Application compatibility problems with the M1 chip

There are a few big compatibility issues that you might encounter when jumping from macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) to a modern version of macOS .. and when jumping from an Intel-based Mac to an Apple-Silicon-based one.

The first is that 32-bit applications won't run on macOS Catalina and later. That means that they won't run on any Apple-Silicon-based Mac – all of those require at least macOS Big Sur. I have a 27" iMac that started out running Snow Leopard (10.6) and that is now running High Sierra (10.13), and many of my apps would break if I upgraded. You can use "About This Mac…/System Report…" to find out which of your apps are 32-bit and which are 64-bit.

Another is that while Rosetta 2 can run many 64-bit macOS/Intel applications on an Apple-Silicon-based Mac, it has some limitations. It only handles applications - not code that runs in system/kernel land, so if you have device drivers or other kernel extensions, you're going to need Apple-Silicon-native versions (or replacements for) those.

Apple-Silicon-based Macs can't run the Intel version of Windows. Parallels for Apple Silicon based Macs can run the ARM version of Windows. Running Windows inside of a VM may not be something you want to do, but if it is, you may want to read more about Windows for ARM on Microsoft's site.

It depends for what apps you need, as it's stated earlier if You provide what worries You. I had issues with Adobe PS and others so computer automatically offers me to install Rosseta so I could run Intel based apps on m1 mac mini.

So far it all runs smooth and good.

I am using m1 mac mini base model for about month and a half without any issues mostly web dev and some graphics editing.

So that we can help you best, please tell us which Mac, model and year you’re having trouble with, and what macOS version you’re running. Find that info by clicking the Apple menu () at the top-left of your screen and then select About This Mac.

(Note- for privacy and security please don’t post your serial number.)

Please see: Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support 

If your current Mac is running macOS Mojave or older, you'll have to contend with the 32-bit to 64-bit application changeover. None of your 32-bit apps will work in Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey or Ventura. They must be re-coded as 64-bit apps.

Download and use this free utility to check the 64-bit compatibility of your apps:

St. Claire Software – Go64: https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

This limitation will include drivers for your peripherals like your printer and scanner also. You'll need to look for updated drivers and maybe even new hardware if it's very old.

If you are running Catalina, then you'll only need to check with you application publishers to see if their apps are compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey or macOS 13 Ventura.

Your Microsoft Office apps will need to be updated if you are running Catalina or older. MS has a subscription model for their apps these day, and they only currently support the three newest macOS versions. You might consider alternate apps such as Apple’s own (free) Pages, Numbers and Keynote.  You may also consider LibreOffice as a replacement.

RoaringApps has a compatibility checker you might wish to explore. It might give you an idea of what to expect.

You're welcome.

Apple's change from Intel to Apple Silicon isn't just a hardware change, and what will be the greatest hurdle for most is getting all the software updated.

Since you're already running one of the most modern macOS versions, Monterey, then your apps are very likely mostly compatible moving forward. No doubt you have some apps that are Intel only compatible and may run under Rosetta 2 translation, but it sounds like you have a handle on that. Others will be Universal binaries able to run on both Intel and Apple Silicon, and after you get your M1 Mac, you be buying only apps that are compatible with that. The transition will take a little time, but it doesn't have to be painful.

Check the websites of your software publishers to see which are providing updates or upgrades to newer versions that will run on Apple Silicon.

We've gone through similar transitions before with the OS change from System 7/8/9 to Mac OS X, and with the change from IBM/PPC CPUs to Intel. If you've done your research, which it appears you have, then making the leap is much easier and goes much more smoothly.

I honestly don't think you're going to have much of an issue when you do switch to that Apple Silicon Mac.

I'v had zero issues, but someone may be able to help you better if you listed the applications that your are concerned about.