Is it possible to tell if an App on the App Store is compiled for Apple Silicon?

[dobratzp]

Looking at the MacOS App Store, under the information section for an App is shows which version of MacOS it is compatible with, but no where can I find whether it's Intel CPU or Apple Silicon CPU. It's 2023 and I don't want to pay for an App that doesn't offer native Apple Silicon support. You would think Apple would require developers to provide Universal binaries with new updates to their App in the App Store, but this is not the case. I've had a couple Apps which I previously downloaded for my 2012 Mac Mini and re-downloading the latest version on my 2020 Mac Mini M1, I find that they are still Intel CPU even though the Apps receive regular updates.

The only thing I've found is to dig through the version history and hope that the developer specifically mentions Apple Silicon, M1, or M2 in the change comments.

 

[bogdanw]

The only thing I've found is to dig through the version history

"Is Apple Silicon ready? - The complete guide for MacOS Apps Optimized for Apple Silicon Macs and the M1 Processor"
https://isapplesiliconready.com/

 

[chabig]

It's 2023 and I don't want to pay for an App that doesn't offer native Apple Silicon support.

I understand that feeling, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Performance isn't a concern, but it does show a certain lack of enthusiasm on the developer's part.

Besides the link in the post above, also check out:

Application compatibility & feature support for macOS, iOS & Windows — RoaringApps

Crowd-sourced application compatibility for macOS, iOS and Windows.

roaringapps.com

 

[BrianBaughn]

I agree that the App Store should indicate that information.

In my case, I don't care as long as the app works.

 

[chabig]

I don't care as long as the app works.

I think this is the right answer.