Getting a message stating 'DropboxUpdater will not open in a future release of macOS'

Question

New Macbook here, upgrading from a 2019 Intel-based system; used Migration Assistant and everything seems fine. I'm getting a bunch of these warning pop-ups:

Support Ending for Intel-based Apps

This version of "DropboxUpdater" will not open in a future release of macOS. Learn how to update to an Apple silicon version.

I have updated Dropbox (Dropbox 246.4.3513.arm64.dmg, offline installer) but as soon as it runs I get the pop-up, which continues to bleat plaintively at me every few minutes.

How to fix?

Jay · Answer

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like everything is in the default locations, if you haven't tried to move the Dropbox folder via the Dropbox desktop application previously.

I'd recommend going through the advanced reinstallation steps to see if this helps with the message you're receiving.

Keep me updated with any progress!

kentbrew · Answer

Hi, Megan. I'm running MacOS Tahoe, 26.4.1, which seems to be the current version. Machine is a brand-new M5 Max.

Found my Dropbox folder location; it is /Users/[me]/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox. What I don't know is if this is the default location or not.

If it helps: I did manage to open the DropboxUpdater package; all files were created 5 January 2026.

Jay: still not sure if I should try to run your instructions or not?

Thanks to you both for your speedy replies, and (in advance!) for being patient with me. :)

Megan · Answer

Hey there, @kentbrew!

Can you clarify the current OS you're using on your Mac at the moment?

As for your questions, I'd be happy to answer them: A "headless" version of Dropbox refers to running the application on Linux without a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

In regards to your selective sync settings you can read more about this here and see how to access these settings.

Lastly for your Dropbox folder you can also follow these steps to find its location.