Build or run Mac Catalyst apps on Intel Mac?

I have successfully built an app using Mac Catalyst. It runs on iPhone, iPad, and M1 Macs, and is available now in the App Store as "Designed for iPad". So far, so good.

But it's not available for Intel-based Macs, and I haven't been able to build a version that will run on Intel.

Is this possible? If so, how do I do it? And with regard to the App Store, if I do it can I update my existing app to include the Intel-capable version, or does that have to be a separate purchase?

I've been through all the Apple and third-party doc I can find, but couldn't find anything useful. Grateful for any advice!

Answered by DTS Engineer in 703247022

[Hi! Same stuff, different decade, I guess (-:]

Are you sure you’re not mixing up Mac Catalyst with iOS Apps on Mac? A Mac Catalyst app is a Mac app; there’s nothing stopping it from running on an Intel-based Mac. Heck, you can even sign it with Developer ID and distribute it outside the Mac App Store.

In contrast, iOS Apps on Mac is for iOS apps; you can run them on the Mac but they require Apple silicon.

Share and Enjoy

Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

Accepted Answer

[Hi! Same stuff, different decade, I guess (-:]

Are you sure you’re not mixing up Mac Catalyst with iOS Apps on Mac? A Mac Catalyst app is a Mac app; there’s nothing stopping it from running on an Intel-based Mac. Heck, you can even sign it with Developer ID and distribute it outside the Mac App Store.

In contrast, iOS Apps on Mac is for iOS apps; you can run them on the Mac but they require Apple silicon.

Share and Enjoy

Quinn “The Eskimo!” @ Developer Technical Support @ Apple
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@" + "apple.com"

Build or run Mac Catalyst apps on Intel Mac?
 
 
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