New applications bearing the Universal symbol will run natively on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Mac computers. What about the applications you already own? Enter Rosetta. You’ll never see it, you’ll never configure it, you’ll never have to think about it. It’s built into Mac OS X to ensure that most of your existing applications live a long and fruitful life.
Protect your investment
Here are all the instructions you’ll need: double-click the application icon. Behind the scenes, Rosetta dynamically translates most of your PowerPC-based applications to work with your Intel-based Mac. There’s no emulation. No second-class status. It looks and feels just like it did before. On a Mac, you’d expect nothing less.
The Universal truth
Most of the applications that come on your Intel-based Mac are Universal applications, designed for screaming performance with the new Intel chips. That includes Mac OS X, iLife ’08, Safari and Mail. Most existing applications will continue to run, thanks to Rosetta. All Apple’s Pro applications — including Final Cut Studio, Logic Pro and Aperture — are now available as Universal binaries (see sidebar for a complete list). Older versions of these applications are not supported by Rosetta. Third-party applications that require precision real-time playback may perform better with a Universal version. For an updated list of available third-party Universal applications, check the Mac Products Guide.