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How can I get Rosetta 2 on computers in Jamf School?

Updated over 3 weeks ago

Description

Rosetta 2 allows computers with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.) to run applications developed for Intel-based Macs. When an app requires Rosetta 2, users are prompted to install it upon first launch.

This article explains how to:

  • Automatically install Rosetta 2 during Automated Device Enrollment (ADE)

  • Deploy Rosetta 2 to existing enrolled Macs via Jamf School using an in-house application


Automatically Install Rosetta During Enrollment

We can enable Rosetta Installation in the Automated Device Enrollment profile.

  1. Go to Jamf School > Profiles > Automated Device Enrollment Profiles.

  2. Select your macOS ADE Profile.

  3. Under the macOS Settings tab, scroll down to the bottom.

  4. Check the option to Install Rosetta 2 automatically.

  5. Click Save.

Install Rosetta on Existing Enrolled Macs Using an In-House App

To deploy Rosetta 2 to existing managed computers, create a payload-free .pkg using Composer with a post-install script.

  1. Create a Payload-Free Package in Composer:

    1. Open Composer.

    2. Drag any file into Composer's sidebar to create a Source.

    3. Click on the Source in Composer's sidebar.

    4. Right-click on items in the main window and delete everything to make it payload-free.

  2. Add the Post-install Script:

    1. Click the > next to the Source name and right-click on Scripts.

    2. Choose Add Shell Script and name it post-install.

    3. Click post-install in the source column.

    4. Replace the contents with the following script that checks if the computer is an Apple Silicon Mac before attempting the installation:

      #!/bin/bash 
      arch=$(/usr/bin/arch)
      if [ "$arch" == "arm64" ]; then
      /usr/sbin/softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license
      fi

  3. Build the Package:

    1. Click File> Save.

    2. Ensure the Sign with box is checked under Composer > Settings/Prefrences.

    3. Upload a valid Apple Developer certificate.

    4. Click Build as PKG.

  4. Upload the Package to Jamf School:

    1. In Jamf School, go to In-House Content Distribution.

    2. Upload the .pkg file.

  5. Deploy the Package to Desired Devices:

    • Assign the PKG to the appropriate device groups.

    • Test on a small set of devices before deploying at scale.

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