HexChat Returns to macOS Silicon: A new Fork Brings Native Support Back

For years, HexChat has been a reliable and lightweight IRC client used by developers, gamers, and online communities worldwide. However, macOS users especially those running Apple Silicon devices were left behind after official updates slowed down and compatibility with newer macOS versions gradually disappeared. As Apple transitioned fully into its Silicon era, running HexChat natively on modern Mac hardware became increasingly difficult.

To address this gap, we forked the original HexChat GitHub project and built a working version specifically for macOS Apple Silicon. This fork allows HexChat to run smoothly on modern Mac systems, including newer Apple Silicon generations such as M-series chips and beyond. The goal was simple: preserve the familiar HexChat experience while making sure it works reliably on the latest macOS releases.

Since the original project has not received recent macOS-focused updates, this fork serves as a practical solution for users who still rely on IRC workflows. The build is compiled for Apple Silicon, meaning better performance, proper compatibility, and no need for workarounds or legacy environment setups just to get the client running.

You can download the Apple Silicon compatible build directly from our GitHub release page:

• HexChat v2.16.2 – https://github.com/bantilan/hexchat/releases/tag/v2.16.2-apple-silicon

This release aims to keep HexChat usable for modern macOS users while respecting the original project’s foundation. If you are running a newer Mac and still rely on IRC, this fork ensures you can continue using HexChat without compatibility issues.