Usurped

Three new apps: Apple Music, Podcasts and TV now replace iTunes, but Apple has said your library is safe and will be available in the new apps.

Voice Control

Apple has added a number of new accessibility features to help users with disabilities. Voice Control uses Siri’s speech recognition technology to allow uses to control their computers using their voice. Hover Text also provides high-resolution text in a dedicated window for users with impaired vision.

Screen Time

As concerns about “digital wellbeing” continue to mount, Apple has brought Screen Time over to Mac. The app works largely the same as it does on iOS devices, providing a breakdown of how long you’ve been on your device and allowing you to set enforced time limits through Downtime and App Limits. Family Sharing also gives parents the ability to monitor their child’s usage.

Will you be updating to MacOS Catalina or are you too attached to your apps? Let us know in the comments below.