SQLEditor and Apple Silicon (ARM) Macs

In 2020, Apple announced that they would be introducing a new series of Mac computers that used a different processor to those previously sold.

Previously the main processor in Mac computers had been made by Intel and implemented the Intel X86-64 instruction set.

The new Macs will use processors made by Apple themselves that implement the ARM instruction set.

ARM based chips have previously been used in both iPads and iPhones as well as various other computer systems.

Are ARM and X86-64 chips compatible?

No. They are totally different and software written for one cannot be run directly on the other without modification.

However Apple has announced that these new Macs will have an emulation system that allows software written for Intel chips to work on the ARM chips.

Does SQLEditor work on an ARM Mac?

YES (although not natively)

SQLEditor 3.7.7 works in Rosetta mode. This release is currently available:

https://www.malcolmhardie.com/sqleditor/releases/3.7.7/SQLEditor-3-7-7.dmg

We haven't found any issues in this mode and the app should be fully functional.

• Currently SQLEditor is 64Bit Intel x86-64 only (Emulation only)
• All features appear to work, including Java JDBC drivers

Beta version supporting ARM

We now have a beta version of SQLEditor that supports Apple Silicon/ARM Macs

Version 4.0.0

https://www.malcolmhardie.com/sqleditor/releases/4.0.0/SQLEditor-4-0-0.dmg

This version does not expire.

It requires a SQLEditor license issued after 1st January 2020
or you can use it in trial mode.

You can also install this by checking the "Check for Beta Versions" checkbox in the preferences panel.

What about earlier versions?

Version 3.7.5 works correctly in Rosetta.

Versions 3.7.6 had a bug that caused it to fail to launch on m1 macs.

Please use 3.7.7 or later if possible

What should I do?

We strongly recommend all users try SQLEditor before buying to ensure that it works for them.

The trial is fully functional, so you can see if SQLEditor is suitable.

Any feedback that you send will be most gratefully received.

Join our test program!

If you have access to an ARM based Mac and would be interested in testing beta versions and providing feedback please email at support@malcolmhardie.com.

Extra testers would be much appreciated.