Is there a way to determine if software applications are compatible with the new Mac OS before upgrading?

This free utility to can check the compatibility of apps currently installed on your Mac and tell you if they are 64-bit ready, a requirement for Catalina, Big Sur and Monterey. It does not guarantee those apps to be fully compatible, though, so for that you will need to visit the publisher websites for confirmation as other have posted above.

St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

Most apps have a website with a compatibility chart. Check it out and see what the system requirements are for your apps.

BobGM wrote:

Is there a way to determine if software applications are compatible with the new Mac OS before upgrading?

Yes. Visit the site of the app developer and check compatibility.