macOS Golden Gate Ends Intel and Time Capsule Support as macOS 28 Restricts Rosetta 2

macOS Golden Gate is the first macOS release that runs only on Apple silicon Macs. Intel models cannot install it and remain on macOS Tahoe; Apple plans to provide security updates for them through fall 2028.

The transition also removes Boot Camp Assistant and the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) client. Because AFP is no longer supported, Time Capsule backups no longer work on Macs running Golden Gate.

Rosetta 2 support becomes temporary

Upgrading removes Rosetta 2, but users can reinstall it if an installed app requires the translation layer. Golden Gate is the final macOS version with full Rosetta 2 support.

macOS 28, expected in fall 2027, will prevent most Rosetta-dependent apps from opening. Apple plans an exception for some legacy games that are no longer maintained by their developers.

Time Capsule and AirPort Utility

Time Capsule requires AFP or SMBv1, while Time Machine backups now use SMBv2 or SMBv3. That change leaves Time Capsule incompatible with Macs running Golden Gate.

AirPort Utility is no longer bundled with the operating system. Users who had it before upgrading can still try to use it, but Apple does not guarantee that it will work; the app manages AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express base stations.

Golden Gate displays a warning when an app relies on Rosetta 2. Affected software can be reviewed under Settings > General > About > Intel-Based Apps by selecting Details; Apple silicon Macs require virtualization software such as Parallels or VMware Fusion to run Windows.