FileHint
JAEN

.pkg

High risk

macOS Installer Package

The macOS Installer package. Used to ship apps that require system-level changes rather than a simple .app drag-to-Applications.

MIME types

  • application/x-newton-compatible-pkg
  • application/octet-stream

Category

executable

What opens this file

  • macOS Installer.app
  • pkgutil
  • Suspicious Package

How to open by OS

Windows

  • Not supported.

Mac

  • Run via Installer.app; inspect with pkgutil.

Linux

  • Not supported.

Ios

  • Not applicable (IPA is used).

Android

  • Not supported.

Safety notes

  • Unsigned pkgs trigger Gatekeeper. Bypassing the warning grants root access — very dangerous for untrusted sources.
  • Use tools like Suspicious Package to preview the scripts inside a pkg before running it.

Common mistakes

  • Running a pkg blindly leaves you unsure of what was installed and where.
  • Not checking Apple Silicon vs Intel compatibility before distribution causes failed installs.

Related extensions

References