Feature Request: Native HeidiSQL Version for macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)

Hello HeidiSQL team,

First of all, thank you for the great work you’ve done with HeidiSQL over the years. It’s a very powerful and user-friendly tool, and it clearly has a strong community behind it.

I’m writing to kindly request an official, native macOS version of HeidiSQL.

At the moment, HeidiSQL is available on Windows and Linux, but not on macOS. For users like me who work primarily on Mac, this creates a significant gap: we either have to run virtual machines, use Wine, or switch to alternative tools that don’t match the simplicity and workflow HeidiSQL provides.

Below are some reasons why I believe a native macOS version would be very valuable:

1. Large and growing macOS developer base

Many developers, database administrators, and data professionals now use macOS as their main platform. This is especially true in web development, mobile development (iOS), and startups. Having HeidiSQL available on macOS would immediately make it accessible to a large group of potential new users.

2. Cross-platform teams and consistency

In many teams, some people work on Windows or Linux, while others are on macOS. A native macOS version would allow entire teams to standardize on HeidiSQL as their database client, regardless of operating system. This would improve collaboration and reduce the friction of switching tools depending on who is using which OS.

3. Better user experience than workarounds

While it is technically possible to run HeidiSQL on a Mac using virtual machines, Wine, or remote desktop solutions, these workarounds have clear drawbacks:

• Performance and responsiveness issues
• Higher resource usage (RAM/CPU)
• More complex setup and maintenance
• UI/UX inconsistencies and missing OS-level integrations

A native macOS application would solve these problems and provide the smooth, integrated experience that Mac users expect.

4. Apple Silicon (M-series) support

With the growing number of Apple Silicon machines (M1, M2, M3, etc.), many developers are now on this hardware. A native build optimized for these chips would likely offer excellent performance and make HeidiSQL an attractive option compared to other database clients on macOS.

5. Strong fit for typical macOS workflows

macOS is widely used for:

• Web development with MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, etc.
• Local development with Docker containers and remote databases
• Managing cloud databases (RDS, Cloud SQL, managed MySQL/PostgreSQL instances)

HeidiSQL already has the features that these workflows need. Bringing it to macOS would allow users to integrate HeidiSQL into their day-to-day development and operations without having to switch machines or tools.

6. Community interest and potential support

From what I can see in the community, there seems to be consistent interest in a macOS version. Even a roadmap, beta program, or partial support (for example, starting with a minimal feature set and expanding over time) would already be very encouraging. I believe many users would be happy to help with testing, feedback, and even contributions if that’s an option.

I fully understand that supporting an additional platform requires time, effort, and resources. My intention with this post is simply to express that there is real demand and clear value in an official macOS version of HeidiSQL.

Even if a macOS version is not immediately possible, it would be very helpful to know:

• Whether macOS support is on the long-term roadmap, and
• If there are any technical or resource constraints that the community could help with.

Thank you again for your work on HeidiSQL and for taking the time to consider this request.

Best regards,
Veysel Adıküzel

Hey Veysel, have a look at issue #2238 . Gus and me have a macOS build on the todo list. I was already able to compile it on my mini-M4-mac, and you can see a screenshot in the ticket.

Only please don't post long stories in that ticket, it's already said enough and we just need some time to get a release running. Perhaps I can put a dirty pre-build in a zip for the early birds.

By the way, please also avoid posting AI babble 😉

You may try out a very early build from here.

Notes

• it is based on the very latest code base, same as the v12.13 Linux release.
• once you have unpacked the zip, run bin/heidisql
• the executable is not yet code-signed, so macOS warns you and won't open it. You can allow it per exception in system settings > security settings.
• you will find many issues and glitches, so take care. This is an alpha build, just for preview purposes.

Hi, I'm on Intel based MacOS, so if you create alpha build for this cpu I'm happy to be early tester.

I only own a cheap M4 mini with ARM processor for testing and building. But according to the install docs, Lazarus claims to be able to build for Intel too:

When working with an Apple Silicon M1 processor Mac ensure you use the FPC 3.2.2 or later as it provides a universal binary with both a native aarch64 and Intel compiler.

Will check if my installation allows switching to Intel builds.

Thanks for the macos support for the M chips man!

I just was wondering if you guys have any realease dates for the next year or somenthing

Not yet, only pre-alphas currently. If you like you may already give technical feedback on the first one posted earlier here.

Some technical feedbacks in issue #2238 in git.