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• ESO Store and Account System for maintenance – May 27, 6:00AM EDT (10:00 UTC) - 4:00PM EDT (20:00 UTC)
The End of Rosetta 2 Support: What is the Future for macOS Players?
Delacriss994
Soul Shriven
Hi everyone and @ZOS_Team,
I am writing this post to bring attention to a critical issue regarding the future of The Elder Scrolls Online on the macOS platform.
As most Mac players know, ESO currently runs on Apple Silicon (M-series chips) through Rosetta 2, Apple's translation layer for Intel-based software. However, we have reached a turning point:
The Situation: Apple has officially confirmed that macOS 27 is the final version to fully support Rosetta 2. Starting with macOS 28 (expected in 2027), Rosetta 2 will be discontinued for general applications.
The Problem: Since ESO is still a 100% Intel-based (x86_64) application, it will effectively become unplayable on up-to-date Macs once Rosetta is removed. Even now, players experience sub-optimal performance, high temperatures, and occasional stutters because the game cannot utilize the full power of the Apple Silicon architecture and Metal API natively.
The Request: Years ago, it was mentioned that a native ARM port was not planned due to the complexity of the task. However, the landscape has changed. Apple Silicon is no longer a "new" transition—it is the standard.
We love this game and have invested years into our characters. As the "grace period" for Intel apps is officially ending, we need to know:
Is ZeniMax currently working on a native Apple Silicon (ARM64) client?
If not, what is the official plan for Mac players once macOS 28 releases and Rosetta 2 is gone?
The Mac community might be smaller than PC or Console, but we are dedicated and loyal. We would love to hear an update so we can plan our future in Tamriel.
Thank you.
Edited by Delacriss994 on May 6, 2026 8:36AM I am writing this post to bring attention to a critical issue regarding the future of The Elder Scrolls Online on the macOS platform.
As most Mac players know, ESO currently runs on Apple Silicon (M-series chips) through Rosetta 2, Apple's translation layer for Intel-based software. However, we have reached a turning point:
The Situation: Apple has officially confirmed that macOS 27 is the final version to fully support Rosetta 2. Starting with macOS 28 (expected in 2027), Rosetta 2 will be discontinued for general applications.
The Problem: Since ESO is still a 100% Intel-based (x86_64) application, it will effectively become unplayable on up-to-date Macs once Rosetta is removed. Even now, players experience sub-optimal performance, high temperatures, and occasional stutters because the game cannot utilize the full power of the Apple Silicon architecture and Metal API natively.
The Request: Years ago, it was mentioned that a native ARM port was not planned due to the complexity of the task. However, the landscape has changed. Apple Silicon is no longer a "new" transition—it is the standard.
We love this game and have invested years into our characters. As the "grace period" for Intel apps is officially ending, we need to know:
Is ZeniMax currently working on a native Apple Silicon (ARM64) client?
If not, what is the official plan for Mac players once macOS 28 releases and Rosetta 2 is gone?
The Mac community might be smaller than PC or Console, but we are dedicated and loyal. We would love to hear an update so we can plan our future in Tamriel.
Thank you.
5
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moesmaker✭✭✭I second your post wholeheartedly! Nothing to add. Please let us continue playing this wonderful game!2 -
raffaeleg✭✭✭I can only second you! I was glad to be one the firsts beta tester on the Mac, back in early 2014. I have a Mac Studio and now ESO is playing very smoothly and much faster than my PC laptop. I just can hope there will be an expedient to continue playing ESO on the Mac after macOS 27.2
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keto3000✭✭✭I can only second you! I was glad to be one the firsts beta tester on the Mac, back in early 2014. I have a Mac Studio and now ESO is playing very smoothly and much faster than my PC laptop. I just can hope there will be an expedient to continue playing ESO on the Mac after macOS 27.
Ditto for me! Longtime continous player since beta 2014. Played on an intel imac for years, switched to an M1 mac mini and the game runs smoothly. Many big title MMOs have found a way to support native Apple Silicon. Hoping for @ZOS_Team to reevaluate and continue support for us.“The point of power is always in the present moment.”
― Louise L. Hay1