Rosetta 2 is Apple’s translation layer that lets Apple Silicon Macs run older Intel-only Mac apps. It translates app instructions so the app can launch without running a full virtual machine.
This guide applies to M1, M2, M3, M4, and later Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Big Sur or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if macOS asks to install Rosetta when opening an app, or if you want to know whether Intel apps are safe to run on an Apple Silicon Mac.
What Rosetta Does
- Rosetta translates Intel Mac app instructions for Apple Silicon.
- It is not a separate Windows emulator and does not emulate a whole computer.
- After installation, macOS uses it automatically when an app needs it.
- Most popular apps are now Apple Silicon native or Universal, but older utilities, games, and developer tools may still need Rosetta.
- Rosetta is made by Apple and is safe to install from the macOS prompt.
Install Rosetta
- Open the Intel-only app and click Install if macOS prompts you.
- Or open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
- Run softwareupdate –install-rosetta.
- Type A to agree to the license when prompted.
- Wait for installation to finish.
Rosetta Tips
Check Which Apps Use It
Open Activity Monitor, show the Kind column, and look for apps listed as Intel. Apps listed as Apple are native.
Open Using Rosetta
Select an app in Finder, press Command + I, and enable Open using Rosetta when you need the Intel version for an older plug-in or add-on.
Performance
Rosetta is efficient, but native Apple Silicon apps usually perform better and use less energy when available.
Future Support
Apple has warned that full Rosetta support will eventually narrow in future macOS versions, so keep important apps updated to native versions where possible.
Sources
- Apple Support: Rosetta translation environment on Mac
- Apple Support: Open an app if Rosetta has not installed
- Apple Developer: Rosetta Translation Environment