Apple to Drop Support for Intel Macs Soon
▼ Summary
– Apple announced macOS Tahoe 26, the final software update for Intel-based Macs, during its WWDC keynote.
– Only Macs with Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) or select Intel models from 2019-2020 will support the Tahoe update.
– Apple has been phasing out Intel-based Macs since 2020, stopping production of new Intel models in 2023.
– Compatible Intel Macs will receive security updates for three more years, but no further macOS updates after Tahoe.
– Apple encourages developers and users to migrate to Apple silicon for future innovation and app compatibility.
Apple is set to end software support for Intel-based Macs with the upcoming macOS Tahoe 26 release, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transition to its proprietary silicon chips. The announcement, made during WWDC, confirms that future macOS updates will exclusively target Macs powered by Apple’s M-series processors, leaving older Intel models behind.
Owners of Macs with M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips won’t be affected, as these devices will continue receiving updates. Some Intel-based Macs from 2019 and 2020 will still be eligible for the Tahoe upgrade, but beyond that, no further software support will be provided. While these older machines will remain functional, they’ll gradually become obsolete as newer features and security patches bypass them.
This move comes as no surprise, given Apple’s steady shift away from Intel processors since introducing its first M1 chip in 2020. The company halted production of new Intel Macs after launching the 2023 MacBook Pro with M3, making this transition inevitable. By focusing solely on Apple silicon, the tech giant aims to push performance and innovation further without legacy hardware constraints.
Though Intel Macs compatible with Tahoe will receive security updates for three more years, Apple has made its priorities clear. Matthew Firlik, Senior Director of Developer Relations, emphasized during the keynote that developers should encourage users to migrate to Apple silicon versions of their apps. “Apple silicon unlocks capabilities we once thought impossible,” he stated. “Now’s the time to fully embrace it.”
A complete list of Macs supporting macOS Tahoe 26 is available on Apple’s official website, ensuring users can verify their device’s eligibility before the fall rollout.
(Source: Mashable)
