macOSonly

macOSonly is a term used in software development and tech discourse to describe software or hardware that is designed to run exclusively on Apple’s macOS operating system. It is not compatible with Windows or Linux, and often leverages macOS-specific frameworks such as Cocoa/AppKit, Metal, Core Data, and other Apple technologies, and is usually distributed through the Mac App Store or Apple’s software channels. The term is informal; some writers may hyphenate as macOS-only.

Rationale and characteristics: macOS-only software can exploit native UI conventions, integrated services (iCloud, Handoff), and high-performance graphics. Developing macOS-only applications can simplify code sharing with iOS via shared logic, while some capabilities remain platform-exclusive. Notable requirements include code signing, app notarization, sandboxing, and distribution constraints tied to macOS. Support for Apple Silicon (universal binaries) is common.

Examples: Xcode, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, and Compressor are widely cited as macOS-only professional applications. Many professional plugins and tools are designed for macOS-only workflows. In contrast, developers may port to Windows or Linux to reach broader audiences or use cross-platform frameworks like Qt or Electron for macOS as a target alongside other platforms, which diminishes the macOS-only designation.

Impact and considerations: For developers, choosing a macOS-only strategy can yield tight integration and performance but limits market reach. For users, macOS-only software can provide a polished, stable experience within Apple’s ecosystem but excludes non-macOS environments.