Microsoft Teams just got a ‘significant boost’ on Macs with Apple silicon
Teams now runs natively on Apple silicon, promising better performance and better optimization.
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What you need to know
Microsoft Teams will now perform better on Macs with Apple silicon, including the newMacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, andMac Studio. The improvement is thanks to the fact that Teams can now run natively on Apple silicon rather than having to run through Rosetta 2. Microsoft promises a “significant boost in performance” following the change.
“We are rolling out a production grade universal binary version of Teams, which means it will run natively on the entire Mac lineup, including those with Apple silicon,“explained Microsoft’s Anupam Pattnaik. “For Mac users, this means a significant boost in performance, ensuring efficient use of device resources and an optimized Teams experience even when using multiple high-resolution monitors during calls or meetings.”
Microsoft Teams was available on Macs previously but had to run through the Rosetta 2 compatibility layer. That setup delivers less than ideal performance for the communication app.
Native Apple silicon support will take some time to make its way to all Teams users. Microsoft explained that the new version will roll out “over the coming months.” While that’s a bit vague, people won’t have to wait that long to get the most out of Teams on Apple hardware.
As the new version is rolling out gradually, it’s worth noting that Microsoft’s download links still direct to a version of Teams designed for x86 chips. Presumably, this will change in the future when downloading the app on devices with Apple silicon.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is one of the most popular communication platforms around. It supports video calls, conferences, chats, and other methods of collaboration. Now, it can run natively on Apple silicon, which brings a performance boost.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
