ClawKit Logo
ClawKitReliability Toolkit

Fix: macOS App "Not Supported on This Mac" on Intel โ€” arm64-Only Regression

"OpenClaw" cannot be opened. This application is not supported on this Mac.
[Finder Get Info] Kind: Application (Apple silicon)

OpenClaw v2026.2.26 regressed from a universal binary (arm64 + x86_64) to an arm64-only build. Intel Macs running x86_64 cannot launch it and see "not supported on this Mac." The previous v2026.2.25 was a universal binary. Until a fixed release is published, the npm CLI is a full workaround.

Next Step

Fix now, then reduce repeat incidents

If this issue keeps coming back, validate your setup in Doctor first, then harden your config.

Step 1: Confirm Your Mac Architecture

Check your Mac architecture
# Check architecture
uname -m
# x86_64 = Intel Mac (affected by this bug)
# arm64   = Apple Silicon (not affected)

# Also check the downloaded app binary
file /Applications/OpenClaw.app/Contents/MacOS/OpenClaw
# arm64 only: "Mach-O 64-bit executable arm64"
# Universal:  "Mach-O universal binary with 2 architectures"

Workaround: Use npm CLI Instead of the Desktop App

The npm package works identically on Intel Macs โ€” it's JavaScript (Node.js), not a native binary. This is the recommended workaround until a universal app binary is released:

Install OpenClaw via npm (works on Intel Mac)
# Install Node.js first if needed: https://nodejs.org
node --version  # Should be >= 22.12.0

# Install OpenClaw CLI
npm install -g openclaw

# Start the gateway (equivalent to the desktop app)
openclaw gateway start

# Open the Control UI in your browser
open http://localhost:18788

The npm CLI gives you full gateway functionality including all plugins, skills, and the web Control UI. The only thing you miss is the macOS menu bar icon from the desktop app.

Alternative: Downgrade to v2026.2.25 Desktop App

If you specifically need the desktop app, download v2026.2.25 (the last universal binary) from the OpenClaw GitHub releases page:

Download previous release via GitHub CLI
# Download v2026.2.25 (last universal binary)
gh release download v2026.2.25 --repo openclaw/openclaw   --pattern "OpenClaw-*-universal.dmg" --dir ~/Downloads

Check for a Fixed Universal Binary Release

Check latest release architecture
# Check the latest release on GitHub
gh release view --repo openclaw/openclaw

# Or check the asset list for "universal" in the filename
gh release list --repo openclaw/openclaw --limit 5

When a universal binary is released, the asset filename will include "universal" or list both "arm64" and "x86_64" architectures. Download and install it to replace the broken v2026.2.26 build.

Did this guide solve your problem?