What does "Apple Silicon native" mean?

“Apple Silicon native” means an app includes a build compiled for Apple’s ARM64-based Mac chips, so it runs directly on the hardware instead of being translated. RoaringApps’ crowd-sourced data tracks which apps have shipped a native build.

What is an Apple Silicon native app?

An app with an ARM64 build that runs directly on M-series Macs, without translation, for the best performance and battery life.

How is that different from running under Rosetta 2?

Rosetta 2 translates an Intel-only app to run on Apple Silicon. It usually works, but adds overhead; a native build avoids that translation entirely.

What is a Universal binary?

A single app that contains both Intel and Apple Silicon builds, so it runs natively on either kind of Mac.

How can I check if an app is Apple Silicon native?

Search the app on RoaringApps and check its macOS compatibility — the crowd-sourced reports show whether a native build has shipped.