Can't open iOS apps on 2022 MacBook Air with M2 chip

[dcs.79c]

I can't download iOS apps that I want onto my 2022 MacBook Air.

I read something about iMazing. I don't have an iPhone or iPad.

I bought the Mac so that I could watch, among other things, the shows that I've recorded on my FIOS DVR. That app isn't listed in the app store either!

My name appears at the bottom of the left pane when I open the App Store. I assume that means that I'm signed in.

I search for "Disney+". I click on "iPhone & iPad apps". I scroll to the bottom. Disney+ is not listed. I see "Get" next to a lot of the apps. I assume that means that I'm signed into the app. Why does "Get" appear next to some apps but not others?

Likewise, I search for Discovery+ & it doesn't show up in the app.

I search for HBOMAX & it does show up.

What am I doing wrong? Does the download capability need to be turned on or activated or enabled?

 

[lclev]

It is not possible to run iOS apps on a MacBook Air. iOS runs on the iPhone or iPad. iOS is a totally different operating system for totally different devices. The laptop line - MacBooks - run on OS operating systems such as Monterey or Ventura etc.

iMazing is an app for iOS to work with folders and files. Why would you even need that on your MBA? You have Finder which does a much better job.

I use an app called Friendly Streaming that less me access Netflix. They also offer Disney+ too.

The only reason I know of for "Get" to not appear next to an app is because you have to pay for it. There should be a price listed instead of the "Get" option. Not all apps are free and even most of the free apps offer in-app purchase options.

If you see "Get" next to an app then your download ability is working.

Lisa

 

[Raz0rEdge]

While the M2 processor is ARM based and the Bionic processor in iPhone/iPads are also ARM based, as Lisa pointed out, the OS that runs on these devices is different.

Developers are beginning to make universal apps that will work across macOS and iOS/iPadOS, but existing apps are still remanded to working on one or the other OS.

Apps like Disney+ are relatively easy to get over since they don't use a lot of the phone other than touch interface which could be easily replaced with mouse clicks, but other apps are different.

 

[dcs.79c]

Well, I'm confused!

A few minutes ago, I downloaded & installed an app called Upflix. It requires macOS 11.0 or later & a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later. I proved to myself that my computer can download, install & run an iPhone/iPad app.

I have a 2022 MacBook Air with a M2 chip.

I didn't have any problems downloading, installing or opening the app.

I bought my new Mac because I'm tired of paying FIOS $187/month. It would be neat to get a Mac mini with a M1 or M2 chip & hook it up to my 55" TV in place of a Roku or Google Chromecast.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Not sure what is confusing, as I stated, some developers are making apps universal so that it'll work across all Apple devices. You mentioned Upflix, if you go to the bottom you'll see the following...



So this app works on iOS, iPadOS and macOS (but not watchOS and tvOS). Additionally, with the M1 restriction, my Intel MBP will not be able to download/install/run this app while my Mac Studio can.

You also mentioned Disney+, and if you scroll to the bottom again, you'll see..


This app works on iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. If Disney makes it available for macOS, it'll work.

So look at the details of the app and use a supported device, simple.

Just having an ARM based device isn't the only requirement.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I bought my new Mac because I'm tired of paying FIOS $187/month. It would be neat to get a Mac mini with a M1 or M2 chip & hook it up to my 55" TV in place of a Roku or Google Chromecast.

Or just buy an AppleTV and use that as your streaming device with the apps you want. Way easier than using a Mac Mini.

 

[dcs.79c]

So, let me see if I have this straight. The M2 chip is ARM-based. So is the Bionic chip. I guess that the Bionic chip has a different internal architecture than the M2 chip, right?

When I read online that the M2/M1 chips will run iOS apps, I replaced my 2013 MacBook Air, which I still have. You have clarified the situation.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

No, M1, M2 and Bionic are all ARM based. ARM is a company that created an architecture that others can implement as their base and then optimize how they see fit. The Qualcomm SnapDragon is an ARM based process, as are numerous other processors that run other smart devices like Android phones.

HOWEVER, just having an ARM-based chip (that's hardware) isn't enough. You need software (the operating system) to run on top of it. This is where macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS come into play for the appropriate processor and associated chips/functionality.

Furthermore, to make use of the operating system to get applications to work, there is a SDK (Software Development Kit) that allows developers to create apps to leverage any or all parts of the system underneath them.

Due to reasons that are too complicated to get into, when Macs were based on Intel-baed processors and other Apple devices on ARM-based processors, there was no way to get an app to work across all devices. With the move to all Apple devices being based on ARM, there is an avenue for developers to be able to create apps that will work all the devices, IF THEY CHOOSE.

Some developers have chosen to do so, others have not. As time goes on, more might choose to make apps work across all, but there'll be some that will never (for logical reasons like needing a touch screen, gyroscope, GPS chip, etc.)