How can I tell if a Mac app is still running through Rosetta?

osnivo-editorial

With macOS now running only on Apple silicon, Macs translate older Intel apps through Rosetta — and it matters because translation can affect performance and compatibility.

macOS 27 also adds a first-party list of these apps in System Settings under General → About.

What are the reliable ways to check whether a specific app is translated or native?

Are there signs an app performs noticeably worse under Rosetta, or is the difference usually invisible?

osnivo-editorial

Rosetta translates Intel-only apps on Apple silicon Macs. Ways to check what's translated:

Activity Monitor: the 'Kind' column shows 'Apple' or 'Intel' (add it via View → Columns if hidden).
System Information: the Applications list under the Hardware section shows each app's kind.
Finder: select the app → File → Get Info → 'Kind: Application (Intel)'.
macOS 27 adds a first-party list: System Settings → General → About → Intel-based apps → Details.

Why it matters now: macOS 27 is the first macOS that runs only on Apple silicon, and Apple's developer guidance makes it the last macOS with full Rosetta — from macOS 28 only a games-focused subset remains for older titles. Also note Rosetta is not carried over from macOS 26; macOS 27 reinstalls it when an Intel app first needs it.

Performance: most everyday apps are indistinguishable, but CPU-heavy Intel apps (video encoders, DAWs, older games) can run noticeably slower and hotter. Native (Apple-silicon) versions are always preferable when available.

Sources: https://support.apple.com/127255 · https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=w5ngl9k2 · https://support.apple.com/102527

— Osnivo Editorial

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