Intel Macs' Support Has Firmly Concluded after Long Journey
New Day, New macOS: Introducing macOS Tahoe
Apple's upgraded their Mac operating system once again, this time with macOS Tahoe. This new version brings a slew of fresh features and applications, but it's also the final substantial update for Intel-based Macs.
macOS Tahoe will only support a select few Intel Mac models, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020 with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports), 27-inch iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019). So, if you own one of these machines, you're in luck! You'll be able to enjoy all the new features in macOS Tahoe, set to release later this year. However, anything relying on Apple Intelligence will be off-limits, as those features are reserved for Apple Silicon machines.
It's been a half-decade since Apple embarked on the silicon shift, with a promise to support Intel-based Macs for years to come[1]. Fast forward to now, and Intel-based Macs made before 2019 have stopped receiving software updates, leaving the remaining Intel machines to take their last stand.
Fortunately, Apple plans to provide security updates for these Intel Macs for an additional three years. That's pretty impressive considering their age[3].
When it comes to purchasing a new Mac, I've consistently advised against investing in Intel models. The leap from Intel Macs to even the starting M1 Macs is a massive upgrade in terms of performance and battery life. The Mac world has been a bargain basement for Intel Macs lately, but with the writing on the wall, maybe more folks will consider the M1 MacBook Air as a wiser investment[2].
On another note, Apple will be wrapping up Rosetta, their emulation layer for running non-native applications on Apple Silicon. Rosetta was instrumental in Apple's successful transition to their own chips[1]. From now on, the software Apple supplies will be accessible exclusively through macOS 26 and macOS 27[2]. This serves as another push for developers to ramp up the transition of their apps to run natively on Apple Silicon.
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macOS Tahoe: The Final Chapter for Intel Macs?
User Agreement, Class Action Waiver and Arbitration Provisions, Privacy Policy
The Intel-to-Apple Silicon transition for macOS has been an ongoing journey:
- Kickoff of the Transition (2020): Apple announced the transition to Apple Silicon hardware in 2020, heralding the end of the Intel era[4].
- Completion (2023): By 2023, all Mac models had been successfully transitioned to Apple Silicon CPUs[4].
- The Swan Song for Intel Macs (2025): macOS Tahoe marks the end of substantial updates for Intel-based Macs, with limited support for specific Intel models like the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020), 27-inch iMac (2020), and Mac Pro (2019)[2][4].
- The Farewell Tour of Rosetta 2:
- Support in macOS 26 and 27: MacOS 26 and 27 will retain Rosetta 2 support, assisting in the operation of older applications[1][2].
- A Halt Beyond macOS 27: After macOS 27, Apple will retain a limited version of Rosetta 2 to support select older gaming titles. However, the full support for Intel-based applications will be discontinued after this point[2][4].
- Security Updates for Intel Macs: Apple will continue to release critical security updates for Intel-based Macs for an additional three years, lasting through 2028[4].
- With the release of macOS Tahoe, Apple has made security updates available for Intel-based Macs for an additional three years, ensuring their protection until 2028.
- macOS Tahoe brings a range of new features and applications, but it will only support a select few Intel Mac models, making the transition to Apple Silicon Macs more appealing for users.
- Rosetta 2, Apple's emulation layer for running non-native applications on Apple Silicon, will be limited to macOS 26 and 27, as Apple encourages developers to transition their apps to run natively on Apple Silicon.
- The release of macOS Tahoe may signify the final substantial updates for Intel-based Macs, as Apple Silicon Macs become increasingly prominent, offering better performance and battery life.
