Using Intel-based apps on a Mac with Apple silicon
Rosetta enables a Mac with Apple silicon to run Intel-based apps. Support for Rosetta will end in a future version of macOS, so check with the app's developer for an updated version.
If you get a notification that support is ending for Intel-based apps, and that the app or a component used by the app will not work with a future release of macOS, learn how to update Intel-based apps for Apple silicon.
About Intel-based apps, Rosetta, and the transition to Apple silicon
In 2020 Apple announced the transition from Mac computers with Intel processors to Mac computers with Apple silicon. Rosetta was designed to ease this transition by automatically translating Intel-based apps for use with Apple silicon. This has given users and app developers more time to update their apps for Apple silicon.
Rosetta is currently available for any Mac with Apple silicon, and it will remain available through the forthcoming macOS 27 — the next major macOS release. Starting with computers using macOS 28, Rosetta functionality will be available only for certain older, unmaintained games that rely on Intel-based frameworks. Find out which macOS you’re using.
For optimal performance and future compatibility, you should update your Intel-based apps, plug-ins, extensions, and other add-ons for Apple silicon.
Update Intel-based apps for Apple silicon
Updating an Intel-based app for Apple silicon means replacing it with a "Universal" or "Apple silicon" version of the app.
If you got the app from the App Store, you can use the App Store to find and install updates.
Some apps offer a built-in way to get updates. Look for a "Check for Updates" option or similar in the app’s menus or settings.
You can also check the developer’s website for a "Universal" or "Apple silicon" version of the app. Or contact the app developer to learn whether an update is available or planned.
Some apps might include or use components, such as extensions or updaters, that need to be updated separately.
If you added functionality to your app by installing Intel-based plug-ins, extensions, and other add-ons from a different developer, update those as well.
Identify Intel-based apps
In the Finder, click the app’s icon to select it.
From File menu in the menu bar, choose Get Info. Or press Command-I.
In the Info window that opens, find the information shown after Kind:
Application (Intel): The app is made only for a Mac with an Intel processor. You should update the app for Apple silicon.
Application (Universal): The app is made for a Mac with either an Intel processor or Apple silicon. It doesn’t need Rosetta.
Application (Apple silicon): The app is made only for a Mac with Apple silicon and doesn't need Rosetta.
For Universal apps, the app developer can include an "Open using Rosetta" setting in the Info window. If you select this setting, the app will open as an Intel-based app, which allows it to use Intel-only plug-ins, extensions, and other add-ons. If you later update the add-on for Apple silicon, deselect this setting.
Run Intel-based apps using Rosetta
Rosetta is not an app that you interact with, but works automatically in the background to translate the app for Apple silicon. To install Rosetta, make sure that your Mac is connected to the internet, then open any Intel-based app. If Rosetta isn't already installed, you're asked to install it. Click Install, then enter your macOS user name and password to allow installation to proceed. You can then open and use the app as you normally would.
In most cases, the difference in an app's performance when using Rosetta won't be noticeable. But for optimal performance and future compatibility, you should update the app for Apple silicon.
