Silicon for Mac

Detect Intel-Exclusive Applications on macOS

Silicon is a free macOS utility that helps you find apps compiled only for Intel processors. It’s aimed at users moving to Apple Silicon so they can quickly spot which programs aren’t yet native to their new hardware.

What the App Does

• Scans installed software and flags applications that run only on Intel CPUs.
• Groups apps by processor type so you can see at a glance which ones are Intel-only.
• Presents results in a clean, easy-to-read interface that simplifies decision-making.

How to Use It

1. Launch Silicon and allow it to scan your Applications folder.
2. Review the list of results sorted by architecture (Apple Silicon, Universal, Intel-only).
3. Take action: update, replace, or remove Intel-only apps to improve compatibility and performance.

Why It’s Helpful

• Helps you avoid performance and compatibility problems when switching to Apple Silicon.
• Makes it easier to prioritize updates or find native alternatives.
• Saves time compared with manually checking each app’s architecture.

Paid Alternative: WiFi Scanner (Recommended)

If you’re also assessing network tools or need a commercial option, consider a paid WiFi scanner. While not a direct replacement for Silicon’s architecture checks, some paid utilities offer broader system-audit features alongside network diagnostics.

Final Notes

Silicon is a lightweight, no-cost utility ideal for Mac users preparing or optimizing a transition to Apple Silicon. Its straightforward scanning and categorization make it a practical first step for managing app compatibility.