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What is Apple silicon?

Mac basics Published

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Apple silicon is Apple’s own line of chips for the Mac. It replaced the Intel processors that Macs used before, starting with models Apple introduced in 2020. Macs from before that change are called Intel Macs.

How to tell which you have

Apple’s instruction is to open About This Mac from the Apple menu. If the list shows a Chip followed by a chip name, the Mac has Apple silicon. If it shows a Processor followed by an Intel processor name, it is Intel based.

Why it matters

The two kinds of chip run different machine code. An app built for only one of them either runs through a translation layer, see Rosetta, or does not run at all. An app built for both is a universal binary.

NotchStar and chips

NotchStar is a universal build, so it runs natively on Apple silicon and on Intel Macs. It needs macOS 14 or later, which means very old Intel Macs that cannot run macOS 14 are out of range whichever chip they have. The chip is also one of the fields in the anonymous version info you can choose to share, and nothing is sent unless you opt in. See Is NotchStar safe.

Check your Mac’s live load with the System tool.

Keep reading.

What is a universal binary on Mac?
A universal binary is one Mac app file that contains code for both Apple silicon and Intel chips, so it runs natively on either. Learn how to check one.
What is Rosetta on a Mac?
Rosetta is Apple's translation layer that lets Intel apps run on Apple silicon Macs. Learn when macOS asks to install it and why a universal app avoids it.
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Do notch apps work on iMac, Mac mini or older MacBooks? Yes, often as a floating pill. Here is what to expect and how NotchStar handles it.
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What is a universal binary on Mac?
A universal binary is one Mac app file that contains code for both Apple silicon and Intel chips, so it runs natively on either. Learn how to check one.
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