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This guide applies to Mac computers
Rosetta translates Intel-based apps so they can run on a Mac with Apple silicon. It works in the background. You do not open Rosetta or interact with it. For Apple’s description of translation, see About the Rosetta translation environment.

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Rosetta by macOS version

Through macOS 27, Rosetta is a general-purpose way to run Intel-based Mac apps on a Mac with Apple silicon. If you rely on an Intel-based app, check with its developer to find out whether an Apple silicon or Universal version is available or planned. On macOS 27 and earlier, install Rosetta before Intel-based apps can run. macOS prompts for the install when someone opens an Intel-based app. For more information, see Apple’s support article, Using Intel-based apps on a Mac with Apple silicon. macOS 27 also includes Intel binary translation for Intel Linux binaries in ARM virtual machines and for Intel Linux containers. That translation is built into macOS. You do not install Rosetta for it.
Starting with macOS 28, Rosetta is limited to certain older, unmaintained games that rely on Intel-based frameworks. It is not a general-purpose way to run Intel-based apps. Before upgrading, replace any Intel-based app you rely on with a Universal or Apple silicon version. For more information, see Apple’s About Intel-based apps, Rosetta, and the transition to Apple silicon section.

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Automatic installation for Auto Apps

On macOS 27 and earlier, when an Auto App requires Rosetta on a Mac with Apple silicon, the Library Item shows the warning below. The Iru Agent checks for Rosetta and installs it when the app needs it. These warnings can be removed as developers ship Universal apps.
Rosetta installation warning on an Auto App Library Item

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Intel-based Custom Apps

An Intel-based installer needs Rosetta on macOS 27 and earlier.
  • When a person opens the installer, macOS asks them to install Rosetta.
  • When Iru Endpoint runs the installer and Rosetta is not installed, the installation fails with an error.
Install Rosetta with Iru Endpoint before you deploy a Custom App that requires it. On macOS 28, use Rosetta only for the older games Apple still supports. Other Intel-based apps need an Apple silicon or Universal version.

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Install Rosetta with Iru Endpoint

Iru Endpoint processes Library Item types in a specific sequence and processes items of the same type in alphanumeric order, with uppercase letters before lowercase letters. Custom Scripts run before Custom Printers and Custom Apps. Add the Rosetta Custom Script to the Blueprints where you want to install Intel-based apps, and name it 00 Install Rosetta for Apple silicon. Start the name of any Custom Script that depends on Rosetta with 01 or a higher number so it runs afterward. Custom Printers and Custom Apps already run after Custom Scripts. For the full processing sequence and timeouts, see Order of Operations and Timeouts. To add this Library Item to your Iru Endpoint Library, follow the steps in the Library Overview article.
1

Name the script

Set the script’s Name to 00 Install Rosetta for Apple silicon.
2

Assign to Blueprints

Assign the script to the Blueprints where you want to deploy it.
3

Set execution frequency

Set Execution Frequency to Once per device.
4

Add script content

Paste the Install Rosetta script into the script details.
5

Save the Library Item

Select Save.

Device Check In

Learn how device check-in works for MDM and the Iru Agent. Understand check-in intervals, triggers, and how devices communicate with Iru Endpoint.

Library Overview

Overview of the Iru Endpoint Library for managing apps, profiles, scripts, and configurations. Curate Library Items and assign them to device Blueprints.