System Requirements
Before you install TalkWriter, make sure your Mac meets the requirements below. TalkWriter is a macOS-only application and requires an active internet connection.
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12 (Monterey) or later | ✅ Required |
| Processor | Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) or Intel 64-bit | ✅ Required |
| RAM | 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended | ✅ Required |
| Disk Space | ~150 MB for the application | ✅ Required |
| Internet | Stable broadband connection | ✅ Required |
| Microphone | Built-in or external microphone | ✅ Required |
| Display | Any resolution | ✅ Supported |
macOS Version Compatibility
| macOS Version | Supported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| macOS 15 (Sequoia) | ✅ | Fully supported |
| macOS 14 (Sonoma) | ✅ | Fully supported |
| macOS 13 (Ventura) | ✅ | Fully supported |
| macOS 12 (Monterey) | ✅ | Minimum supported version |
| macOS 11 (Big Sur) | ❌ | Not supported |
| macOS 10.x and earlier | ❌ | Not supported |
Apple Silicon vs Intel
TalkWriter provides separate builds optimized for each processor type:
| Feature | Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) | Intel (x86_64) |
|---|---|---|
| Native build available | ✅ (arm64) | ✅ (x64) |
| Performance | ⚡ Best | ✅ Good |
| Battery efficiency | ⚡ Optimized | ✅ Standard |
| Universal build | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Rosetta 2 needed | ❌ No | N/A |
- Apple Silicon Mac (2020 or newer): Download the arm64 build for best performance.
- Intel Mac (2019 or older): Download the x64 build.
- Not sure? Click the Apple menu () > About This Mac and check the Chip line. If it says "Apple M1" or similar, you have Apple Silicon.
Required Permissions
TalkWriter needs two macOS permissions to function. You will be prompted to grant these on first launch:
| Permission | Why It's Needed | How to Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | To capture your voice for dictation | System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone |
| Accessibility | To paste text into other applications | System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility |
If you skip these permissions, TalkWriter cannot record audio or paste text into other apps. See First Setup for a walkthrough.
Internet Requirements
TalkWriter processes speech through cloud-based AI engines. A stable internet connection is required at all times during dictation.
| Connection Type | Supported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (broadband) | ✅ | Recommended |
| Ethernet | ✅ | Best stability |
| Mobile hotspot | ✅ | Works, higher latency possible |
| Satellite internet | ⚡ | May have high latency |
| No internet | ❌ | Dictation will not function |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TalkWriter work on iPad or iPhone? No. TalkWriter is a macOS desktop application only.
Does TalkWriter work on Windows or Linux? No. TalkWriter is exclusively for macOS.
How do I check my macOS version? Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen, then select About This Mac. Your macOS version appears at the top.
Can I run TalkWriter in a virtual machine? TalkWriter is not officially supported in virtual machines. Microphone passthrough and Accessibility permissions may not work correctly.
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai