Photoshop Convert to Smart Object loses vector mask in 2022+

Goal

We want to convert a layer that contains a vector mask and raster fill to a Smart Object while preserving the vector mask data in Photoshop 2022 and newer.

Current Observation

In Photoshop 2022 and later, the resulting Smart Object rasterizes the vector mask, a change from earlier versions where the vector mask was retained. This behavior is not documented in the release notes and differs from CS6–CC 2021.

Unresolved Decision

It is unclear whether this change is intentional, whether a preference exists to control it, and how it behaves with different mask types.

Questions:

• Is the rasterization of vector masks during “Convert to Smart Object” an intentional design change in Photoshop 2022+?
• Does any hidden preference or setting allow preserving vector masks when converting?
• Does this behavior apply uniformly to all vector mask types (e.g., shape layers, free‑form masks) or only specific cases?