iOS Apps on Apple Silicon Macs: What You Need to Know

Apple announced today that its latest Apple Silicon Macs will be able to operate a broader selection of applications than previous models, even when an iOS developer has not yet created a Mac-specific version of their application.

The company stated that macOS Big Sur, when running on the new Macs, will support universal applications – encompassing both the native binary code designed for Apple Silicon and the code for Intel-based Macs – as well as applications that have not been updated to a universal format.

This signifies that the new Macs are now capable of running applications originally designed for iPhones and iPads, according to Apple. This capability will significantly increase the number of applications accessible to Mac users.

Apple clarified the mechanics behind this functionality during its presentation. A new technology known as Rosetta 2 will enable the M1 chip – the initial member of the Apple Silicon family – to execute applications created for Intel-based Macs. Apple also indicated that certain graphically intensive applications may perform more effectively with Rosetta 2 than they did on Intel systems.

During the event, Apple demonstrated iPhone and iPad applications such as HBO Max and Among Us functioning on its new Silicon Macs.

A video segment featured various developers discussing their plans to provide support for the new Macs with their respective applications, including Panic, Cinema 4D, Baldur’s Gate 3, Hopscotch, mmhmm, Shapr3D, and others.

However, a report from 9to5Mac highlighted that Apple appears to be permitting developers to decline participation in its unified app store. Developers who were found to be not offering their applications on the new Mac App Store for Apple Silicon Macs include Google (Gmail, Drive, Maps), Facebook (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp), Amazon (Prime Video), Snapchat, and Disney+.

It is possible that these exclusions are only temporary.

Apple also provided further details regarding universal applications – those developed for both Apple Silicon and Intel processors. Companies such as Omni Group and Adobe are among the first to release universal applications. Adobe plans to release a universal version of Lightroom next month, followed by Photoshop in early next year.

Universal applications can be obtained through both the App Store and direct downloads from the web, Apple explained.

Furthermore, Apple has optimized all of its applications for the M1 chip, including every application bundled with macOS, as well as its other published applications like Pages, Numbers, Keynote, GarageBand, iMovie, LogicPro and Final Cut Pro.