Python libmagic for Apple Silicon

Install libmagic on Apple Silicon Macs based on M1 or M2 (or Mx):

This repository originated from this answer on Stack Overflow.

Step 1) First, try to uninstall any other already-installed libmagic libraries and then install python-magic-bin:

$ pip uninstall python-magic
$ pip install python-magic-bin

If it was successful, then you are all set! If that fails, however, that means the wheel (binary) is not found for your Mac, then head to Step 2.

Step 2) Install libmagic via Homebrew:

$ brew install libmagic

Step 3) Copy the magic directory from the repository to the directory where your Python environment libraries are located. Run $ pip list -v to be able to locate the path to your libraries directory. As an explanation on the origin of the magic directory, it has been derived from an Intel-based Mac with python-magic installed via pip.

Step 4) Copy libmagic.dylib from the lib directory in the libmagic that Homebrew has installed to the magic/libmagic directory in Step 3 to replace the YOUR_libmagic.dylib. Please note that you need to copy the original file, not the alias (symbolic link). Run $ brew list -v to help you locate the path to the library installed by Homebrew. A typical path looks like /usr/local/Cellar/libmagic/5.44/lib.

If you have done the steps above, then you are going to be able to import libmagic:

import magic