How to Determine if Mac Apps are Compatible with Intel or Apple Silicon Processors

The time is running out for Intel apps on Mac, with only two more versions of macOS set to provide full support for Intel-only apps via Rosetta 2. As we look toward Fall 2027, it becomes essential to identify which of your applications may soon lose support.

In 2020, Apple launched Apple Silicon, which generated excitement but also posed challenges for users relying on Intel-based applications. To facilitate the shift from Intel to Silicon, Apple introduced Rosetta 2, a translation software designed to allow many Intel applications to work on new hardware.

However, Apple always intended for this to be a temporary solution and clarified at WWDC that macOS 27, the version coming in Fall 2026, would be the last to fully support Rosetta 2. Now is the ideal time to assess which of your frequently used applications run on Intel versus those that are Universal or natively supported.

This proactive approach can help you plan your transition and avoid potential surprises in Fall 2027. To find out which applications are Intel-based, you can take a straightforward approach:

1.

Click the Apple menu icon at the top left of your screen. 2.

Choose “About this Mac.” 3.

In the pop-up window, click “More Info.” 4.

From there, select “System Report.” 5.

Scroll down to “Software” and click “Applications.” You will see a comprehensive list of applications.

Sorting by the “Kind” column makes it easy to identify Intel apps. If you prefer a more efficient method, a free tool named Silicon by iMazing can quickly scan your system to identify which applications are Intel-based.

After gathering this information, consider your next steps. You might want to seek out alternatives that are natively supported on Apple Silicon, especially if some of your Intel apps appear outdated.

Reaching out to developers to encourage them to support their Intel-based applications natively on macOS can also be beneficial. Utilize official websites, social media, or platforms like Reddit to establish communication.

If you do contact developers, remember to be courteous; many smaller developers are passionate about their work and appreciate the human touch.