Can M1 Mac run all apps?

The M1 chip is Apple’s first custom-designed system-on-a-chip (SoC) for Macs, and it brings together the CPU, GPU, and other components into a single package. One of the key features of the M1 chip is its ability to run iOS apps natively on macOS. In theory, any iPhone or iPad app should run on an M1-based Mac. However, there is a caveat.

Apple allows developers to set a switch that prevents an iOS app from installing on Macs. This switch is primarily intended to give developers control over the user experience, as some iOS apps may not be optimized for the larger screen size, keyboard, and trackpad of a Mac. It also allows developers to ensure that their app works correctly on macOS before making it available on the Mac App Store.

As a result, while most iOS apps should be available on the Mac App Store, there may be some apps that are not listed or available for download on an M1 Mac. This can be frustrating if you were expecting to use a specific iOS app on your Mac but find that it’s not available.

To check if an iOS app is available for your M1 Mac, you can simply search for it on the Mac App Store. If it’s listed and available for download, then you can install it on your Mac. However, if you can’t find the app or see a message stating that it’s not available for your Mac, then the developer has likely chosen to restrict its availability.

It’s worth noting that even if an iOS app is available for your Mac, it may not provide the same experience as using it on an iPhone or iPad. Some apps may not be fully optimized for the Mac’s interface or may lack certain features that are present in the iOS version. Additionally, touch-based interactions won’t work on a Mac, as it relies on a trackpad or mouse for input.

In my personal experience, I have found that most popular and widely-used iOS apps are indeed available for the M1 Mac. However, there have been a few instances where I wanted to use a specific app on my Mac, only to find out that it wasn’t available. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on certain apps for your workflow or entertainment.