CrossOver Cuts Ties with Intel: The Tool for Running Windows Games on Mac Becomes Exclusive to Apple Silicon
CrossOver, the software that allows users to run Windows games and applications on macOS, has announced a significant change with version 27, marking a definitive shift towards the Apple Silicon ecosystem. This new release will no longer support Macs with Intel processors and will require macOS Sonoma or later versions.
The change also affects the management of games and the so-called "gaming bottles". Starting from CrossOver 27, users will need to exclusively utilize 64-bit environments, as support for 32-bit content will be removed. Users still employing older configurations are therefore encouraged to migrate before the upgrade, or they risk losing compatibility with their games.
According to reports, this decision should not impact the majority of users, as approximately 97% of the installed base is already using macOS Sonoma or more recent versions. Additionally, the software will now be available in ARM64 builds for both Mac and Linux, marking another step towards optimization for modern architectures.
CrossOver and the Abandonment of Intel: Further Details
The choice to abandon support for Intel systems and legacy configurations was motivated by the desire to simplify development. By eliminating the need to maintain compatibility with older hardware, the team will be able to focus on optimization, user interface, and performance improvements aimed at a more uniform platform.
Developers have also previewed the arrival of a new user interface in a future version of the software, made possible by the reduction of hardware variants to support.
For those still using Intel Macs or earlier versions of macOS, CrossOver 26 will continue to operate without immediate interruptions. However, it will not receive new features and may encounter compatibility issues with updated games or future operating systems. In the long run, the direction is clear: the experience of CrossOver will increasingly be tied to Macs with Apple Silicon chips.