Apple Says Goodbye to Intel Macs – Is Yours on the List?
Apple announces macOS 26 will be the final update for Intel Macs. From 2026, only Apple Silicon Macs will get new features and major updates.
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At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, Apple confirmed that macOS 26 Tahoe will be the final major operating system update supporting Intel-based Macs. Starting with macOS 27 in 2026, only Macs equipped with Apple Silicon processors — such as the M1, M2, and future chips — will be compatible.
This development signals a crucial shift for users of older Intel-powered Macs, particularly those purchased before 2020. While Apple plans to continue rolling out security patches for these machines for a limited period, new system features and enhancements will no longer be available post-macOS 26.
Currently, several Intel Mac models remain compatible with macOS 26 Tahoe, including the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 Intel 13-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 Intel iMac, and the 2019 Mac Pro. However, support has already ended for earlier Intel devices like the Intel MacBook Air and Mac mini, which are unable to upgrade to macOS 26.
Apple’s move underscores the company’s ongoing transition away from Intel processors, initiated in 2020 with the debut of the M1 chip. From next year onward, any Mac lacking Apple Silicon will be treated as legacy hardware, missing out on new software advancements.
Users uncertain about their Mac’s compatibility with future macOS releases should verify their device’s eligibility soon. For those aiming to access upcoming features and updates, planning an upgrade to an Apple Silicon Mac will be necessary.
