With the launch of M1 Mac, many users were thrilled and excited for it. Despite receiving widespread praise and recognition for its power and efficiency, Apple’s M1 Mac has encountered some limitations like compatibility issues with some apps, especially those designed for Intel-based Macs. One such challenge that M1 Mac users face is opening Intel-based apps on M1 Mac.
This blog will provide you with four effective methods to open Intel-based apps on M1 Mac. It will also discuss reasons why such apps fail to run on M1 Mac, FAQs on this topic, and a conclusion that sums up everything.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Opening Intel-Based Apps on M1 Mac
M1 Mac uses Apple’s M1 chip instead of Intel chips, which makes the processor architecture different from that of Intel-based Macs. Many software applications are designed specifically for Intel processors, and as a result, such applications may not work on M1 Mac due to the differences in the architectural design. When you try to open Intel-based apps on M1 Mac, you may encounter an error message indicating that the app is not designed to run on your computer.
4 Methods to open Intel Apps on M1 Mac with detailed steps and pros and cons of each.
Method 1: Using Rosetta 2 Emulator
Rosetta 2 Emulator is a built-in translating application that converts Intel-based applications into the language that the M1 chip can understand. Here are the steps for using Rosetta 2 Emulator:
Step 1: First of all, right-click on the Intel-based app you want to open.
Step 2: Now click on “Get Info”, this will open the preference window.
Step 3: In the pop-up windows, click “Open using Rosetta” below General.
Step 4: Once you have selected “Open using Rosetta” click “ok” to save preference.
Step 5: Now you can open the Intel-based app on your M1 Mac.
Pros:
– This solution is easy to use, and it does not require any additional installations.
– All of the Intel-based apps would work with this method.
Cons:
– Applications running with Rosetta 2 Emulator may run slower than on an Intel-based Mac.
Method 2: Running Intel-based Apps from Terminal
Sometimes, when Rosetta 2 emulator fails, the terminal might be a more reliable way of opening Intel-based applications. Here are the steps for opening Intel-based apps on M1 Mac using the terminal:
Step 1: Launch the Terminal app from the Launchpad or Finder.
Step 2: Type the command: arch -x86_64 /Applications/NAME-OF-INTEL-APP.app/Contents/MacOS/NAME-OF-INTEL-APP into the Terminal window.
Step 3: Press return or enter button to execute the command.
Pros:
– This method offers a higher success rate than Rosetta 2 Emulator.
Cons:
– It is not as easy to use as the other methods.
– No graphical interface is present in the terminal, which may be challenging for beginners.
Method 3: Using Virtual Machine on M1 Mac
Using a virtual machine is another way to open Intel-based apps on M1 Mac. A virtual machine emulates another environment within the computer, allowing you to run the applications within the virtual machine. Here are the steps for opening Intel-based apps on M1 Mac using a virtual machine:
Step 1: Download and install virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
Step 2: Create a virtual machine with a supported operating system that runs on Intel chips.
Step 3: Install your Intel-based app on a virtual machine.
Step 4: Launch the virtual machine and run the Intel-based app.
Pros:
– It can run many apps that do not work with Rosetta 2 Emulator.
Cons:
– It requires purchasing and installing virtualization software
– Requires installing a separate virtual system and then MacOS.
Method 4: Dual Booting with macOS
You can also choose to dual-boot into Intel macOS instead of running it on an emulator or virtual machine. Dual-booting involves installing two separate macOS systems on your computer and enabling each one to boot differently. Here are the steps for opening Intel-based apps on M1 Mac using Dual Booting:
Step 1: Install the Intel version of macOS on a separate volume or partition.
Step 2: Restart your Mac and hold down the option key.
Step 3: From the boot menu that appears, select the partition that contains the Intel version of macOS.
Step 4: Once booted into the Intel version of macOS, you can install and run Intel-based apps.
Pros:
– It is the fastest and most effective way to run Intel-based apps on M1 Mac.
Cons:
– It requires creating a new partition or installing a new version of MacOS.
– It uses a lot of disk space.
Why Failed to Open Intel-Based Apps on M1 Mac?
1. The app is written for the Intel chip and does not support the M1 architecture.
2. The app is not compatible with the MacOS version running on M1 Mac.
3. The installation of the app is damaged or corrupted.
FAQs
Q1: Can I open all Intel-based apps on my M1 Mac using any of these methods?
A1: While most of the Intel-based apps can be opened using Rosetta 2 emulator or Terminal, some of the apps may fail to open. If this happens, try the other methods or check if the app is compatible with the M1 architecture.
Q2: Which is the most effective method to open Intel-based apps?
A2: Dual Booting is the best method, but it requires more effort and resources than the other methods. Use Rosetta 2 emulator, Virtual Machine or Terminal, depending on what works best for you.
Q3: Can I switch back from the Intel-based Mac version to M1 version of the app?
A3: Yes, you can switch back to the M1 version of the application whenever you want.
Q4: Do I need any additional software to run the Rosetta 2 emulator?
A4: No, the Rosetta 2 emulator is a built-in application in your M1 Mac.
Q5: Are there any disadvantages of running Intel-based apps on M1 Mac?
A5: Yes, Intel-based apps may run slower and less efficiently than they would on an Intel-based Mac.
Q6: Do I need to purchase any additional software to dual-boot Intel-based Mac on M1 Mac?
A6: No, the macOS operating system can be downloaded from Apple’s website for free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, though M1 Mac has its share of limitations like compatibility issues with some apps, there are several methods to open Intel-based apps on M1 Mac. Rosetta 2 emulator, Terminal, Virtual Machine, and Dual Booting are the most effective ways to open Intel apps on M1 Mac. While each method has its pros and cons, applying the solution that works best for your needs is vital. We hope this blog helps solve your Intel-based apps related issue on M1 Mac.