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Update macOS install docs to reflect current build offerings #1117

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fpscan merged 1 commit into from
Feb 7, 2026
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Update macOS install docs to reflect current build offerings #1117

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15 changes: 8 additions & 7 deletions docs/guides/install-macos.md
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Download one of the .dmg files from here:

* [Stable Metal](https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/{{ unit.stable }}/apple/osx/universal/RetroArch_Metal.dmg)
* [Nightly Metal](https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/apple/osx/universal/RetroArch_Metal.dmg)
* [Stable non-Metal](https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/{{ unit.stable }}/apple/osx/x86_64/RetroArch.dmg)
* [Nightly non-Metal](https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/apple/osx/x86_64/RetroArch.dmg)
* [Stable](https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/{{ unit.stable }}/apple/osx/universal/RetroArch_Metal.dmg)
* [Nightly](https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/apple/osx/universal/RetroArch_Metal.dmg)

The install follows the standard process of opening the .dmg file and copying RetroArch.app into the Applications folder.

### Metal vs non-Metal builds
### About the "Metal" build name

Most people should start with the Metal build. The Metal has more features, and is a Universal binary. The non-Metal build is x86_64-only and only includes the OpenGL graphics driver. However, the Metal build only supports macOS 10.13+, whereas the non-Metal build supports 10.9+.
The downloadable builds are named "Metal" for historical reasons. This build is a Universal binary (supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs) and includes multiple video drivers: Vulkan, glcore (OpenGL 3/4), and an experimental Metal driver. Most users should use the Vulkan or glcore video drivers.

It is possible to build RetroArch for older versions of macOS, though due to resource constraints these are not provided. See the [instructions for building on macOS](../development/retroarch/compilation/osx.md) to build it yourself.
!!! warning "Metal video driver is experimental"
The metal video driver within RetroArch is experimental, largely untested, and not well supported. If you encounter issues, switch to the Vulkan or glcore video driver instead.

The Metal build requires macOS 10.13 or later. It is possible to build RetroArch for older versions of macOS, though due to resource constraints these are not provided. See the [instructions for building on macOS](../development/retroarch/compilation/osx.md) to build it yourself.

### Stable vs nightly builds

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