RetroArch on macOS: Installation and Update Guide (Official Source Summary)

This guide summarizes the official Libretro documentation for downloading, installing and updating RetroArch on macOS. The instructions are a source summary rather than a hands-on tested procedure.

Prerequisites

The downloadable Metal build of RetroArch requires macOS 10.13 or later. Building RetroArch for older versions of macOS is technically possible, but those builds are not provided due to resource constraints.

Choosing and downloading a build

Most people should start with the Stable build. Stable download: https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/{{ unit.stable }}/apple/osx/universal/RetroArch_Metal.dmg

The Nightly build contains the latest commits available on GitHub, along with enhancements and features added daily, and it may not be as stable as the Stable version. Nightly download: https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/apple/osx/universal/RetroArch_Metal.dmg

The downloadable builds are named "Metal" for historical reasons. Despite the name, the build is a Universal binary supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and it includes multiple video drivers: Vulkan, glcore (OpenGL 3/4), and an experimental Metal driver.

Installing from the .dmg

• 1. Download one of the .dmg files (Stable or Nightly).
• 2. Open the .dmg file.
• 3. Copy RetroArch.app into the Applications folder.

Video drivers

Most users should use the Vulkan or glcore video drivers.

Updating RetroArch

There are no automatic updates in RetroArch.

• 1. Download the new .dmg file.
• 2. Open the .dmg file.
• 3. Copy RetroArch.app into the Applications folder.
• 4. When prompted, choose to overwrite the old version.