Are Intel Macs on the Way Out? Apple’s Vision for macOS 26
macOS 26: Apple Begins a New Chapter - Without Intel
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Are Intel Macs on the endangered list? While Apple is expected to unveil macOS 26 as the new generation of its desktop operating system at the upcoming 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference, there are growing indications that many older models will no longer be supported. Once again, Intel Macs are particularly affected. If you can’t live without the new macOS, you’ll likely need to upgrade your hardware soon.
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Apple Pulls the Plug: macOS 26 Drops Support for Many Intel Macs
Since Apple began transitioning its Mac lineup to its own ARM-based chips in 2020, the question has been how long older Intel-based devices will receive updates for the latest operating systems. With macOS 26 – yes, Apple seems to be standardizing the naming of all operating systems, starting with the next version, by using the year instead of the version number – a decisive turning point seems imminent. Several popular models with Intel processors could officially no longer receive updates for the first time.
According to consistent information from several sources, including AppleInsider and Bloomberg, macOS 26 will not support 2018 MacBook Pros, 2019 iMacs, or the iMac Pro. macOS 26, believed to be codenamed “Cheer,” will discontinue support for numerous Intel Macs. The list of compatible models now only includes Macs with an Apple Silicon chip or, in the case of the 2019 Mac Pro, a powerful Intel processor.
These Intel Macs Will Lose Official Apple Support
Devices such as the 2018 MacBook Pro, 2018 Mac mini, 2017 iMac Pro, and last Intel-based MacBook Air (2020) will probably not have access to the new macOS version. Users of the 2018 MacBook Pro, which is still widely used in studios and workplaces, must prepare for the imminent end of support.
Despite these limitations, the situation surrounding Intel Macs should be viewed in a nuanced way. Experience has shown that most software developers support the three most recent macOS versions. This means users of older devices will continue to receive software updates and security fixes. Therefore, if you are currently using an Intel-based Mac with macOS Sonoma or Sequoia, you will generally be able to continue using compatible programs and system components until at least 2027.
Additionally, projects like OpenCore Legacy Patcher offer alternative ways to install new operating systems on unsupported devices. However, this is not an official solution and may become impossible in the future due to technical restrictions.
macOS 26 is Coming – But Not for All Intel Macs
Apple justifies the version jump to macOS 26 with technical innovations and a strategic rebranding. In the future, all operating systems will have a uniform numbering system to clarify the product lines for customers and developers. Similar to car models, the year will become the version name: macOS 26 instead of macOS 16, iOS 26 instead of iOS 19, and so on.
Apple is also expected to equip the new versions with more integrated artificial intelligence and improved, energy-efficient features. Users of current Apple Silicon Macs will benefit the most from these innovations because many of the planned features can only be implemented with this new hardware architecture.
For owners of Intel Macs, however, this development means the end of active support from Apple. Many of the affected devices continue to work well and are adequate for many tasks, but the upcoming WWDC 2025 will mark a clear turning point. The company has long focused on developing its own chip family, evident in both the hardware and software support. Therefore, if you want your setup to be future-proof, you will need an Apple Silicon model in the foreseeable future.
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