Film to PhotosWill my Plustek scanner software stop working on new macOS?
Apple says macOS 27 is the last version with full Rosetta support for Intel apps. What that means for older Plustek, SilverFast and scanner software, how to check yours, and how to keep scanning.
Older scanner software built only for Intel Macs runs on today's Apple Silicon Macs through Rosetta, and Apple has said macOS 27 is the last version with full Rosetta support. After that, Rosetta stays only for some older games, so Intel-only scanner utilities and old SilverFast versions are likely to stop opening. Check your software now and switch before you upgrade macOS.
What Apple announced
Apple moved Macs to its own chips (Apple Silicon) starting in 2020 and has kept Intel apps working through Rosetta. At WWDC 2025 Apple said Rosetta would remain fully available through macOS 27, with only a limited version afterwards for older games. Recent versions of macOS already show a warning when you open an app that will be affected. (Intel Macs themselves can't install macOS 27; macOS 26 Tahoe is their last version.)
Why scanner owners should care
Scanner software is often old: it was written for one scanner and rarely updated. If your Plustek utility or SilverFast version is Intel-only, it may stop working on a future macOS.
Check your software
- Open Finder and go to Applications.
- Select your scanner app and choose File → Get Info.
- Look at Kind: "Application (Intel)" means it relies on Rosetta. "Application (Universal)" or "Apple Silicon" is fine.
Keep scanning
- Film to Photos is built for Apple Silicon and Intel and drives Plustek OpticFilm scanners directly — no driver to break. See which scanners work.
- Keep your negatives and original scans: you can always rescan or reconvert.
Quick answers
What is Rosetta and why does it matter for scanners?
Rosetta lets older Intel-only Mac apps run on Apple Silicon Macs. Older scanner software often depends on it. Apple has said macOS 27 is the last version with full Rosetta support; after that it is kept only for some older games.
How do I know if my scanner software needs Rosetta?
In Finder, select the app and choose File > Get Info. If it says "Kind: Application (Intel)", it needs Rosetta. "Universal" or "Apple Silicon" is fine.
Can I keep using my old scanner software?
As long as you stay on macOS 27 or earlier, Intel-only apps keep running. Upgrading to a later macOS may stop them, so check before you update.
What can I use instead?
Software built for Apple Silicon, such as Film to Photos (for Plustek OpticFilm scanners) or a current version of VueScan or SilverFast.