Intel build on an M-series Mac
It runs through Rosetta, but slower and with more battery drain. Switch to the native package.
macOS architecture
M-series and Intel builds are not interchangeable. Check the chip in About This Mac and match the architecture.
Content reviewed · Nov 3, 2026
People who do not know whether their Mac needs arm64 or x64.
If the chip says Apple M1, M2, M3, or M4, take arm64 (also called Apple Silicon or aarch64).
If it says Intel Core i5, i7, or i9, take x64 (also called Intel or amd64).
Builds labelled universal run on both, and are usually larger.
If the app will not open, recheck the architecture first, then the macOS security prompt.
It runs through Rosetta, but slower and with more battery drain. Switch to the native package.
This is unrelated to architecture: it is signing or the quarantine attribute. Allow it under Privacy & Security rather than disabling Gatekeeper.
With the architecture confirmed, follow the macOS installation guide.
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