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Rosetta 2: A Guide to Installing and Using It on Apple Silicon Macs



How to Download Rosetta 2 on Your Mac




If you have a Mac that uses Apple silicon, such as the M1 chip, you might have heard about Rosetta 2. It's a critical part of macOS that enables compatibility with applications designed for Intel Macs. In this article, we'll explain what Rosetta 2 is, why you need it, and how to download it on your Mac.




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What is Rosetta 2 and why do you need it?




Rosetta 2 is a translation layer for running Intel-based apps on Apple silicon Macs. It uses dynamic binary translation to convert x86_64 code to the Arm64 architecture used by the M1 and M2 chips. It allows these new Macs to run apps that haven't been updated to run natively on Apple silicon.


Rosetta 2 is automatically installed when you open an Intel app for the first time. You'll see a prompt asking you to install Rosetta, and you'll need to enter your user name and password to proceed. If you click Not Now, you'll be asked again the next time you open an Intel app.


Rosetta 2 is compatible with most Intel apps, but some may not work or perform well. For example, some apps may have licensing or activation issues, some may have graphical glitches or crashes, and some may not support certain features or plugins. You should contact the app developer to inquire about a version that can natively use the full power and performance of Apple silicon.


How to check if an app is Intel-based or Apple silicon-based




To identify apps that are Intel-based or Apple silicon-based, you can use one of the following methods:


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  • Use the Get Info window. Select an app in the Finder, then choose File > Get Info. See the information labeled Kind. Application (Intel) means the app supports only Intel processors and needs Rosetta to work on an Apple silicon Mac. Application (Universal) means the app supports both Apple silicon and Intel processors, and uses Apple silicon by default. Universal apps don't need Rosetta.



  • Use the Activity Monitor app. Open Activity Monitor from Applications > Utilities, then select the CPU tab. If an app is running in Rosetta 2, it will be labeled as "Intel" in the Kind column.



  • Use the Is Apple Silicon Ready website. This website offers a running list of Mac apps and whether they are optimized for Apple silicon. You can search for an app by name or browse by category.



How to force a universal app to run in Rosetta 2




Some universal apps may have features or plugins that only work with the Intel version. For example, some audio or video editing apps may rely on third-party plugins that are not yet compatible with Apple silicon. In such cases, you may want to force the app to run in Rosetta 2 instead of using the native Apple silicon version.


To force a universal app to run in Rosetta 2, you can use the following steps:


  • Select the app in the Finder, then choose File > Get Info.



  • Check the box next to Open Using Rosetta.



  • Close the Get Info window and launch the app.



The app will now run in Rosetta 2 and use the Intel version of the app. You can switch back to the Apple silicon version by unchecking the Open Using Rosetta option.


Conclusion




Rosetta 2 is a useful tool for running Intel apps on Apple silicon Macs. It allows you to use apps that have not been updated to support the new architecture, and it does so with minimal impact on performance and battery life. However, Rosetta 2 is not a permanent solution, and some apps may not work or work well with it. You should always check if an app is Intel-based or Apple silicon-based, and if possible, use the native Apple silicon version for the best experience. You can also contact the app developer for more information or updates on their Apple silicon support.


FAQs




What is Apple silicon?




Apple silicon is a term that refers to the custom-designed chips that Apple uses in its devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods. In 2020, Apple announced that it would start using its own chips in its Mac computers as well, replacing the Intel processors that it had been using since 2006. The first Macs with Apple silicon were released in late 2020, featuring the M1 chip. The M1 chip is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) that integrates the CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD controller, Neural Engine, and other components on a single chip. The M1 chip offers faster performance, better power efficiency, and improved security than Intel chips.


What are the benefits of Apple silicon?




Apple silicon offers several benefits for Mac users, such as:


  • Faster performance: The M1 chip has an 8-core CPU that can handle both high-performance and low-power tasks. It also has an 8-core GPU that can deliver up to 6 times faster graphics performance than Intel chips. The M1 chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine that can accelerate machine learning tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and video analysis.



  • Better power efficiency: The M1 chip uses less energy than Intel chips, which means longer battery life and less heat generation. For example, the MacBook Air with M1 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, compared to 12 hours with Intel chips.



  • Improved security: The M1 chip has a Secure Enclave that stores sensitive data such as passwords, encryption keys, and biometric information. It also has hardware-based features such as Touch ID, Activation Lock, and Data Protection that protect your Mac from unauthorized access or theft.



  • Seamless integration: The M1 chip is designed by Apple to work seamlessly with macOS and other Apple software and services. It also enables features such as Instant Wake, Universal Clipboard, Continuity Camera, Sidecar, and AirDrop that enhance your productivity and creativity.



How long will Rosetta 2 be supported?




Apple has not announced a specific timeline for how long Rosetta 2 will be supported on Apple silicon Macs. However, based on Apple's previous transition from PowerPC to Intel processors in 2006-2009, we can expect Rosetta 2 to be available for at least a few years until most apps are updated to run natively on Apple silicon. However, some features or updates may not be available for Intel apps running on Rosetta 2, so it's advisable to use native Apple silicon apps whenever possible.


How can I improve the performance of Intel apps on Apple silicon Macs?




Rosetta 2 does a remarkable job of translating Intel code to Arm64 code on the fly, but it's not perfect. Some Intel apps may run slower or less smoothly than they would on an Intel Mac. To improve the performance of Intel apps on Apple silicon Macs, you can try some of these tips:


  • Update your macOS and your apps to the latest versions. Some updates may include optimizations or bug fixes for Rosetta 2 compatibility.



  • Close any unnecessary apps or tabs that may be using memory or CPU resources. You can use the Activity Monitor app to see which apps are using the most resources and quit them if needed.



  • Adjust the app's settings or preferences to lower the quality or resolution of graphics, audio, or video. This may reduce the load on the CPU and GPU and improve the app's performance.



  • Restart your Mac regularly to clear any cache or temporary files that may slow down your system. You can also use a utility app such as OnyX or CleanMyMac to clean up your Mac and optimize its performance.



How can I uninstall Rosetta 2 from my Mac?




If you don't need Rosetta 2 anymore, you can uninstall it from your Mac using the Terminal app. Here are the steps to do so:


  • Open the Terminal app from Applications > Utilities.



  • Type the following command and press Enter: sudo softwareupdate --remove-rosetta



  • Enter your user name and password when prompted.



  • Wait for the process to complete and restart your Mac.



Note that uninstalling Rosetta 2 will prevent you from running any Intel apps on your Mac. If you want to reinstall Rosetta 2, you can do so by opening an Intel app and following the prompts. 44f88ac181


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