Back in 2019, Apple started the phase-out of its 32-bit apps. They encouraged developers to create only 64-bit applications from that moment. But why is this so important? What is the main difference between those versions, and why can’t you install an app made with another bit type on your computer? Let’s find this out together!
History Has Been Made: How Apple Pushed Software Engineers to a New Standard
Apple has gradually pushed developers to changes since 2017, as 32-bit became increasingly outdated. From mid-2018, users started to see a “This app is not optimized for your Mac” pop-up on their Intel-based devices.
From 2015 to 2020, Apple released both 32-bit and 64-bit computers. But in 2020, Apple released a line of computers and laptops based only on 64-bit architecture.
However, there are still thousands of devices that work on 32-bit. What’s the difference between them? Why can you run a 32-bit application on a 64-bit PC (if you use tricks like the Parallels Desktop app) but can’t open a 64-bit app on old devices?
That led to changes in the whole tech industry. Other manufacturers look at how Apple switched the architecture, so others speed up this process in their brands. That’s why it’s almost impossible to find 32-bit laptops on the market.
Why Do Manufacturers Start Switching Architectures?
Apple doesn’t like to explain much, so you won’t see the article on this topic on their website. Other manufacturers support this tradition, so you won’t find much info about the transition in other manufacturers’ blogs either. So if you need quality Apple application support, it’s better to look for special online services where you can find fast and efficient tech help. But first, let’s try to solve this question on our own.
The main differences between both architectures are power and capacity. 64-bit systems can run more operations in the second so that you can run “heavy” applications
Long story short, a 64-bit chip can handle more data simultaneously. Modern apps need a lot more data than their older versions. Let’s take the Instagram app as an example. In 2013 it could be used only for photo sharing. So it weighed around 15-20 Mb to install and needed less than 150 Mb RAM (CPU) to run smoothly.
But now it’s a whole ecosystem. You can chat, send videos, and make stories with AI masks. Today, this app needs at least 150-300 Mb to install and a 2-3 Gb CPU to run smoothly.
The same happens with every app you use: from office software to editing tools and even games. So you need more CPU to run new versions of the same apps. That’s why even basic MacBook Air has an 8 Gb CPU today.
And here is the reason why a lot of brands switched architectures. 32-bit chips are fine for a limited amount of CPU, but they are useless with more powerful RAM. So, you need to use processors that can take advantage of the bigger memory.
How to Find Out Whether My PC Is Running On a 32 or 64-Bit?
It depends on the version of the system that you are currently using. If it’s a Windows 7 or 8, stick to this instruction:
- Click on the Windows icon.
- Select Computer → Properties → System.
You will see the architecture type in a current window. But if you have Windows 8.1, 10, or 11, follow this guide:
- Click on the Windows button.
- Choose Settings (the small gear) → System → About.
- Look at the right section of the window. Select Device Specifications → System type.
Usually, Windows 8.1 and 10 run on 64 architecture, but they still support 32-bit chips. Windows 11 runs only 64-bit, so it could have only 64-bit programs.
What Is Apple Application Support?
It’s a small app required for running iTunes on Windows PC. It installs simultaneously with proprietary Apple apps like iTunes or QuickTime.
If you don’t have this program on your PC, you can’t open any Apple apps on Windows. Even those that have a Windows version. Also, you would have problems synchronizing iOS-driven devices. If you have a 64-system, you should download Apple’s app designed for the same architecture.
Why Does My PC Have Both Apple Application Support Versions?
It’s OK if your 64-bit PC has both support managers. It will use the suitable version. You are free to remove the 32-bit program from the 64-bit-based computer. Or you can let it stay – the choice is up to you.
But you can’t open 64-bit programs on 32-bit chips, even if other system requirements match perfectly. Your processor physically can’t maintain a needed number of operations in the second. It just won’t install on your PC. And if you see it in the list of apps, it could be a virus that tries to mimic a real app.
How Can I Download Suitable Apple Application Support to My PC?
Just install any Apple app from their website. If you download QuickTime or iTunes from Microsoft Store, delete that version. Sometimes it could glitch and download the app without application support.
That’s the reason why you get an error notification. Delete the iTunes app from the PC. Download the .exe file of iTunes from the Apple site and install it.
Check Also: How To Turn Off Dolby Atmos Apple Music?
Do I Need to Have Both Versions on My Computer?
No, you can delete that one that doesn’t suit your PC architecture. Everything will work as intended. If the PC starts to glitch, delete every Apple app, and reinstall them back. It should fix the problem.
Summing Up
It would be better to stick to the version of your system. If you have a 32-bit PC, look for iTunes with a 32-bit structure. The same advice counts for 64-bit computers. It will allow the app to run more smoothly and synchronize with any Apple device.
The easiest way to install proper Apple Application support is to find your system version and download a suitable Apple app. It could also be any proprietary program running on Windows: QuickTime, iTunes, etc. During the installation process, your PC will boot Apple Application Support. You could synchronize devices and listen to your favorite music from your Windows computer.
