A new open-source project called Mac.apk enables Android applications to run as native processes on Apple Silicon Macs without requiring an emulator or virtual machine. The tool operates directly on macOS, leveraging the system's GPU and CPU for execution at native speeds. Apps launched through Mac.apk appear in the Dock, support window controls, resize and rotate like standard macOS applications, and adapt to light or dark mode preferences. The software requires macOS 26.4 (Tahoe) or newer and is compatible only with Apple Silicon Macs, including models such as the MacBook Neo. Intel-based Macs are not supported.

Installation involves downloading a disk image from the project's Releases page and placing Mac.apk in the Applications folder. The application is signed and notarized by Apple, allowing standard macOS launch procedures. After initial setup, users can install Android apps by dragging APK files onto the Mac.apk interface or double-clicking them. The first launch of an app may take up to a minute as the system prepares the application, though subsequent launches perform more efficiently. Each installed app consumes approximately 1.5 to 3 times its original APK size, with the core Mac.apk package requiring about 280 MB of storage.

The tool implements Android's application environment directly on macOS, without booting Android or running a Linux kernel. Execution occurs through native code, granting Android apps the same file system and permission capabilities as standard Mac applications. Users should exercise caution when installing APKs, as they operate without the sandboxing typical of mobile environments. Data stored by Android apps resides within their dedicated .app containers, and removal via the Trash may delete saved states; proper uninstallation requires using the Mac.apk control panel.

Known issues and compatibility details are documented in the project's wiki and release notes. Users encountering problems are encouraged to report logs and system information to the maintainer. The project's source code, written in C and C++, is publicly available under the GNU AGPL v3.0 license, with commercial licensing options offered for enterprise use cases. Third-party dependencies, including libraries under LGPL licenses, are acknowledged in the project's documentation.

The developer emphasizes that Mac.apk is provided without warranty, and users assume responsibility for the security and integrity of any Android applications they deploy through the platform. The project does not assume liability for data loss, malware, or other risks associated with sideloaded software.