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dianeg99200689
Participant
April 15, 2018
Answered

32-bit software incompatibility

  • April 15, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 3350 views

I got this message when I opened my Photoshop Elements 8. Apparently this program uses 32-bit software. Can I get it updated to 64-bits so it will remain compatible with my Mac?

Why am I seeing this alert?

Starting with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, apps that have not been updated to use 64-bit processes produce a one-time alert when opened. This gives users advance notice that they are running 32-bit software, which will not be compatible with macOS in the future.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Jeff Arola

    That is a warning that the next version of macOS or maybe a future version will not run 32 bit software.

    Apple hasn't really made it clear as to what the timeline for actually not be able to run 32 bit apps is.

    As long as you stay with macOS High Sierra 10.13, pse 8 will run just as always.

    It's only if you upgrade to macOS 10.14 or whatever the next version is called that you'll not be able to use pse 8, possibly.

    If you do decide to upgrade then there is no update for pse 8 to make it 64 bits, but you can upgrade to pse 2018 or whatever the current elements version is at that time and it will be a 64 bit application.

    Unless you find some compelling reason to upgrade to macOS 10.14, there is no reason to hurry up and do it, since High Sierra will be getting security updates for a few more years, at least.

    Of note is that apple says according to

    Apple prepares macOS users for discontinuation of 32-bit app support | Ars Technica

    To prepare for a future release of macOS in which 32-bit software will no longer run without compromise, starting in macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, a user is notified on the launch of an app that depends on 32-bit software. The alert appears only once per app.

    What does 32-bit software will no longer run without compromise mean?

    and also

    The next release of macOS after High Sierra will begin to restrict 32-bit apps and will feature "aggressive" warnings about the coming change. Apple has not said at exactly which point support will be phased out completely.

    what apple writes

    32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 - Apple Support

    2 replies

    Participating Frequently
    December 1, 2018

    So when will Adobe upgrade AAM to 64-bit? I'm getting this message as well (on Mac OS 10.14 Mojave) and according to the legacy software report (About This MAC > System Report > Software > Legacy Software) I only have two programs that are not compatible, both Adobe: Adobe AAM Updates Notifier, and UpdaterStartupUtility. All the other software on my Mac has been updated apparently (doesn't appear on the legacy report anyway).

    Thanks!

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 15, 2018

    That is a warning that the next version of macOS or maybe a future version will not run 32 bit software.

    Apple hasn't really made it clear as to what the timeline for actually not be able to run 32 bit apps is.

    As long as you stay with macOS High Sierra 10.13, pse 8 will run just as always.

    It's only if you upgrade to macOS 10.14 or whatever the next version is called that you'll not be able to use pse 8, possibly.

    If you do decide to upgrade then there is no update for pse 8 to make it 64 bits, but you can upgrade to pse 2018 or whatever the current elements version is at that time and it will be a 64 bit application.

    Unless you find some compelling reason to upgrade to macOS 10.14, there is no reason to hurry up and do it, since High Sierra will be getting security updates for a few more years, at least.

    Of note is that apple says according to

    Apple prepares macOS users for discontinuation of 32-bit app support | Ars Technica

    To prepare for a future release of macOS in which 32-bit software will no longer run without compromise, starting in macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, a user is notified on the launch of an app that depends on 32-bit software. The alert appears only once per app.

    What does 32-bit software will no longer run without compromise mean?

    and also

    The next release of macOS after High Sierra will begin to restrict 32-bit apps and will feature "aggressive" warnings about the coming change. Apple has not said at exactly which point support will be phased out completely.

    what apple writes

    32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 - Apple Support

    Participant
    May 7, 2018

    Good answer Jeff Arola but there's a fly in the ointment when you adviseddianeg99200689 to update to pse 2018.

    I bought Elements 2018 a few days ago and got the 32 bit "not optimized" warning for the installer app and today for "AAM Updates Notifier". This is a, supposedly, latest, state of the art app that still uses old code that Adobe has known for years needs to be updated. So, when, not if, I update to the point that the installer doesn't work I am stuffed if I ever need to re-install the app.

    Very sloppy, and lazy of you Adobe. Do you read these forums? If so are you going to update key parts of Elements 2018 to 64 Bit or am I going to have to pay for the next version even though I've only just bought the latest?

    Oh, and, personally, I don't think it's a good idea to hold off of an update as it can fix many issues. Yes, Apple will keep security updates going but to have to stay on an old version of the OS because a software vendor as large as Adobe can't be bothered to update key parts of their apps is not acceptable in my book. Though I do understand why you advised the OP to in this instance.

    EDIT: spelling

    MarcosDNYC
    Participating Frequently
    September 16, 2018

    Apple is once again cozy with Adobe but Steve Jobs called it out correctly... lazy developers at Adobe focused on one platform.. Windows and making half-assed applications and ports to Mac. Scrolling in LIghtroom in any high-resolution mac is ridiculously slow compared to the Mac Photos app we love to laugh at. Premium product for windows only.