TL;DR
OpenJDK has proposed JEP 541 to deprecate and remove the macOS/x64 port. The move aims to streamline support as Apple shifts to Apple Silicon, impacting developers targeting macOS.
OpenJDK has officially proposed JEP 541 to deprecate and remove support for the macOS/x64 platform. The proposal aims to streamline platform support as Apple transitions to Apple Silicon chips, which has led to a shift in focus towards the ARM-based architecture. This change will impact developers and organizations relying on the x64 version of Java on macOS.
The Java Enhancement Proposal (JEP) 541 was announced by the OpenJDK community in early 2024. It recommends deprecating the macOS/x64 port, which has been part of the JDK for years, with plans for its eventual removal in upcoming JDK releases. The proposal cites the increasing adoption of Apple Silicon (ARM64) Macs, which have become the primary hardware for new Mac devices, as the main reason for this shift.
According to the proposal, support for macOS/x64 will be deprecated in the next major release, JDK 22, with removal scheduled for JDK 23 or later. The goal is to encourage developers to migrate to ARM64 versions of Java, which are better optimized for current hardware. The move aligns with Apple’s transition, which began in 2020, and the broader industry trend toward ARM-based processors.
OpenJDK developers have emphasized that this deprecation will not affect existing x64-based Java applications immediately. Instead, it signals a phase-out period during which developers are encouraged to switch to ARM64. The proposal also notes that ongoing support for x64 on macOS will be maintained until the final removal, after which only ARM64 support will be available.
Implications for Java Developers and macOS Users
This development signifies a major shift in platform support for Java on macOS, reflecting industry trends toward ARM architecture. Developers targeting macOS are encouraged to migrate their applications to ARM64 to ensure compatibility with future JDK versions. The removal of the x64 port could also influence the broader Java ecosystem, including tools, libraries, and enterprise applications that depend on this platform. For users, especially those on older Macs, this may mean transitioning to newer hardware or alternative solutions if they rely heavily on Java applications that currently run on x64.
While the deprecation does not mean immediate obsolescence, it underscores the need for proactive migration. Organizations and developers who have yet to adopt ARM64 may face challenges in future updates, potentially requiring significant testing and adjustments.
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Background of Platform Support Changes in Java
The Java platform has historically supported multiple architectures, including x86-64 (x64) and ARM, across various operating systems. Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon, announced in 2020, marked a significant hardware shift, with Apple encouraging developers to optimize for ARM64. In response, the OpenJDK community has been gradually prioritizing ARM support, leading to proposals like JEP 541. Prior to this, Java on macOS primarily supported x64, but the industry-wide hardware transition has made ARM64 support increasingly critical.
Support for the macOS/x64 port has been maintained alongside ARM64, but with the rise of ARM Macs, the x64 version has seen declining usage. The move to deprecate and remove the x64 port aligns with similar transitions in other software ecosystems, where legacy architecture support is phased out in favor of newer, more efficient hardware.
OpenJDK’s decision reflects both technical and strategic considerations, aiming to optimize performance and reduce maintenance overhead associated with supporting multiple architectures.
“The deprecation of the macOS/x64 port is a strategic step to focus on ARM support, which is now the primary architecture for Macs. We encourage developers to migrate early.”
— OpenJDK Community Lead
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Remaining Questions About Future Support Timeline
It is not yet confirmed exactly when the macOS/x64 port will be fully removed from the JDK, with the proposal indicating possible removal in JDK 23 or later. Details about the exact timeline and how existing applications will be affected during the transition remain unclear. Additionally, it is uncertain whether legacy support will be maintained for extended periods or if alternative solutions will be provided for users on older hardware.
macOS x64 to ARM64 migration tools
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Next Steps for Developers and the Java Community
The OpenJDK community will review and potentially approve the JEP 541 proposal in upcoming meetings. Once finalized, developers are advised to begin testing their applications on ARM64 versions of Java and plan migration strategies accordingly. The first beta releases of JDK 22 are expected to include the deprecation, with full removal likely scheduled for JDK 23 or later. Ongoing updates and guidance will be provided through official OpenJDK channels and developer forums.
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Key Questions
When will the macOS/x64 port be officially removed?
The exact timeline has not been finalized, but removal is expected in JDK 23 or later, following deprecation in JDK 22.
Will existing applications stop working after removal?
Existing applications running on macOS/x64 will continue to work until the port is fully removed, but developers are encouraged to migrate to ARM64 to ensure future compatibility.
How can I test my applications on ARM64?
Developers should obtain the latest JDK builds supporting ARM64 on macOS and perform testing to ensure compatibility before the port’s removal.
What should organizations do to prepare for this change?
Organizations should review their Java applications, plan migration to ARM64, and stay updated with OpenJDK announcements regarding the deprecation and removal schedule.
Source: hn
