Retroactive

Retroactive is a macOS utility that enables legacy Apple applications—such as Aperture, iPhoto, iTunes, Final Cut Pro 7, Logic Pro 9, Xcode 11.7, and iWork ’09—to run on newer macOS releases up to Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and Catalina. It works by scanning the system for the chosen app and unlocking it for execution, allowing users to continue using software that is no longer supported by Apple.

The tool is aimed at users who need to access older media‑management, video‑editing, or development tools that have been discontinued or are incompatible with current OS versions. It is distributed as an open‑source package, requiring a manual “Open Anyway” step because it is not notarized, but the source code can be inspected for safety.

Retroactive is discontinued and does not support macOS Sequoia or later; the project recommends transitioning to modern alternatives or using virtual machines for Windows versions of iTunes. It remains stable for the supported macOS versions listed.