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Which Mac Download Should I Choose: Mac Intel or Mac M-Series?

Whitney Acoff avatar
Written by Whitney Acoff
Updated this week

When downloading software for your Mac, it’s important to choose the version that matches your Mac’s processor type—Intel or Apple M-Series (like M1, M2, or M3).

Not Sure Which Chip Your Mac Has?

You can quickly find out by following Apple’s official guide:
👉 How to identify your Mac's chip

Quick Overview

  • Mac Intel:
    Most Macs released before late 2020 use Intel processors. If you have an older MacBook, iMac, or Mac Mini, this is likely the version you need.

  • Mac M-Series (Apple Silicon):
    Macs released from late 2020 onward are typically powered by Apple’s M-Series chips (M1, M2, M3). These require the M-Series version of the software for best performance.

Why Choosing the Right Version Matters

Using the correct version ensures better performance, compatibility, and stability. The software is optimized specifically for each chip type.

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