Which macOS version first allowed running iPad apps on Mac (with Apple Silicon)?

The first macOS version to run iPad apps on Apple Silicon Macs was macOS Big Sur.

Released in 2020, macOS Big Sur was version 11, the first major macOS release built for Apple’s transition from Intel processors to Apple-designed ARM-based chips. The first Apple Silicon Macs used the M1 system-on-chip, including the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini.

Because iPadOS and macOS share substantial underlying technology, Apple Silicon Macs can run many iPhone and iPad apps natively. Developers generally did not need to rewrite those apps; they only had to allow distribution through the Mac App Store. This differs from older Intel Macs, where iPad apps were not supported in this way.

A common mix-up is confusing Big Sur’s iPad-app support with Rosetta 2. Rosetta 2 translates many Intel Mac applications so they can run on Apple Silicon. It is unrelated to running mobile apps. Big Sur also introduced a redesigned interface, Control Center, updated notifications, and privacy features such as clearer app tracking information.